United States Institute of Peace

Paid Research Assistant Openings at USIP

Description: USIP Research Assistants (RAs) provide support on a variety of tasks and projects. They are paid between $10-14 per hour and work an average of 20 hours per week.  Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis to fill program needs.

* Jennings Randolph Senior Fellowship Program (1 Position)
* Grants Program (1 Position)
* Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention (1 Position)

Project: Research Assistant to JR Senior Fellow Robin Wright  (Project Focus: The Thinkers and Trends That Will Define the Future of the Islamic World Over the Next Decade)
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org<mailto:slowinger@usip.org>
Desired Qualifications: The research assistant will help explore aspects of life in the Middle East, covering a range of topics, including Hip-Hop Islam, Muslim feminists and televangelists, Wahhabi oil barons, and militancy.  Duties will include conducting daily on-line news research, organizing research materials, helping network with local groups, and preparing materials for public events. Strong organizational, analytic and writing skills are required as well as a basic knowledge of the Islamic world and the Middle East.
Expected Start Date: Immediately

Project: Middle East Grants
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org
Desired Qualifications: Assist Grants program with applications related to the Middle East, specifically in Iraq. The grant-making in Iraq focuses on promoting inter-communal tolerance and conflict resolution capacity through the development of education and training initiatives by Iraqi civil society organizations; empowering marginalized and disadvantaged groups—especially women, minorities, the disabled, and rural communities—to make positive contributions to political and conflict management processes in Iraq; and promoting transitional justice initiatives in Iraq through education and training.  Advanced Arabic skills required.
Expected Start Date: Immediately

Project:  Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention
Contact: Shira Lowinger, slowinger@usip.org<mailto:slowinger@usip.org>
Desired Qualifications: The research assistant will work on projects related to early warning and conflict assessment, conflict prevention, and the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities. Duties will include conducting library and on-line research, reviewing and analyzing scholarly and policy literature, and preparing concise summaries.  In addition, the research assistant will help prepare materials for and notes from public and private meetings, assist in preparing and editing publications, and draft web site content. Strong organizational, analytic and writing skills are a must. Familiarity with literature on conflict prevention and/or related topics (e.g., early warning, genocide, human rights, justice and rule of law reform, democratization, international organizations) is strongly desired. Understanding of statistical analysis of conflict data and interest in working through spring 2010 are pluses.
Expected Start Date: Immediately

Additional Qualifications: Only full-time students from universities belonging to the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (CUWMA) can be considered for these openings. CUWMA members include: American University, the Catholic University of America, Corcoran College of Art and Design, Gallaudet University, Georgetown University, George Mason University, The George Washington University, Marymount University, National Defense Intelligence College, National Defense University, Southeastern University, Trinity University, University of the District of Columbia, Howard University, the University of Maryland at College Park.

How to Apply
Students from a Consortium member university who wish to apply to be a research assistant at USIP should consult the list of current openings below and submit the following application materials:
1. A cover letter stating which position is of interest to you;
2. A copy of your resume; and
3. A brief writing sample demonstrating your research and writing ability.

Salisbury University (Salisbury, Md)

Assistant Professor, Conflict Analysis & Dispute Resolution

The Department of Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution at Salisbury University is accepting applications for a tenure-track position, at the rank of Assistant Professor, to teach courses in its undergraduate and Master’s Programs. Teaching load is 3-3.

Area of Specialization: A doctorate in Conflict Resolution with a record of university level teaching in conflict resolution as well as practical experience and a scholarly research record is preferred.

Responsibilities: Include teaching undergraduate courses in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution, leadership in a growing undergraduate program and Master’s program. A candidate’s teaching style must support the learning styles of diverse learners. Additional duties include academic advising, research, scholarly activity, and community service.

Minimum Qualifications: A doctorate in Conflict Resolution and a strong record of university level teaching in conflict resolution; a doctorate in a related area may be considered if accompanied by practical experience and a scholarly research record in the area of conflict resolution.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Candidates must demonstrate effective teaching strategies that support a diverse student body.

Applications will be accepted via Salisbury University’s Online Employment Application System. Please visit our website http://www.salisbury.edu/HR/Jobs/ to apply online. See the FAQs of the Online Employment Application System for more information and instructions.

To be considered an applicant, you must apply online and submit the following: a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, transcripts, statement of research/teaching interests, and the names and phone numbers of at least three professional references. If you have any questions about the position, please contact the search chair, Dr. Brian Polkinghorn at the email address listed below.

Applications received by October 30, 2009 will be given first consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Appointment will be contingent upon verification of eligibility to work in the U.S. and is expected to begin August 15, 2010.

For more information please visit: www.salisbury.edu/HR/Jobs/job_list.asp

Genocide Intervention Network

Job Title:  Field Director 

Description: Genocide Intervention Network (GI-NET) is changing the way the United States and the international community respond to the world's worst crimes by empowering individuals and communities with the tools to prevent and stop genocide. GI-NET's Field Department recruits, trains and mobilizes American constituents to be effective advocates, messengers, and fundraisers.

GI-NET believes that leadership development among our grassroots base is critical to building a lasting anti-genocide constituency. Our grassroots programs therefore focus on building activists' skills and fostering relationships between grassroots actors and influentials.

GI-NET's Field Director is responsible for managing the staff and strategic direction of GI-NET's two flagship field programs: STAND, the student-led division of GI-NET, and the Carl Wilkens Fellowship program, a leadership development program for community leaders. Program management includes supervision of curriculum development and leadership trainings, event planning, evaluating efficacy and impact, supervision of recruitment, and development of advocacy and fundraising campaigns and initiatives for program participants.

The Field Director is also responsible for coordination with GI-NET's advocacy, development and communications staff to leverage advocacy, earned media and fundraising opportunities.

Other responsibilities include coordinating and hosting an annual event in Washington, DC that brings together GI-NET's grassroots base with partner organizations and other stakeholders; management of strategic partnerships and outreach on behalf of the Field Department; projecting staffing and budget needs; and management of day-to-day department operations.

GI-NET seeks an experienced professional with management and organizing experience to provide leadership and strategic direction for the Field Department.

Summary of Qualifications:

-Bachelors degree required
-Minimum of five years' experience in organizing and/or mobilizing volunteers and staff to carry out organized activities -and campaigns to achieve social or political change required
-Demonstrable management experience
-Ability to prioritize
-Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
-Must be a self-motivated professional able to work effectively independently and as a member of a team
-Strong analytical skills and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
-Must have a specific interest in preventing and stopping genocide across the world

Summary of Job Description:

The Field Director will be responsible for oversight and management of all aspects of the Membership department in the following areas:

-Grassroots Training and Leadership Development: Design, mentor, and hold accountable grassroots programs that develop and recruit local leaders to help GI-NET achieve its advocacy and fundraising goals. Provide strategic guidance, quality control, and broader programmatic vision to STAND and the Carl Wilkens Fellowship.
-Grassroots Mobilization for Fundraising and Advocacy: Evaluate, prioritize, and execute earned media opportunities in collaboration with other GI-NET staff to mobilize grassroots. Work with other GI-NET staff to coordinate around grassroots advocacy and fundraising strategies and ensure GI-NET's grassroots programs and communications mechanisms are appropriately and effectively activated when needed.
-National Event Coordination: Coordinate, plan, and execute an annual event in Washington, DC that brings together GI-NET's grassroots base with partner organizations and other stakeholders.
-Operations and Staff Management: Direction and oversight of the GI-NET Field Department; supervise administrative and professional staff including managing consultants, interns and volunteers. Projecting, analyzing, developing and managing a department budget.
-Strategic Partnerships: Strategically seek out and engage new partners with organizations or institutions that will strengthen the department's overall operations or particular programs within the department.

Salary commensurate with experience. GI-NET offers a competitive benefits package to its full-time employees.

Qualified candidates should send a resume, a cover letter indicating job title and salary range requirements to jobs@genocideintervention.net. 

Just Vision Development Coordinator

Just Vision (www.justvision.org) is a non-profit organization that informs local and international audiences about under-documented Palestinian and Israeli civilian efforts to resolve the conflict nonviolently. Using media and educational tools, we raise awareness in order to encourage civic participation in grassroots peace building. We are a Palestinian, Israeli, North and South American team, based in Washington, DC, with an office in Jerusalem. Just Vision’s growing donor base consists of more than 200 individuals and small family foundations. We are now seeking an experienced fundraiser to research, solicit, obtain and track larger and multi-year grants from private and public foundations, as well as to further expand our individual giving program. Just Vision consists of a small, very motivated team that encourages individual growth and initiative. 

Primary Responsibilities Include: 

• Research prospective donors
• Write letters, proposals and grant reports
• Cultivate donors
• Build and solidify relationships with new and established individual contributors
• Send acknowledgment letters
• Draft and send customized mailings and direct mail campaigns
• Take stewardship of a portfolio of existing donors and prospects together with the Executive Director
• Develop and implement strategies to grow the pool of major donors
• Plan special events
• Develop public relations strategy as it relates to fundraising
• Analyze historic patterns of giving and develop effective strategies for one-on-one solicitations and Planned Gifts
• Prepare accompanying literature and web content for fundraising purposes  

Additional Qualifications: 

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in foundation cultivation, and a demonstrated commitment to the field
• A personal track record of success in obtaining foundation grants and/or major gifts
• Extensive grant writing and grant research experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in English, communications, public administration, or related field
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Computer skills, including database and excel spreadsheet management
• Comfort with multi-tasking and a fast-paced, high-performance culture
• Interest in conflict resolution, peace building, international affairs or the Middle East
• Energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of humor
• Foreign languages and overseas experience a plus  

Start Date: ASAP  

Salary commensurate with experience. We are open to flex schedules.  

Application Guidelines: Cover letter, resume, 1-page writing sample and contact information for three references. Application Deadline: Rolling, but early submissions are encouraged. Please send applications to ronit (at) justvision.org.

AMEX: Senior Conflict Specialist/Trainer Position

AMEX seeks the services of a Senior Conflict Specialist/Trainer to perform training facilitation and design services in conflict assessment and mitigation. In addition to advising on these topics, the Senior Conflict Specialist/Trainer will provide training and disseminate information in conflict assessment and management, and will play an active role in monitoring, evaluating and determining best practices for conflict-related programs and activities.  

The Senior Conflict Specialist/Trainer will also provide analysis and guidance in the development and implementation of detailed training for civilian and military officers, in anticipation of their deployment to Iraq, Afghanistan, or other conflict countries. 

It is essential that the Senior Conflict Specialist/Trainer be an expert on the causes and consequences of conflict, including the policies and practices of developing countries and regions as they relate to and influence conflict issues dealing with security sector reform. The Senior Conflict Specialist/Trainer will help with USAID/OMA's efforts to mainstream conflict management and mitigation programs and activities within USAID's more traditional development and humanitarian sectors, operating in a complex environment requiring interaction and negotiations with senior level USAID, DOD and other donor officials. 

The Senior Conflict Trainer should be qualified by virtue of education in and practical knowledge in the areas of Conflict Management and Mitigation practices, fragility frameworks, early warning, support to peace processes, reconciliation, and security sector reform. Familiarity with USAID's Tactical Conflict Assessment Framework (TCAF) is required. 

This is a six month assignment. However, this assignment might be extended. Selected candidate must be available immediately. 

A minimum of eight (8) years' experience in a relevant international development field, working on program designing, planning and management is required. 

Minimum Level of Education: A master's degree in a field relevant to development and program planning in the area of conflict, such as conflict studies, international relations, political science and/or related area sufficient to design, facilitate and evaluate technically appropriate conflict management and mitigation activities, is required. PhD is a plus. 

US Citizenship required. If you meet the qualifications and are available, please email a resume and cover letter to resumes@amexdc.com with the subject line "TCAF Conflict Training Specialist". 

Position to be filled immediately. 

Search For Common Ground

Position Title: Administrative Assistant  

Location: Washington, DC  

The Organization 

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG's mission is to transform how individuals, organizations and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 400 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 28 offices in 19 countries. SFCG's programs are in Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the United States.  

Summary of Position 

The Administrative Assistant serves as the main SFCG Receptionist; helps to ensure that the DC office runs smoothly and effectively; helps to manage the office equipment, including telephone and door security systems; and assists the Manager of Administrative Operations in liaising with the building owner. The position holder reports to the Manager of Administrative Operations. 

Responsibilities 

•Serves as first point of contact for visitors and telephone callers to SFCG, answering general inquiries or forwarding to appropriate members of staff.
•Helps to ensure that the door security system is functioning properly. This includes the activation/deactivation of keycards.
•Maintains and circulates the SFCG Staff Directory.
•Assists the Manager of Administrative Operations with maintenance of the telephone system, including assignment of voice mail boxes.
•Orders and maintains adequate inventory of office supplies for SFCG in Washington. Maintains office equipment. Assists with ordering of office equipment and furniture.
•Assists the Manager of Administrative Operations in liaising with vendors and suppliers, helping to ensure that we get the best value for our money. Supports purchasing procedures and performs other procurement duties as assigned.
•Provides orientation for new employees and interns in the use of general office equipment and other office systems.
•Assists with conference room scheduling and maintenance, including setting up/breaking down of tables and chairs for meetings. Takes notes at full staff meetings, as requested.
•Oversees the collection and receipt of USPS mail and messenger/courier items, advising staff when items have arrived and advising staff on the cheapest/quickest services for sending items. Assists with SFCG Board mailings, as necessary.
•Serves as the principal staff person to respond to general inquiries. 
•Assists the Manager of Administrative Operations in the allocation and management of office space, including moves and work in the building.
•Assists the Manager of Administrative Operations in coordinating maintenance activities for our offices. Contacts the landlord's representatives to ensure that the offices are safe and healthy working environments for our staff. 
•Assists the Director of Human Resources, as necessary.
•Is directly engaged in the continuing development of the organization, its mission and its staff, through the sharing of experience and knowledge, particularly contributing to its Institutional Learning efforts. As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.  

Minimum Qualifications 

Essential

•At least one (1) year of experience in an administrative role, preferably in a non-profit environment
•Bachelor's Degree preferred
•Excellent interpersonal communication skills Excellent written and oral communication skills
•Proactive approach to providing customer focused service to staff and the general public
•Ability to identify and solve problems on an immediate basis
•Knowledge of office equipment and facilities maintenance issues 
•Highly organized with excellent attention to detail
•Ability to handle multiple tasks and competing demands
•Highly motivated and energetic with a customer service attitude is a must
•Reliable and dependable
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
•Team player  

Desirable

•Interest or experience in international NGO arena
•Experience with purchasing or procurement  

Work Hours: 8:45am-4:45pm  

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience  

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and current resume to employment@sfcg.org or fax to (202) 572-6287 with the subject heading: Administrative Assistant. Please be sure to include minimum salary requirements, date available to start work, and to mention where you found this posting. Position is open until filled. No phone calls please. Please see our web site at http://www.sfcg.org/ for full details of our work.