Program Officer, RESOLVE Network At US Institute of Peace

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace around the world. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts around the world. Together we tackle the toughest problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. (To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF

As part of the USIP Violent Extremism (VE) program, the RESOLVE Network focuses on delivering insight into violent extremism around the world. A major component of RESOLVE’s programming entails designing, producing, and vetting research processes and products that provide meaningful information to inform P/CVE policy and practice. The position will serve as the lead for several research-oriented portfolios of RESOLVE’s thematic and/or regional workstreams. Specifically, the Program Officer (PO) will lead on the design and implementation of multi-year research projects with the goal of providing applied research products to inform policy and practice in the counterterrorism, countering violent extremism, stabilization, and fragility space.

The position will lead two ongoing RESOLVE research projects, Learning from local Peace Building Approaches and Community Based Armed Groups, both projects currently have a Sub-Saharan African Regional focus

The PO will report to the VE team Senior Expert (and Executive Director of RESOLVE). The PO will both lead and support proposal and concept note development, supervise team members, manage budgets, and oversee day-to-day project management, administrative, logistical, and budget tracking tasks.

TARGET SALARY RANGE

Grade 12 – $87,000 – $90,000

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers of employment are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Project Management, Design, and Implementation:

• Serve as the program lead on two currently Sub-Saharan Africa-focused RESOLVE multi-annual research projects, from the program design phase through to the delivery of final research products and policy reports.
• Manages research (design and implementation), drafting, and publication processes involving external contractors and cross-institute programs as relevant.
• Manage and oversee external researchers; provide advice and guidance on research methods; ensure compliance with Internal Review Boards and ethical and safety standards.
• Provide editorial review and mentoring support to external researchers in the production of Research Papers and Policy Reports.
• Plan and manage the promotion and dissemination of project publications, including organizing events, workshops, briefings, media interviews, and writings op-ed/commentaries.
• Conduct research and contributes to research papers and policy reports on RESOLVE thematic priorities.
• Translate research into actionable policy advice and with the guidance of RESOLVE’s executive director, provide policy briefings to a variety of external stakeholders (including USG).
• Manages project budgets, agreements with U.S. Government partners, and project contractors.
• Conceptualizes and leads the implementation of new RESOLVE research projects and products designed for policymaker, practitioner, and research audiences.
• Liaises with relevant internal and external stakeholders to promote RESOLVE initiatives to relevant constituencies.
• Builds and maintains relationships with stakeholders in DC (primarily USG) and in relevant international constituencies focused on CVE, CT, and Peace Building with an emphasis on the Sub-Saharan Africa context.
• Develops expertise with the regional/thematic context, and supports developing and implementing strategies to promote collaborative approaches to addressing security, stabilization, and other extremism and fragility-related challenges through disseminating research and learning.
• Contributes to Institute and Network thought leadership by producing written and audiovisual content for USIP and RESOLVE audiences.
• Represents the project at internal and external meetings and events.
• Supports research and Network staff teams to develop products promoting research initiatives and objectives.
• Works with the Director and RESOLVE leadership team in developing the agenda and content for regional networking events and capacity building events and bringing in external support or expertise where needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field (conflict resolution, peace studies, security studies, etc.) required.
• Recommended six (6) or more years (two (2) with a Ph.D.) of experience in the field of Governance, Security, Rule of Law, Peacebuilding, and/or Counterterrorism/Countering Violent Extremism
• Demonstrated expertise in Countering Violent Extremism, Counterterrorism, and peacebuilding approach, theory, and practice.
• Experience in conducting primary research, managing research projects, and designing and implementing new research projects.
• A good understanding of the policy world, and experience providing policy briefings and translating research findings into actionable policy advice.
• Proven track record of project and budget management, of externally funded multi-annual projects.
• A strong understanding of different research methodologies and their applications, and experience in ensuring Internal Review Board and Ethical Compliance. Knowledge of P/CVE, peacebuilding, and conflict trends in the Sub-Saharan Africa context, ongoing networks previous work on or fieldwork in Sub-Saharan Africa is recommended
• Excellent research and writing ability; with a record of publications including research papers, policy reports, and commentaries.
• A self-starter who is able to manage and develop projects; strong organizational skills; and the ability to work independently and collegially
• Strong public-speaking and policy-convening skills
• Strong partnership-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams, to obtain results under pressure while contributing to the supportive working environment, and to simultaneously oversee many substantive and operational initiatives

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:

1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire, and salary requirements.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume

For questions about this position please email [email protected]. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.