JOB SUMMARY:
At CSIS we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Humanitarian Agenda utilizes analytic publications, private roundtables and meetings, public events, innovative digital programming, and day-long conferences to inform and influence policy on humanitarian issues. It brings together policymakers, practitioners, the private sector, and academics to discuss challenges for humanitarian action and propose solutions. The ultimate purpose of the Humanitarian Agenda’s work is to increase awareness of the challenges in humanitarian action and evolutions in humanitarian action to inform U.S. government strategic planning and policies to reduce humanitarian suffering and prevent the emergence of future crises.

The main component of the program coordinator and research assistant position will be assisting in day-to-day operations, including budget coordination, outreach efforts, event planning, and other administrative assistance. The Program Coordinator and Research Assistant will provide research assistance on substantive projects and co-author analyses with senior staff in their remaining time. This is an in-person position at the CSIS headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Experience or general knowledge about the humanitarian sector is required, and candidates with a demonstrated interest in humanitarian access challenges, international humanitarian law, localization/decolonization, financial access, climate financing, or gender/intersectionality are preferred. Please tell us why you are interested in the CSIS Humanitarian Agenda program and explain at least one research area of interest in your cover letter (one page maximum). Your interests can be explained through previous administrative, research, academic, volunteer, or field experiences.

The minimum annual salary for this position is $55,000 with a tentative start date in October 2023.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administrative (70%)
• Maintain program calendars, correspondence, and travel itineraries;
• Coordinate event logistics for meetings, conferences, seminars, and briefings;
• Draft and edit external correspondence and communications;
• Assist with outreach activities and contact management;
• Update web and social media content;
• Assist with maintaining financial oversight of the program, including budget monitoring and expense tracking;
• Assist with managing day-to-day office operations in person.

Research (30%)
• Conduct background research on a diverse range of issues in support of program projects. Current research projects include but are not limited to humanitarian access challenges, international humanitarian law, localization/decolonization, financial access, climate financing, and gender/intersectionality;
• Assist in synthesizing complex issues into clear and concise language to ensure program materials for a global, non-technical audience;
• Edit, proofread, fact check, and disseminate program materials;
• Develops and participates in wargames, table-top exercises, or scenario-based discussions;
• Represent the program by notetaking in meetings and coordinating on joint internal and external projects.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• B.A./B.S. required from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution;
• Strong academic record with a demonstrated interest in the humanitarian sector, three months of international field work experience with crisis-affected communities, or one year of domestic volunteer experience with disadvantaged communities is required;
• Strong professional communication and interpersonal skills with a range of diverse individuals is required;
• Program coordination, budget, and event planning experience is desired. This experience can be demonstrated in clubs and activities at the candidate’s undergraduate or graduate institution;
• Ability to write clearly and concisely, particularly about technical concepts. Research experience in at least one of the program’s focus areas is desired;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple assignments under deadlines, and communicate effectively;
• Ability to receive constructive criticism;
• Desire to grow into a professional in the humanitarian sector;
• Experience with social media in a professional or academic setting;
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, interested applicants must submit a CV, cover letter, and two references in PDF format at https://careers.csis.org/.

Candidates who do not complete all components of the application or fail to submit in PDF format will not be considered.