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 decisionmakers 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 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies was established in 2011 with a strong focus on improving U.S.-India commercial ties by looking at India’s economic reform program. For the last decade the CSIS India Chair has become the world leader in the study of India’s state-level reforms—and has a range of projects to engage state governments directly in areas like energy, climate, and healthcare.

CSIS is seeking a Senior Fellow to assist with our research and programmatic activities related to India’s water & sanitation (WASH) sector. This will complement the program’s existing work with Indian states on a range of energy and climate issues, plus a significant project on healthcare partnerships between American organizations and Indian states.

This role is more “engagement-oriented,” rather than academic. Our outputs are typically things like technical exchanges, visits, and workshops around a given topic, as opposed to academic research. Of course, rigorous research and sectoral understanding underpins all of our work.

The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of India’s water-sanitation sector, and practical experience working in this sector in India-particularly at the subnational level. An ideal candidate will have existing relationships with Indian WASH officials, especially at the state level.

This role is full-time, and in-person. We are currently working from the office Monday-Thursday, with Friday as an optional “work from home” day.

The salary for this role is $130,000 per year.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Functions may include but are not limited to the following:

• • Create a new “speaker series” connecting WASH philanthropies and Indian policymakers to improve coordination and project development.
• • Develop a roadmap of existing U.S.-India WASH programs and other areas for potential engagement.
• • Lead efforts to secure additional funding for WASH projects. This can include projects that connect India and policymakers/ influencers in other geographies.
• • The incumbent can also build other projects that would fit within CSIS and within the India Chair, in consultation with the organization.
• • Tracks India’s national and subnational WASH policies, including advanced drafts of proposed policies.
• • Visits Indian states to engage officials and build/ maintain relationships with key officials from prioritized Indian states.
• • Host public events and private roundtables as topics and visitors come to our attention.
• • Recruit one or two non-resident fellows who can augment our work and expand our network.
• • Take on some management responsibilities for the overall program, as agreed-upon by the Senior Fellow and the Senior Adviser.
• • When needed, represents the India Chair at meetings and events.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• • B.A. required.  Deep knowledge of WASH issues is critical, along with a network of policymakers and policy influences that could help our work;
• • At least 10 years’ experience working on Indian WASH issues in some capacity;
• • Superior writing and analytical skills;
• • Ability to operate under pressure and in a fast-paced environment;
• • A track record of building and maintaining relationships with contacts related to our policy work, including people in the U.S. and foreign governments;
• • Must possess strong communication skills including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from constituency groups, media, governmental entities, and the general public;
• • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• • Candidates should possess sound judgment and impeccable integrity, positive attitude and creative outlook;
• • Must be willing to travel, particularly to India, approximately 20% of the year;
• • Ability to interact with and respond to questions from a range of individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds and dispositions.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, short writing sample, and references to https://careers.csis.org.