Research Associate, India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia
Overview
CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program is one of the country’s largest foreign policy think tanks, with a widely respected and influential research staff. The Studies Program’s aim is to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.
The research associate will work under the direction of a senior fellow on projects related to India, Pakistan, and South Asia, with a special emphasis on India, and the United States’ and China’s interests in the region, particularly in their bilateral relationships with India. This role offers an opportunity to learn about the priority issues and approaches to them in U.S. and Chinese foreign policy toward India and South Asia, as well as rising and great power politics and power transitions.
The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):
- Providing administrative support to the senior fellow, including handling correspondence, scheduling, filing, answering telephones, and responding to requests for information or interviews.
- Coordinating events, including arranging mailings, preparing invitations, making travel arrangements, scheduling, corresponding with speakers, helping to prepare background papers and materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support.
- Assisting in managing budgets, including tracking monthly statements, monitoring grant information, writing reports and requests, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement.
- Researching specific areas as requested by the fellow. Tracking both English and Chinese language news and data sources on U.S.-India, and China-India relations, Indian foreign policy, and regional security in South Asia. Collecting research on: Developments in India and South Asia with a focus on security, political, economic, security, and social dynamics; Indian foreign policy; U.S. foreign policy and national interests in India and South Asia; China’s foreign policy and national interests in India and South Asia.
- Assisting with the drafting, proofreading and editing of written material.
- Assisting the fellow with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, website, video and/or using social media applications such as Twitter, Facebook, etc., as needed.
- Provide support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with superior academic achievement; demonstrated interest and academic background in Asia, South Asia, or India essential. Demonstrated interest in U.S.-India relations, India-China relations, or Indian foreign policy desirable. Masters considered but not required.
- Advanced Mandarin Chinese language skills are required, with the ability to conduct research with Chinese language materials. Familiarity with a South Asian language a plus.
- Outstanding research, proofreading, writing and editing skills.
- Exceptional organizational and planning skills with strong attention to detail and deadlines.
- Related administrative and/or internship experience preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite and database management.
About CFR
Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher, with headquarters in New York, an office in Washington, DC, and programs nationwide. It is dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. CFR's 5,000+ members are leaders in international affairs and foreign policy. CFR also publishes Foreign Affairs, the preeminent magazine on global issues, and provides up-to-date information about the world and U.S. foreign policy on its award-winning website, CFR.org.
The Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.
The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.