Research Associate/Assistant for the Conventional Defense Program

Research Associate/Assistant for the Conventional Defense Program

FTE: 100%

Salary: $50,000 to $75,000 (dependent on position)

Location: Washington, DC

Deadline to Apply: April 2, 2024

About Stimson

The Henry L. Stimson Center (Stimson), a nonpartisan global security think tank located in Washington, DC, seeks a Research Associate/Assistant Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Research Programs. This role ensures that our practices support our mission-driven work, align with Stimson's vision, values, strategic goals, standards of conduct, and operational objectives, and demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well-being.

We seek a highly motivated, organized, entrepreneurial, and collaborative individual committed to Stimson's mission and core values. This person understands that any organization is only as good as the people working there and the relationships they build and sustain. This job will require building authentic relationships with staff and affiliates that facilitate the successful candidate's ability to challenge, develop, and support them.

About the Program and Position Summary

Stimson's Conventional Defense Program seeks to reduce risk and minimize harm associated with the global arms trade. Reducing illicit arms trafficking and irresponsible weapons trade increases stability and security, upholds the values of human rights, protects civilians, and promotes multilateral cooperation. Stimson focuses on the U.S. and international arms trade, the provision of military assistance to governments using and supporting the use of child soldiers, and the development of international norms and standards to regulate the trade in and use of conventional weapons.

The Research Associate/Assistant position provides comprehensive support across the program's research and analysis, management, and administrative activities in a fast-paced and evolving operating environment.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct primary and secondary research on issues pertaining to the international arms trade, including examining arms transfer decisions, analyzing U.S. security partnerships and provisions of military assistance, monitoring the implementation of multilateral regulatory regimes, and assessing the implications of new defense technologies.
• Provide research and writing support to the program's Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) related projects and lead on discrete ATT project initiatives, including the program's annual publications on ATT reporting.
• Support projects related to the use of children in armed conflict. Provide research and data management support for the program's Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) Implementation Tracker, including monitoring government reports on relevant security cooperation initiatives that may be subject to the statute, tracking and analyzing regular government reports pertaining to the implementation of its obligations under the law.
• Provide research support for all Stimson projects as required by the program Director and Research Analyst, including desk research, product development and drafting, project management support, and stakeholder engagement.
• Author research and written materials including commentaries, reports, articles, and issue briefs to disseminate research findings, comment on timely developments in relevant issue areas, and recommend certain policy changes.
• Support development of funding proposals.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support for the program, including tracking grant reporting requirements and deadlines, monitoring and logging media hits and notable program accomplishments, drafting regular stakeholder correspondence and updates, and salesforce-related requirements.
• Manage and facilitate logistics of meetings, events, and other convenings in collaboration with other program staff, which may include arranging international travel for program staff and other stakeholders.

Qualifications - required:

• A demonstrated interest in international affairs, U.S. foreign policy, multilateralism, and international civilian protection issues.
• Developing expertise related to the international arms trade and defense cooperation.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field with 2 years relevant experience or master's degree with 1-year relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Superior research, analytic, and writing skills with demonstrated experience in synthesizing complex topics into clear, audience-oriented products.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• A strong team spirit with an eagerness to collaborate with team members and to remain adaptive to changing program requirements.
• A willingness to support the program across various project, management, and administrative tasks, including those that may be unfamiliar.

Qualifications - preferred:

• Knowledge of U.S. security cooperation and assistance policy, practice, and challenges.
• Familiarity with the Arms Trade Treaty and other multilateral arms control instruments.
• Existing record of policy research writing, and publications related to international security affairs.
• Database management experience or skills in managing large datasets.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet all preferred qualifications.

Application requirements:

• Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter with salary requirements, a resume, and a relevant writing sample.

Employee Benefits

15 Vacation Days, 10 Sick Days, 13 Paid Holidays, Medical and Dental Insurance, Retirement Match, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Plan, Commuting, Wellness, Education Benefits, Parental Leave, and Bereavement Leave.

Stimson is an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.