Job Description:

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. 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 worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging 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.

Summary

The Senior Expert for Afghanistan will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and developing policy options to increase political inclusion and stability in Afghanistan.  The position also entails organizing dialogues that bring together Afghan political and intellectual stakeholders to identify pathways for inclusive peace. The Senior Expert will be responsible for writing reports and analyses as well as briefing U.S. government officials and the policy-making community on developments and findings related to the political situation in Afghanistan. The Senior Expert will report to the Director, Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs and work closely with other colleagues across USIP. This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, with some international travel required.

TARGET SALARY

Grade 14 - $139,000 - 144,000

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

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

Research, Analysis, and Thought Leadership: 

• Serves as an expert on political dynamics in Afghanistan and advancing dialogue on pathways to peace and reconciliation.


• Researches and writes on achieving a durable and inclusive political settlement of the Afghanistan conflict and comparative examples of peace and reconciliation.


• Liaises with U.S. Government agencies responsible for Afghanistan policies and programs, develops policy options to address U.S. interests in Afghanistan, and provides project briefings to governmental or other organizations on USIP’s work.


• Supports or leads efforts to represent the program in internal and external events and to disseminate information about USIP’s programs and research findings to key Afghan stakeholders and media.


• Proposes innovative research and programming to advance USIP’s mission.


• Responds to public queries and media requests regarding Afghanistan.

Development and Planning: 

• Supports or leads the development and implementation of research projects and other program activities related to political processes, regional dialogues, and peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.


• Develops and maintains a network of relevant contacts in Afghanistan and the region.


• Structures, organizes, and oversees events related to regional dialogue and consensus building on peace in Afghanistan.


• Identifies and maintains critical stakeholder relationships related to the program.


• Ensures the highest level of communication and cooperation with relevant USIP departments/divisions/teams and external partners.


• Participates in strategic planning sessions with regional and thematic teams.  

Program/Financial Management: 

• Pursues U.S. government funding for project initiatives.


• Manages the project budget to ensure the project is operating within its budget limitations while meeting goals and objectives. 


• Ensures all program activities are implemented within program timelines and in a manner that meets program standards and objectives.


• Develops regular reporting for both internal and external project stakeholders, including responsibility for the development, editing and timely submission of any progress reports that may be required. 

 Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

•  Master’s degree in political science, international affairs, law, or related field required.


•  Minimum of ten (10) years of related work experience, including experience with U.S. government policymaking and work experience in Afghanistan.


•  Strong interest and experience with innovative programming and problem-solving skills.


•  Demonstrated research, analytic, writing, and presentation skills. Ability to write effectively in a variety of formats and for a variety of public and private audiences and under specific deadlines.


•  Deep knowledge and understanding of the current conflict dynamics in Afghanistan and the region.


•  Demonstrated experience coordinating with officials in government, international organizations, and national partners.


• Excellent representation and communication skills (oral and written), including cross-cultural, media, interpersonal skills; proven ability to deal with counterparts from the lowest and highest political, social, cultural, and economic levels.


• Ability to think strategically, and to effectively develop, communicate, and execute plans.


• Proven track record of drafting high quality proposals, reports, strategic notes and related documents.


• Ability and willingness to travel internationally.


• Fluency in English required.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 10/22/24.

All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP. 

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 

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.

 

 

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