Research Assistant, Atrocity Prevention and Protection of Civilians

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

USIP is the place for you

JOB BRIEF

The U.S. Institute of Peace is seeking two (2) research assistants from January to June 2025. As a part of the Governance, Justice and Security (GJS) team at the U.S. Institute of Peace, these positions will provide vital support to the Institute’s efforts to develop and promote improved knowledge, tools, and policy recommendations for more effective strategies, policies, and programs that build sustainable peace. More specifically, these positions will support the Institute’s efforts to improve the practice of atrocity prevention among justice sector professionals.

The research assistants will conduct research and analysis to support research on whether and how United Nations police forces integrate atrocity prevention in their protection efforts. In addition, the research assistants will support USIP’s efforts to build a community of practice on atrocity prevention and criminal justice, to produce a practitioner’s guide to atrocity prevention and criminal justice issues, and to support and edit USIP publications on atrocity prevention. Responsibilities of this position will include qualitative and quantitative research, data collection, data analysis, and drafting. These positions will be encouraged to synthesize findings from a range of disciplines to support project publications and development of tools.

Work Schedule :20 hours per week during the academic year, Up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session

Expected Project Dates : January 2025 – June 2025

Pay :$17.00-$18.00 per hour

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide research support – through data collection, literature reviews, outreach, synthesis and analysis – related to atrocity prevention, criminal justice reform approaches, and protection of civilians;
• Provide communications and writing support to Senior Program Officer and Program Officer, including summaries, write-ups, and notetaking at relevant events;
• In collaboration with the Program Officer, assist in the drafting and editing of major USIP publications, such as the USIP Special Report, blogs, and op eds; and
• Perform other research and administrative duties, as needed, to ensure successful implementation of programmatic initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Masters, Ph.D., or law student studying international relations, law, international peace and conflict resolution, sociology, anthropology, research methods, atrocity prevention, or another relevant social science subject.
• Demonstrated interest in the fields of peacebuilding, rule of law, governance reform approaches, and atrocity prevention.
• Strong research skills and the ability to creatively respond to challenging research questions.
• Ability to translate complex themes, ideas, or data into compelling, accessible, and informative narratives.
• Excellent organizational, communication and collaborative skills, and strong attention to detail.
• USIP's Research Assistant program is administered through the Consortium of Universities. Any full-time university student (local or remote) are eligible for these openings.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

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.