Job Opening: Research and Program Assistant The Nuclear Debates in Asia project

Research and Program Assistant

The Nuclear Debates in Asia project

Sigur Center for Asian Studies

George Washington University

Position Summary

The Research and Program Assistant (RPA) will provide research, administrative, logistical, program, and budget support to the Sigur Center for Asian Studies. The incumbent will work primarily on the Rising Powers Initiative and will be the primary point of contact for all research, programmatic, and financial needs for a team of more than 20 researchers in the United States and Asia. This position will be research-intensive and those duties will occupy approximately 50 percent of the incumbent’s attention. The RPA will compose substantive, high-level briefing memos and background papers on nuclear issues in key countries in East, Southeast, and South Asia for the project team by synthesizing and analyzing large amounts of qualitative and quantitative data. The balance of the RPA’s effort will be devoted to programmatic and administrative responsibilities.

The Rising Powers Initiative (RPI) is comprised of a set of interrelated research projects that explore various dynamics within the following major and aspiring powers in Asia and Eurasia: ASEAN, China, India, Japan, Korea, and Russia. The discrete projects included within the RPI are: Worldviews of Rising Powers: Exploring Domestic Foreign Policy Debates; Worldviews of Aspiring Powers: Implications for the United States and Global Leadership; Major Powers, Rising Powers, and Identity Shifts in Asia: Implications for Regional and Global Security Cooperation; The Nuclear Debates in Asia: Balancing Risks and Rewards; and Asian Powers and Economic Challenges. While the incumbent will support all projects, s/he will be especially involved in the Nuclear Debates in Asia: Balancing Risks and Rewardsproject led by Professors Deepa Ollapally and Mike Mochizuki. This is an excellent opportunity for a young professional with background in Asia, nuclear issues, and international relations to play a major role in a cutting-edge, rapidly-growing research initiative.

Salary: $31,000 - $35,000 depending on experience

To apply: Send resume and cover letter to sigurcenter503@gmail.com. No calls, please.

Job Duties

·         Acts as primary point of contact for a team of 20 experts researching nuclear proliferation issues in Asia. Provides desktop research on Asian countries’ voting records in nuclear issues in international fora. Researches range of domestic debates on nuclear energy and nuclear security in key Asian countries. Composes substantive briefing memos and background papers on nuclear issues in select countries in East, Southeast, and South Asia for the project team by synthesizing and analyzing large amounts of qualitative and quantitative data.

·         Manages program budgets, grants, and all financial transactions. Processes reimbursements, honoraria, and all other project payments.

·         Organizes and executes all project-related public events, private conferences, and meetings. This includes coordinating all travel arrangements, catering, and all other logistical needs.

·         Maintains, updates, and manages project website. Maintains and manages project listservs and announcements. Writes, edits, designs, and produces a variety of publications and prepares background materials for project participants.

·         In conjunction with project directors, manages all internal and external reporting associated with these projects.

·         Serves as primary administrative support staff for associated projects.

·         Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Desired Qualifications

·         BA preferably in Asian Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or Public Policy

·         Substantial knowledge of nuclear issues in Asia

·         Knowledge of a modern Asian language

·         Demonstrated experience and interest in Asia and international affairs

·         Excellent writing and editing skills

·         Professional experience using social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, and blogs)

·         Graphic design experience using InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, or similar programs

·         Prior professional experience with project or program management

·         Experience with website design and management

·         Cross-cultural experience and/or working in an international environment

·         Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills

·         Grants management and proposal writing experience

·         Familiarity with accounting systems and other financial management tools

·         Event/conference planning experience

·         Excellent organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks while meeting multiple deadlines

·         Familiarity with word processing, database management, Excel, and PowerPoint

·         Ability to work with little supervision, but also teamwork skills

Application Procedure

Send resume and cover letter to sigurcenter503@gmail.com. No calls, please.