Part-time Contract Worker - Analyst, Party Watch Initiative

The Party Watch Initiative, a program affiliated with the Project 2049 Institute, is searching for a contract worker to serve up to one year as a part-time analyst.

Party Watch Initiative/Project 2049 Institute Introduction: 

The Party Watch Initiative is a new program that specializes in analysis of open source Chinese language materials. Its goal is to provide the China-watching community with valuable information on the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) activities, viewpoints, and developments. Its signature products include weekly, quarterly, and annual reports that study official Chinese sources in order to conduct original analysis from the lens of the country’s most powerful political institution. The result is a unique program that promotes better understanding of the CCP regime, which is the heart of all decision-making in China.

The Project 2049 Institute, established in January 2008, seeks to guide decision makers toward a more secure Asia by the century’s mid-point. The organization fills a gap in the public policy realm through forward-looking, region-specific research on alternative security and policy solutions. Its interdisciplinary approach draws on rigorous analysis of socioeconomic, governance, military, environmental,technological and political trends, and input from key players in the region, with an eye toward educating the public and informing policy debate.

Job Summary:

The Party Watch Initiative is recruiting part-time contract workers to serve as analysts for up to a one year period (October 2017-October 2018) who can provide research, analytical, and managerial support for the Initiative’s activities regarding China’s domestic and international political and security affairs. Ideal candidates are graduate-level students that have considerable knowledge on China’s political system and foreign policy, excellent Chinese language research skills, and excellent writing skills. They should feel comfortable managing a team of interns and in public speaking roles. The Initiative’s work is partly conducted remotely on the Internet, but group work in Project 2049 Institute offices and other public locations will be regular. Duties are as follows: 

• Conducting Chinese language research using openly available Internet sources, writing and analysis for articles, conference reports, grant proposals, and other such projects in accordance with the Initiative’s needs.
• Producing presentations, projects, and reports.
• Managing a team of volunteer research interns. 
• Contributing to further development of the Party Watch Initiative.
• Performing a variety of other duties.

Required Attributes:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a master’s degree program related to China/Asian Affairs.
• Familiarity with the mission and work of the Project 2049 Institute.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• Located in the Washington, DC area. 
• Able to commit to 20-25 hours a week.
• Excellent Chinese language research skills. Ability to pass timed language assessment.
• Excellent analysis, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong discipline to work independently/remotely.
• Ability to complete tasks efficiently through focused and undistracted work.
• Experience with social media is also valued. 

Compensation/Schedule:

Contracted Analysts are compensated at the rate of $25/hour. The analyst is expected to work 20-25 hours per week. However, flexibility in accommodating the analyst’s student obligations will be maintained

Application:

Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please apply no later than August 31, 2017. Applicants must submit the following:

1. 1-2 page resume, PDF
2. 1 paragraph cover letter in body of email explaining why the applicant is interested.
3. A short writing sample demonstrating Chinese language research abilities.
4. A list of 3 references (including reference’s name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone
   number).

Please send all materials to:

David Gitter, Director, Party Watch Initiative
davegitter@gmail.com