Research Associate, Africa Policy Studies

Overview

CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program is one of the country’s largest foreign policy think tanks with a widely respected and influential research staff. The Studies Program aims to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions. 

The Research Associate will work under the direction of the Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies, focusing on U.S. foreign policy with respect to political and security issues, civil society, democracy, corruption, and religion in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):

• Researching specific areas as requested by the fellow for articles, book chapters, long term research goals, and other publications. Tracking news and data sources.
• Handling writing assignments, summarizing research findings, and business writing.
• Assisting with the proofreading and editing of articles, book chapters, and other written material.
• Coordinating events, including preparing and sending invitations, making travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping to prepare background papers and materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support.
• Providing administrative support to the fellow, including handling correspondence, scheduling, and responding to requests for information.
• Assisting in managing finances, including preparing budgets and tracking monthly statements, monitoring grant information and writing reports and requests, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement.
• Assisting fellow with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, website, video, and/or using social media applications such as X (formerly known as Twitter), etc., as needed.
• Providing support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required. 

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree with academic credentials in an aspect of African studies and/or in a related field

Experience

• 1 year(s) related administrative and/or internship experience
• Outstanding research and writing skills
• Experience with blogging and social media preferred

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Portuguese, Swahili, and/or French skills would be a plus.
• Strong organizational, representational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience with blogging and social media preferred

Required Application Materials

Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

Compensation and Benefits

The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $55,000 – $58,000 depending on experience.

In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

About CFR

Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher, with headquarters in New York, an office in Washington, DC, and programs nationwide. It is dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. CFR's 5,000 members are leaders in international affairs and foreign policy. CFR also publishes Foreign Affairs, the preeminent magazine on global issues, and provides up-to-date information about the world and U.S. foreign policy on its award-winning website, CFR.org.

Diversity Commitment

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.

The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.

Salary : $55,000 - $58,000