Senior Advisor on Disruptive Technologies and Conflict, Personal Services Contractor (United States Institute of Peace)
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.
Job Brief:
USIP’s Program on Disruptive Technologies and Conflict addresses the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) that are reshaping conflict and posing new challenges for peacebuilding. As state, non-state, and hybrid actors increasingly deploy these technologies through new weapons systems, cyberattacks, and information warfare, it is crucial for peacebuilding practitioners to develop a coherent approach to analyzing and addressing these emerging threats.
The Senior Advisor, Disruptive Technologies and Conflict is expected to play a critical role in advancing strategic priorities for USIP’s Disruptive Technologies Program, leading at least one technical sub-theme. The Senior Advisor will take a leading role in convening and leading policy conversations, overseeing applied research and USIP publications and cultivating partner relationships. In addition, the position will provide technical support for peacebuilding programs led by USIP’s regional teams and advise on program concepts that integrate disruptive technology issues into USIP’s core practice areas.
This is a part-time term (20%), Personal Services Contractor role, based in Washington D.C. and reports to USIP’s Senior Advisor for Global Policy and Disruptive Technologies.
Responsibilities:
Development and Planning:
- Support developing, planning, and executing activities of at least one sub-theme related to disruptive technologies and conflict and support additional themes; identify the most critical policy issues; and identify partners required to support program goals and objectives.
- Serve in a leadership role in building strategic partnerships with experts and a wide variety of policy and programmatic organizations as well as internal partners to advance the Disruptive Technologies team’s agenda.
- Conduct research and analysis for USIP publications using expert knowledge.
- Support internal USIP community of practice on disruptive technologies and conflict, bringing together USIP stakeholders and external partners to learn about and discuss relevant issues in policy, programming and research, exchange updates, and share ideas.
- Provide subject matter expertise and guidance to USIP country teams on programming pertaining to disruptive technologies and conflict.
Public Outreach:
- Serve as a subject matter expert and speaker in both public and closed-door events, write commentary and analysis pieces for USIP’s website on policy-relevant topics, and, when appropriate, engage in media and Congressional briefings on the disruptive technologies portfolio themes.
- Help the Disruptive Technologies team build strategic partnerships and cultivate contacts with subject matter experts and a wide variety of external organizations including U.S. Government agencies, UN organizations, think tanks, and implementing organizations to leverage resources and combine efforts to promote USIP program initiatives and goals.
- When appropriate, attend and participate in various conferences, events, and other programs to speak on behalf of USIP on a specific subject matter area of expertise.
- Provide regular briefings to governmental or other organizations on key subject matter areas.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in a related field is required.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in technology studies, conflict/peace studies, international development, or related social science or technology discipline required.
- Ph.D. with a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with managing USG interagency processes and/or designing and managing projects funded by the USG is preferable.
- Excellent research, analytic, and writing skills, and deep knowledge of technology and conflict issues including the ability to translate research results into policy and practice.
- A strong record of innovation, collaboration, and partnership building.
- Excellent representation and communication skills (oral and written) including cross-cultural skills, media skills, and the ability to engage effectively with partners at all political, social, and economic levels.
- Proficiency in English required.
- Willingness to travel .
- 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.
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.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume
Note: Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.
USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.”