Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace around the world. 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 around the world. Together we tackle the toughest 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

The Senior Advisor to the Latin America Program serves as a leading expert and strategist on matters pertaining to the Latin American region. Special focus will be given to Venezuela and Northern Central America. The position is based at USIP’s Headquarters (HQ) in Washington DC, and reports to the Director of the Latin America Program. The Senior Advisor works in close coordination with the wider program team at USIP and the regional office in Bogota as well as US and foreign experts and think tanks. The Senior Advisor will work at 20 percent level of effort.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Thought Leadership, Representation & Communications:

• Research and write on topics relevant to USIP’s mission to prevent, mitigate and resolve violent conflict, including analysis and commentary pieces, blog posts, op-eds, and other relevant publications.
• Speak at conferences and other public and private events on issues related to USIP’s work in general, and the Latin America Center in particular.

• Convene on- and off-the-record roundtable discussions and serve on and help lead formal and ad hoc working groups on Central America and Venezuela.

Program Management and Support:

• Support the Latin America Center in outreach to USG agencies for partnership opportunities, including identifying potential IAA partners and drafting concept notes in coordination with USIP staff.

• Help develop and expand USIP’s Central America program in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Could include proposing and supporting new programmatic approaches, organizing public and private events with partners from the region, and advising on best strategies to have an impact on peace, conflict, and stability in the region.
• Provide advice and analysis on Guatemala and elsewhere in Central America regarding the program’s approach to building citizen support for the rule of law, which includes gang dynamics, corruption, and democratic institutions. Expand the range of contacts for the institute in these areas in Central America.
• Seek opportunities to further track 2 dialogues in Venezuela and support efforts to develop stronger civil society participation in negotiation processes. Support the USIP goal of negotiated coexistence through publications and public commentaries.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as political science, international affairs, law, or related field required.
• A minimum of ten years (15) years of professional experience in a policy-making environment is required.
• Must have demonstrated expertise on Latin America (preferably with a publications record), with a minimum of ten years of experience working in and/or on Latin America.
• Must have strong research, analytical skills.
• Must have excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Must have the ability to work independently in a complex environment.

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 including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume

For questions about this position please email recruitment@usip.org. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

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.