Research Analyst

Position description

CNA’s China and Indo Pacific Affairs (CIP) division is looking for a Research Analyst to be part of their Indo-Pacific Security Affairs team. Staff at this level will serve as an important contributing team member on projects related to Indo-Pacific Security Affairs and lead smaller/less complex activities. Staff will demonstrate analytical competence and engage with existing potential sponsors with some support

The CIP division supports the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as other DOD sponsors by providing timely, data-based analyses on a wide range of security issues across the Indo-Pacific region, providing decision-makers the context they need to make informed choices and plans. 

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES 

1. With minimal or no guidance, meets CNA’s quality standards when working on well-structured pieces of a project. Demonstrates ability to develop sound analytic frameworks and associated analytic methodologies/ techniques for addressing both structured and unstructured problems.  With direction and supervision, clearly defines, structures, and executes a piece of a complex study to meet quality standards.  Demonstrates analytic creativity and curiosity.

2. Develops and maintains broad, general institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.

3. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly.  Keeps others informed.  Proactively identifies and seeks out others working on similar topics.  Works to identify opportunities for collaborations within team, division, and operating unit.

4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by maintaining strong client relationships through high quality work, increasing the visibility of our work, and other related activities such as proposal preparation.

5. Interacts with sponsors/clients under the supervision of an experienced colleague, and with study POCs independently.

6. Makes significant contributions to research publications and analytic products for individual projects.

7. Demonstrates ability to communicate results of work in a clear and concise fashion.  Effectively communicates one-on-one and in groups.  Can document work efficiently and accurately.  Can effectively present work to colleagues, sponsors, and small audiences that are familiar with content.

8. Works with minimal or no guidance on focused, well-structured pieces of projects.  Works under closer supervision on more complex, less-structured tasks.  Can serve as task lead for pieces of projects by managing own activities.  May lead small projects under the supervision of an RTL/CMD. 

9. Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors.  Provides clear guidance to colleagues on tasks.  Takes responsibility for own actions and outcomes.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, security studies, comparative politics, history, economics, or similar field focused on the Indo-Pacific region.

2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis of Indo-Pacific security issues. Candidates with experience studying, working, or with frequent professional travel in the Indo-Pacific region preferred. Demonstrated record of publication on Indo-Pacific Security issues. 

3. Skills:

• Ability to make significant contributions to projects/analyses focused on Indo-Pacific security
• Strong analytic curiosity/ creativity
• Ability to operate independently in the execution of assignments
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Knowledge of research techniques
• Ability to conduct research in a non-Mandarin Indo-Pacific language is highly desirable
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact positively and somewhat independently with sponsors

4. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance.

Application instructions

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