Program Coordinator & Research Assistant - Chair India and Emerging Asia Economics

Position: Program Coordinator & Research Assistant - Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics
Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics aims to unlock the full potential of U.S. partnerships with India and the broader Asia region. While continuing to lead the Center's work on India, the Chair has expanded to include emerging economies across Asia, fostering U.S. economic security, economic development, and deepening business engagement between these countries and the United States.

We remain the leading authority on state-level political-economic issues in India and have spearheaded multiple funded projects to enhance subnational engagement. We work towards building stronger ties between Indian policymakers and other nations in the Global South.

Our work is very action oriented. Our team works in the office Monday-Thursday. Fridays are an optional "work from home" day, though we may shift to 5-day office weeks at some point in the future.

CSIS is seeking a Program Coordinator/Research Assistant (PCRA) for the India Chair, a specialized role requiring expertise in policy research, program management, strategic communications, and engagement with Indian states. Interest/experience in power grids, energy efficiency, energy storage, and electric mobility and/or engagement with Indian states in other sectors is desirable.

The ideal candidate:

• Has experience in conducting policy research on highly technical topics

• Has experience in engaging officials in India and maintaining contacts over time

• Has experience managing different work streams such as event implementation, travel coordination, contact management

• Has the ability to be proactive and can work independently with minimal instruction

• Have some domain knowledge in power grids, energy efficiency, energy storage, and electric mobility in the context of Indian states

• Has experience assisting with fundraising efforts, including but not limited to preparing and editing fundraising proposals and engaging with prospective donors

• Have excellent executive writing skills

• Proficiency in Hindi and/or an additional Indian language.

The role pays between $55,000 and $62,000, depending on the candidate's experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Policy Research and Analysis:

• Conduct in-depth policy research and gap analysis on power grids, energy efficiency, energy storage, and electric mobility in the context of Indian state policies.

• Co-author reports and assist with policy research and report writing, contributing directly to the development of actionable policy recommendations.

• Draft and contribute to research publications, articles, and reports that reflect a deep understanding of Indian state-level policy issues and are intended for distribution to policymakers and donors. Strong executive writing skills are essential.

India Chair Events, Round tables, Forums and Workshops:

• Lead the planning and execution of high-level public events, climate leader forums, round tables, workshops, and smaller strategic meetings, including in-person and virtual engagements between Indian and U.S. officials hosted by the India Chair.

• Manage travel logistics for delegation visits (6-10 people)

Strategic Communications and Stakeholder & Donor Engagement:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with U.S. and Indian state-level policymakers. This includes leveraging prior fieldwork experience, multilingual communication skills, and an understanding of both cultural and governmental nuances in these interactions.

• Engage in cold outreach and follow-up with foundations, NGOs, and Indian and U.S. officials to expand the program's network.

• Assist with fundraising and developing outreach strategies to procure funding for new initiatives…