Scholarship

Council on Foreign Relations Hiring Research Associate, Women and Foreign Policy Program in Washington, DC

Organisation · Africa

At a glance

Type: Scholarship
Organisation: Organisation
Location: Africa
Work mode: On-site
Deadline: Rolling / not stated
Posted: 12 Jul 2026

About this scholarship

Professionals interested in international affairs, gender equality, foreign policy research, and global development have an opportunity to join one of the United States’ leading foreign policy institutions. The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is hiring a Research Associate for the Women and Foreign Policy program, a role designed for an early-career professional who wants to contribute to research, publications, policy discussions, and initiatives focused on advancing women’s participation and leadership globally. The position is part of CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program, one of the country’s largest and most respected foreign policy research programmes. The successful candidate will support the Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy by conducting research, coordinating events, assisting with publications, managing administrative responsibilities, and helping communicate research findings to policymakers, experts, and the public. The position is based in: Washington, DC, United States Salary range: $55,000 – $58,000 per year <h1>About the Council on Foreign Relations</h1> The Council on Foreign Relations is an independent, nonpartisan organisation dedicated to improving understanding of international affairs and advancing informed discussions about US foreign policy. Through research, publications, events, and public engagement, CFR brings together experts, policymakers, scholars, and leaders to examine major global challenges. The organisation’s David Rockefeller Studies Program focuses on producing research and analysis that influence conversations about: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">US foreign policy</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International security</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Global economic issues</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International relations</li> </ul> <h1>About the Women and Foreign Policy Program</h1> The Women and Foreign Policy program examines how improving the status of women and girls contributes to international goals such as: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Peace</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Economic prosperity</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Security</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Political stability</li> </ul> The programme conducts research and provides analysis on issues related to: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gender equality</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Women’s leadership</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Political participation</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International development</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Economic empowerment</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Foreign policy</li> </ul> Through research publications, expert discussions, briefings, and public engagement, the programme informs: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Policymakers</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Opinion leaders</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Researchers</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The wider public</li> </ul> The Research Associate will play an important role in supporting this work. <h1>Position Overview</h1> The Research Associate will provide research, administrative, and programme support to the Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy. This is a full-time position requiring a combination of: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Policy research</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Writing support</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Event coordination</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Administrative management</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Communication assistance</li> </ul> The ideal candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented, curious, and passionate about women’s international policy issues. <h1>Key Responsibilities</h1> <h2>Conducting Policy Research</h2> The Research Associate will support research projects by: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Investigating assigned policy topics.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Conducting literature reviews.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gathering and analysing information.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tracking developments related to women’s issues and international economics.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supporting articles, book chapters, web content, and other publications.</li> </ul> <h2>Supporting Publications and Written Materials</h2> Responsibilities include: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Assisting with editing and proofreading.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reviewing articles and research documents.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supporting publication preparation.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helping ensure written materials meet professional standards.</li> </ul> <h2>Providing Administrative Support</h2> The role includes supporting the Senior Fellow through: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Managing correspondence.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scheduling meetings.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Maintaining calendars.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Responding to information requests.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Providing organisational assistance.</li> </ul> <h2>Coordinating Events and Meetings</h2> The Research Associate will assist with programme events by: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Preparing invitations.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Communicating with speakers and participants.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Coordinating travel arrangements.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Preparing background documents.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supporting event logistics.</li> </ul> Events may include: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Roundtable discussions</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Policy briefings</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Expert conversations</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Public programmes</li> </ul> <h2>Supporting Communications and Digital Outreach</h2> The position includes assisting with: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Website content</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blog publishing</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Social media outreach</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Digital communication activities</li> </ul> The candidate may support platforms such as social media channels and online publications. <h2>Supporting Budget and Grant Management</h2> The Research Associate may assist with: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tracking monthly financial statements.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Managing grant information.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Preparing grant reports.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supporting reimbursement processes.</li> </ul> <h1>Required Qualifications</h1> <h2>Education Requirements</h2> Applicants must have: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A Bachelor’s degree in: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">International relations</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Political science</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Social sciences</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Related fields</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2>Professional Experience</h2> Candidates should have: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">At least one relevant administrative or internship experience.</li> </ul> Preferred experience includes work related to: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Women’s issues</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gender equality</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Political participation</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Leadership</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Development</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International economics</li> </ul> <h1>Skills Required</h1> Successful candidates should demonstrate: <h2>Research Skills</h2> Including: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Policy research</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Information analysis</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Literature reviews</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Data gathering</li> </ul> <h2>Communication Skills</h2> Applicants should have: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Excellent writing skills.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Strong verbal communication abilities.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ability to communicate complex topics clearly.</li> </ul> <h2>Organisation Skills</h2> The role requires: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Strong attention to detail.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ability to manage multiple responsibilities.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Effective time management.</li> </ul> <h2>Technical Skills</h2> Applicants should have experience with: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Microsoft Word</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Microsoft Excel</li> </ul> Experience with research databases such as ProQuest is preferred. <h2>Digital Communication Skills</h2> Candidates should understand: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Social media communication.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Digital outreach strategies.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Online publishing tools.</li> </ul> <h1>Workplace Location and Schedule</h1> Position: Research Associate, Women and Foreign Policy Organisation: Council on Foreign Relations Location: Washington, DC, United States Employment type: Full-time The position requires regular office attendance. Employees are required to work onsite at least three days per week, with Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays serving as institutional anchor days. Beginning September 14, 2026, CFR employees will work onsite at least four days per week. <h1>Salary and Benefits</h1> Annual compensation: $55,000 – $58,000 Salary depends on: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Professional experience</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Qualifications</li> </ul> Benefits include: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Competitive nonprofit salary package</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Health insurance programmes</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wellness programmes</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Generous leave policies</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">On-site fitness centre</li> </ul> <h1>Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment</h1> The Council on Foreign Relations is committed to building a foreign policy community that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences. The organisation recognises that individuals from different backgrounds contribute to stronger policy discussions and deeper understanding of global issues. CFR works to: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Expand diversity within its membership and staff.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Encourage broader participation in foreign policy discussions.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Develop opportunities for underrepresented groups in international affairs.</li> </ul> <h1>Application Requirements</h1> Applicants must submit: <h2>1. Resume/CV</h2> The resume should highlight: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Education</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Research experience</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Policy interests</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Relevant internships or administrative experience</li> </ul> <h2>2. Cover Letter</h2> The cover letter should explain: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Interest in the position</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Relevant qualifications</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Passion for women and foreign policy issues</li> </ul> <h1>How to Apply</h1> Interested candidates should submit their application through the official CFR job application portal. Click <a href="https://careers-cfr.icims.com/jobs/2988/research-associate%2c-women-and-foreign-policy/job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> for more and to apply <h1>Why This Opportunity Matters</h1> The Research Associate role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to gain experience at the intersection of: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gender equality</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International affairs</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Public policy</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Research</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Global development</li> </ul> By supporting the Women and Foreign Policy program, the successful candidate will contribute to research and conversations that shape understanding of how empowering women and girls strengthens societies worldwide. Click <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> for more global job opportunities   The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/12/council-on-foreign-relations-hiring-research-associate-women-and-foreign-policy-program-in-washington-dc/">Council on Foreign Relations Hiring Research Associate, Women and Foreign Policy Program in Washington, DC</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.

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