The World Justice Project (WJP) is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support the Research Team’s Access to Justice portfolio. This can either be a full-time staff position, based in Washington, DC, or a full-time consultancy based in Mexico City. WJP currently maintains a hybrid work schedule which is subject to change based on COVID-19 transmission rates. Candidates must be within commuting distance of WJP’s Washington, DC, or Mexico City offices.
The Research Assistant will provide technical and administrative assistance for a global research portfolio aimed at generating people-centered and policy-relevant justice data and evidence.
Responsibilities: the main responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Assist in the development and publication of research on access to civil, administrative, and criminal justice; technology and justice; economic dimensions of justice; and other relevant topics.
- Contribute to literature reviews, data analyses, report drafting and copyediting, and conceptual and measurement framework development.
- Engage with the broader access to justice research community by attending external events, reviewing new publications, and maintaining internal research databases.
- Provide administrative assistance related to grant management, contract negotiations, procurement, file management, and other tasks as necessary.
- Collaborate with a dynamic and diverse team of researchers based in Washington, DC, and Mexico City.
- Support other teams and projects as appropriate.
Qualifications: This position is open to graduates (Bachelor’s degree) with excellent attention to detail and strong writing and research skills. International work experience and proficiency in multiple languages preferred. The ideal candidate will have completed coursework in international affairs, social sciences, economics, policy studies, regional studies, or pre-law.
Successful applicants will have at least one year of relevant experience, and be bright, highly motivated individuals with a strong academic track record and an enthusiastic interest in the rule of law and access to justice. The successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills and qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, or another relevant field.
- 1+ years of relevant experience, including from internships.
- Strong research and analytical skills, including experience working with data collection, analysis, and visualization.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, including experience writing policy briefs and memos.
- Great organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- The abilities to work independently as well as in group settings, to prioritize multiple tasks, and to work under deadline.
- Fluency in English.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced understanding of Microsoft Excel.
- Commitment to the WJP’s mission and principles (www.worldjusticeproject.org).
Preferred
- Proficiency in Spanish, French, or other languages.
- Experience with project and grant management.
- Academic or professional experience with qualitative and quantitative research.
- Proficiency with Stata, R, Adobe Creative Suite, CRMs, or survey software.
Physical Requirements
While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is frequently required to use finger dexterity as well as sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. Also, may need to remain seated for long periods of time, have the ability to perform repetitive motions, grasp objects, including a writing instrument, stand, communicate verbally and hear well enough to detect nuances and receive detailed information. The employee may be required to walk, push or pull objects, bend, squat, reach, or kneel. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for expansive reading and data analysis.
Working Conditions
The work conditions described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing this job. The incumbent typically works indoors in a heated and air-conditioned office, with a mixture of natural, incandescent and fluorescent light with low to moderate noise levels.
How to Apply: The World Justice Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. To apply, please go to https://worldjusticeproject.org/about-us/connect/employment. Please include the following documents (in one PDF file) along with your application:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Writing sample (10 pages max)
- Contact information for 3 professional references
All applicant materials should be submitted in English. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to follow up directly with candidates selected for interviews. No phone calls please.
