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

About the Council on Foreign Relations

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:

• US foreign policy
• International security
• Global economic issues
• International relations

About the Women and Foreign Policy Program

The Women and Foreign Policy program examines how improving the status of women and girls contributes to international goals such as:

• Peace
• Economic prosperity
• Security
• Political stability

The programme conducts research and provides analysis on issues related to:

• Gender equality
• Women’s leadership
• Political participation
• International development
• Economic empowerment
• Foreign policy

Through research publications, expert discussions, briefings, and public engagement, the programme informs:

• Policymakers
• Opinion leaders
• Researchers
• The wider public

The Research Associate will play an important role in supporting this work.

Position Overview

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:

• Policy research
• Writing support
• Event coordination
• Administrative management
• Communication assistance

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented, curious, and passionate about women’s international policy issues.

Key Responsibilities

Conducting Policy Research

The Research Associate will support research projects by:

• Investigating assigned policy topics.
• Conducting literature reviews.
• Gathering and analysing information.
• Tracking developments related to women’s issues and international economics.
• Supporting articles, book chapters, web content, and other publications.

Supporting Publications and Written Materials

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with editing and proofreading.
• Reviewing articles and research documents.
• Supporting publication preparation.
• Helping ensure written materials meet professional standards.

Providing Administrative Support

The role includes supporting the Senior Fellow through:

• Managing correspondence.
• Scheduling meetings.
• Maintaining calendars.
• Responding to information requests.
• Providing organisational assistance.

Coordinating Events and Meetings

The Research Associate will assist with programme events by:

• Preparing invitations.
• Communicating with speakers and participants.
• Coordinating travel arrangements.
• Preparing background documents.
• Supporting event logistics.

Events may include:

• Roundtable discussions
• Policy briefings
• Expert conversations
• Public programmes

Supporting Communications and Digital Outreach

The position includes assisting with:

• Website content
• Blog publishing
• Social media outreach
• Digital communication activities

The candidate may support platforms such as social media channels and online publications.

Supporting Budget and Grant Management

The Research Associate may assist with:

• Tracking monthly financial statements.
• Managing grant information.
• Preparing grant reports.
• Supporting reimbursement processes.

Required Qualifications

Education Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in:
  • International relations
  • Political science
  • Social sciences
  • Related fields

Professional Experience

Candidates should have:

• At least one relevant administrative or internship experience.

Preferred experience includes work related to:

• Women’s issues
• Gender equality
• Political participation
• Leadership
• Development
• International economics

Skills Required

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Research Skills

Including:

• Policy research
• Information analysis
• Literature reviews
• Data gathering

Communication Skills

Applicants should have:

• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to communicate complex topics clearly.

Organisation Skills

The role requires:

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Effective time management.

Technical Skills

Applicants should have experience with:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel

Experience with research databases such as ProQuest is preferred.

Digital Communication Skills

Candidates should understand:

• Social media communication.
• Digital outreach strategies.
• Online publishing tools.

Workplace Location and Schedule

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.

Salary and Benefits

Annual compensation:

$55,000 – $58,000

Salary depends on:

• Professional experience
• Qualifications

Benefits include:

• Competitive nonprofit salary package
• Health insurance programmes
• Wellness programmes
• Generous leave policies
• On-site fitness centre

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment

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:

• Expand diversity within its membership and staff.
• Encourage broader participation in foreign policy discussions.
• Develop opportunities for underrepresented groups in international affairs.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. Resume/CV

The resume should highlight:

• Education
• Research experience
• Policy interests
• Relevant internships or administrative experience

2. Cover Letter

The cover letter should explain:

• Interest in the position
• Relevant qualifications
• Passion for women and foreign policy issues

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official CFR job application portal.

Click here for more and to apply

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Research Associate role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to gain experience at the intersection of:

• Gender equality
• International affairs
• Public policy
• Research
• Global development

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.

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