Research Analyst

Clear Destination Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Clear Destination Inc. is seeking a highly capable research analyst for CNA projects in international relations and policy analysis. The role emphasizes developing analytic frameworks, contributing to publications, and supporting client relations while working with sponsors under supervision.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) with strong research methods, communication, and independent work skills, and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in International Relations, International Affairs, Public Policy, Political Science, Security Studies or a related field.
• PhD preferred.
• Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of research and analysis experience.

Responsibilities

• Meets CNA’s quality standards on well-structured projects with minimal guidance.
• Develops analytic frameworks and methodologies for addressing problems.
• Gathers and maintains broad knowledge of primary clients/sponsors.
• Supports business development and/or marketing with high-quality work and client relations.
• Interacts with sponsors/clients under supervision and with study POCs independently.
• Contributes to research publications and analytic products.
• Communicates results clearly; documents work accurately and presents to colleagues and sponsors.
• Works with minimal guidance on focused tasks; may lead small projects.
• Exhibits a positive attitude and provides guidance to colleagues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytic curiosity

Independent work

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Research techniques

Planning & organization

Client interaction

Documentation & presentation

Education

Master’s degree

PhD preferred

Job description

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.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in International Relations, International Affairs, Public Policy, Political Science, Security Studies or a relevant field. PhD preferred.


2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis.


3. Skills: Ability to make significant contributions to projects/analyses; 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; Strong planning and organizational skills; Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; Ability to interact positively and somewhat independently with clients.


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