Research Analyst (Africa & Middle East)

Ascendant Program Services, LLC; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) contributions

Professional development support

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ascendant Program Services, LLC seeks a Research Analyst for a multi-year contract with the U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA).

The role involves substantive research, program monitoring and evaluation, and administrative support for USTDA portfolio activities in Africa and the Middle East. Based in Arlington, VA, the position requires strong writing and data-analysis skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
• 1–3 years in a similar role.
• Background in Public Administration, Public Policy, IR, Development, Trade, Economics or related fields.
• Regional knowledge and experience preferred.
• Energy, Critical Minerals, Digital Infrastructure, and transportation knowledge a plus.
• Foreign language skills a plus.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong research and data analysis capabilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office and internet/databases.
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance and pass a public trust background check.

Responsibilities

• Conduct substantive research and analysis for USTDA portfolio.
• Monitor and evaluate programs in Africa and the Middle East.
• Provide administrative support to project activities.
• Prepare reports and briefing materials.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Research

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication skills

Independent work

Multitasking

Writing proficiency

Foreign language (nice to have)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

SharePoint

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Ascendant is recruiting qualified candidates for a full-time Research Analyst position linked to a multi-year contract that we hold with the U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA). The Research Analyst will perform substantive research, analytical, program monitoring and evaluation, and administrative support functions for USTDA's portfolio activities in the Africa and Middle East regions.

This position is based in Arlington, VA and is metro accessible (Rosslyn).

Qualifications

• 1-3 years professional experience in a similar capacity
• Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred
• Ideal candidates will have education backgrounds and interests in Public Administration, Pubic Policy, International Relations, International Development, International Trade, Economics, and other related fields of study
• Regional knowledge and experience is preferred
• Energy, Critical Minerals, Digital Infrastructure, and/or Transportation industry knowledge and/or experience is a plus
• Foreign language skills are a plus
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to conduct sophisticated research using numerous resources
• Ability to compile and analyze data and provide recommendations based upon statistical analysis
• Ability to analyze programs and processes to determine effectiveness
• Ability to operate independently to complete tasks and succeed in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office Tools including Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Proficiency in conducting internet research, as well as utilizing databases
• Must be detail-oriented and be able to format professional-grade documents for public dissemination
• Must have strong writing skills to draft and edit reports, briefing books, letters, and other forms of correspondence
• High degree of organization and time-management skills
• Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative, flexibility and the ability to multitask
• Candidates must be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance with the U.S. Government.
• A public trust background check with U.S. Government must be completed prior to starting work.

Ascendant offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, paid parental leave, medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) contributions, professional development support, and an Employee Assistance Program.