Opportunity: Kennan Institute Research Director Position in Kyiv

The Kennan Institute is looking to appoint a full time Research Director for its Kyiv office to support the Institute’s research agenda in Ukraine and the broader region. The Research Director will work with the Washington, DC office to perform the following duties:

• Help determine the Institute’s research agenda in Ukraine
• Identify specific research projects to pursue
• Manage research projects from conception to completion
• Present results of research in public forums in Ukraine, Washington, DC, and other places as required
• Convene and chair events in Kyiv
• Represent the Institute at international conferences
• Interact with media, government officials, and other stakeholders interested in the research
• Contribute to Kennan Institute’s publications

The ideal candidate will have 7 years of experience in leading policy-relevant research projects in one or more of the following fields: political science, history, international relations, law, and economics; have a Ph.D. or equivalent in one of these fields; have experience working for Western research organizations, particularly policy-oriented institutions and think tanks; demonstrate ability to think strategically; have strong command of English and Ukrainian; have experience with different writing formats, including writing for the general public; have experience presenting results of research to different publics.

This person will serve as an independent contractor under the Kennan Institute. The candidate must already be located in Kyiv. No relocation support will be provided.

Please submit your resume, including names of three references, and a cover letter to kennan@wilsoncenter.org by January 15, 2018. Please put “Kyiv Research Director Application” in the subject line.

About the Kennan Institute

The Kennan Institute was founded as a division of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in December 1974 through the joint initiative of Ambassador George F. Kennan, then Wilson Center director James Billington, and historial S. Frederick Starr. Named in honor of Ambassador Kennan’s relative, George Kennan “the elder” (1845-1924), a nineteenth-century explorer of Russia and Siberia, the Kennan Institute is committed to improving American expertise and knowledge about Russia, Ukraine, and other states in the region. Through its residential scholarship programs, lecture and workshop series, and publication program, the Institute strives to attract, publicize, and integrate new research into the policy community.

In addition to its office in Washington, the Kennan Institute operates an office in Kyiv. Kennan’s Kyiv office provides on-the-ground assistance to the Washington staff and a communication link with various Ukrainian organizations. The office also organizes publications, seminars, and conferences on major events of the day featuring Kennan Institute alumni.