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Research Assistant, Global Food and Agriculture
Chicago, IL
Job Description
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a community where people who care about global affairs can connect — in person or virtually — with each other and with global leaders, influencers, and experts to explore ideas that will shape our future.
If you are passionate about our work, bringing people together and our mission that drives our work, apply today.
THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS MISSION
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Research Assistant will support the Center on Global Food and Agriculture’s research and activities, and will manage the Center on Global Food and Agriculture’s digital communications platforms. The Center on Global Food and Agriculture aims to advance a more sustainable and resilient global food system by addressing challenges facing our planet and the most vulnerable producers and consumers, and by finding solutions to inform and shape policy. This new role will provide research support in areas related to food and agricultural innovation, climate change, domestic hunger, nutrition, and rural development.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
ABOUT THE COUNCIL
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe. As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America's heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.
To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council
Vaccination Statement
For the safety and well-being of our staff, the Council requires that all prospective employees submit proof of an up-to-date COVID vaccination and booster record or seek a reasonable accommodation for a religious or medical reason prior to their first day of employment.
If you are passionate about our work, bringing people together and our mission that drives our work, apply today.
THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS MISSION
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Research Assistant will support the Center on Global Food and Agriculture’s research and activities, and will manage the Center on Global Food and Agriculture’s digital communications platforms. The Center on Global Food and Agriculture aims to advance a more sustainable and resilient global food system by addressing challenges facing our planet and the most vulnerable producers and consumers, and by finding solutions to inform and shape policy. This new role will provide research support in areas related to food and agricultural innovation, climate change, domestic hunger, nutrition, and rural development.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provide research to support the Center for Global Food and Agriculture by conducting literature reviews, identifying data sources, ensuring data integrity and accuracy, assisting with qualitative and quantitative data and policy analysis, summarizing research results, and supporting peer reviews and consultative research processes.
- Assist in the writing and editing drafts of reports, project proposals, meeting summaries, blogs, and critically reviewing and fact-checking materials.
- Assist in creating tables and complex infographics, talking points, and other outreach related materials.
- Support the development of activities and public meetings by identifying potential speakers, conducting background research and initial findings, creating briefing materials, liaising with key partners, and compiling lists of relevant stakeholders for outreach.
- Assist in designing and carrying out communication and dissemination strategies through digital platforms to promote the Center’s activities and products, and staying up-to-date on relevant and breaking news, events, policy developments, and announcements. This would include managing digital communications platforms for the Center, which entails authoring original commentary and managing submissions to the Global Food for Thought blog, producing the weekly Global Food for Thought email newsletter, and managing the Center’s social media accounts (including Twitter and Facebook).
- Update applicable databases and systems on a timely basis, and ensure documents and files are accurately maintained and archived.
- Occasionally assist at the front desk to relieve Reception and Database Services Assistant in meeting/greeting Council constituents and handling incoming calls
- Provide support at Council events approximately 3-4 times monthly (registration, ushering, etc.), requiring some evening and early morning hours, once the Council returns to in-person public programing
- Perform other projects as assigned
- Must have a bachelor’s degree with a focus in agricultural or environmental studies or related field of study. Experience in agricultural education, communications, economics, food security, international development, public policy, nutrition, or related field strongly preferred
- 2+ years’ experience in research-based and/or policy arena working with government, nonprofits, think thanks, or academia
- Demonstrated experience in research and analysis, preferable experience with policy-relevant writing
- Exceptional attention to detail, time-management, and organizational skills
- Ability to work successfully both independently and collaboratively in a team environment, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Experience organizing and managing events, both online and in-person
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to professionally interact with high-level stakeholders and experts
- Superior verbal and written communication skills (editorial and proofreading), including the ability to communicate complex concepts and topics clearly, thoroughly, and succinctly
- Prior experience using Salesforce is preferred
ABOUT THE COUNCIL
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe. As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America's heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.
To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council
Vaccination Statement
For the safety and well-being of our staff, the Council requires that all prospective employees submit proof of an up-to-date COVID vaccination and booster record or seek a reasonable accommodation for a religious or medical reason prior to their first day of employment.
Special Notes/Instructions
To apply to this position, please include your resume, cover letter, and 2-page writing sample
Job Summary
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
2 to 4 years
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