Summer Graduate Associate at the Revenue Watch Institute

The Revenue Watch Institute (RWI) is a non-profit policy institute and grantmaking organization that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good. With effective revenue management, citizen engagement and real government accountability, natural resource wealth can drive development and national growth. RWI provides the expertise, funding and technical assistance to help countries realize these benefits.

The Revenue Watch Institute is the only organization dedicated exclusively to addressing the special problems of oil, gas and mining-dependent countries—countries where poverty, conflict and corruption too often converge.  RWI is funded through the generous support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations, along with several other donors.

Revenue Watch promotes transparent, accountable and effective management of natural resource wealth to help countries avoid the "resource curse." We take a comprehensive approach to improving governance and development across the entire value chain—from the organization of extractive production, revenue generation and revenue management, through the expenditure processes and development outcomes in resource rich countries. Please visit our website for more information: www.revenuewatch.org.

The Revenue Watch Institute is seeking a part-time Graduate Associate to provide research support. Position is located New York.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engage in economic, legal and/or public policy projects at the Revenue Watch Institute, potentially including but not limited to:
• Research on the impacts of extractive-sector transparency, including collection and analysis of data, and potentially, the development of analytical tools for tracking transparency’s impact on economic/development outcomes 
• Support to an ongoing ‘local content’ research initiative
• Assist with the development of RWI’s online Resources Center and electronic library of extractive industry resources, including media scoping, research and writing;
• Additional institutional, programmatic and advanced operational support as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate student with in relevant field (e.g. political science, economics, finance/accounting, history, law or international affairs);
• Excellent writing, research and organizational skills;
• Ability to learn quickly and to work independently, especially on research assignments;
• Knowledge of resource-rich developing countries a plus;
• Proficiency in a foreign language preferred but not required;
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage workload, to prioritize and manage simultaneous tasks, and to meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition when interacting with colleagues at all levels, attorneys, external contacts and the general public;
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Internet research;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, colleagues, and the general public;
• Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters;
• Available to work 19 of hours/week.

DURATION: May – July 2011

COMPENSATION: Hourly rate commensurate with experience.

Please email resume, cover letter and three professional references with salary requirements before March 25, 2011, to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: SGA/RWI

OR

Open Society Institute
Human Resources – Code SGA/RWI
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 212.548.4675

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations/Revenue Watch Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.