Join the NAVI Research Institute Team!
Are you passionate about geopolitical and global security issues? The NAVI Research Institute is seeking talented individuals to join our research programs. We are looking for candidates at various experience levels to contribute to rigorous analysis, enhance our understanding of global security, inform policy discussions, and influence strategic decision-making processes.
We are currently accepting applications for the following roles:
- Senior Research Fellow: Seeking a highly experienced expert to lead geopolitical analysis and security research. Responsibilities include providing expert insights and policy recommendations on security challenges, contributing to policy discussions, and influencing strategic decision-making. This role requires high-level expertise and senior level experience in defense strategies, international relations, and collaborative security frameworks.
- Research Fellow: Seeking a highly motivated and skilled researcher to contribute to in-depth research on global security issues. This role focuses on enhancing understanding and informing policy discussions relevant to transatlantic leaders and global security stakeholders.
Location: Remote
Position Type: Non-paid/Volunteer Full-time, as are all other positions at NAVI
Reports To: Head of Research Program
Duration: Up to one year.
WHO WE ARE
The NATO Veterans Initiative (NAVI) is a non-profit, nonpartisan, and non-governmental transatlantic organization dedicated to research, advocacy, networking, empowerment, and solidarity for veterans.
Since its inception in 2023, The NAVI Research Institute serves as the research division of NAVI, offering a unique nonpartisan, independent perspective on peace and security to transatlantic leaders and societies, viewed through the lens of NATO's founding principles: the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and individual liberties, along with topics related to veterans, military service, and civil-military relations in any country and at any point in history. Through rigorous inquiry, we strive to pave the way for a future where safety and prosperity coexist seamlessly for individuals, communities, and nations.
The NAVI Research Institute runs four Research Programs:
§ Security and Defense Policy Studies is at the forefront of analyzing and anticipating emerging threats and global risks, with a keen focus on safeguarding democratic processes. Delving into the complexities of the future of warfare, the program explores innovative approaches to address evolving challenges. With a commitment to strengthening deterrence, the institute engages in in-depth defense discussions, contributing to the formulation of effective strategies. Through its comprehensive approach, the Security and Defense Policy Studies Research Program aims to provide actionable insights that contribute to the enhancement of global security frameworks.
§ Regional Security Studies is dedicated to examining critical geopolitical landscapes through comprehensive analyses of Transatlantic, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Western Balkans security studies. By delving into Transatlantic Security Studies, the program scrutinizes the interconnected security dynamics among NATO countries, fostering a deeper understanding of collaborative defense strategies.
§ Social, Economic and Security Studies is a comprehensive initiative addressing the intricate intersections of social dynamics, economic statecraft, energy geopolitics, and the impact of sanctions. Through its research, the program examines the societal factors that influence security paradigms, offering insights into the human dimensions of complex global challenges. By encompassing these diverse aspects, the Research Program contributes valuable perspectives to inform comprehensive and effective security strategies.
§ Emerging Technologies & Data Studies is at the forefront of exploring the dynamic landscape of technological advancements. With a focus on fostering transatlantic collaboration, the program delves into emerging technology standards, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in shaping the future of technology. Through these diverse initiatives, the Research Program aims to inform global discussions and policies on the responsible and strategic use of cutting-edge technologies.
The NAVI Research Institute Research Fellows Program offers an opportunity for researchers to share their expertise with the broader community and advance NAVI’s mission through rigorous research, publications, and various public and private activities, whether as resident or non-resident research fellows.
BENEFITS:
The benefits that will support the career advancement and professional development of research fellows include:
- Mentorship from experienced researchers and security policy experts.
- Opportunities to apply for external grants and funding through NAVI. NAVI may facilitate this by offering guidance and support on identifying, applying for, and securing these external grants.
- Having a platform for publishing, publicizing, and promoting their work in various formats, such as research reports, policy briefs, expert commentaries, op-eds, video interviews, podcasts, and so on.
- Opportunities for contributing to current research initiatives, developing new research areas, mentoring students and interns, participating in our events, or initiating new events, providing subject matter expertise, and collaborating with fellow researchers.
- Receiving referrals to speaking engagements and media interactions, seeking NAVI's expertise in the research fellow’s areas of interest.
- Access to a global network of scholars, veterans, and policymakers.
- Invitations to participate in NAVI-branded future events (e.g., working groups, policy roundtables, panels, etc.)
- In addition, the NAVI Research Institute is launching a new scholarly publication, the North Atlantic Review (NAR), a platform dedicated to advancing research and informed debate on transatlantic security, geopolitics, and defense policy. The journal will publish rigorous analysis, policy-oriented research, and expert commentary from scholars, practitioners, and emerging researchers. Fellows may have opportunities to contribute to the journal through research articles, policy briefs, peer review, and editorial collaboration, helping to shape an emerging forum for transatlantic strategic dialogue.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
To support NAVI’s mission and enhance its global reach and impact, research fellows are expected to:
- Regularly assist in and contribute to the publication of in-depth research and analysis reports, briefs, op-eds, or expert commentaries in their areas of expertise for internal and external stakeholders.
- On a voluntary basis, research fellows may also offer additional support such as peer-reviewing research submissions, speaking at panels and webinars, and engaging with academics, policymakers, journalists, and other professionals in their networks to promote NAVI's mission and research works.
- Collect, analyze, and synthesize data from primary and secondary sources to support the development of research reports, policy briefs, and academic publications.
- Monitor geopolitical developments, security trends, and defense policies relevant to the focus regions.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest literature, trends, and news related to global security studies and regional geopolitics.
- Participate in team meetings, conferences, and workshops as needed to contribute to discussions on research findings.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Depending on the position applied for, a PhD and master's degree (or equivalent) in International Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, or a related field.
- Strong interest in regional and global security issues.
- Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment.
- Excellent knowledge of academic research methods and the ability to synthesize information from various sources.
- Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of additional languages relevant to the regions under study is an asset.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous research experience in security studies, geopolitics, or international relations.
- Experience in using data analysis tools and software.
- Knowledge of defense policies and security strategies in one or more regions (e.g., NATO, Indo-Pacific alliances, Middle Eastern geopolitics).