Volunteer Researcher (Study of Non-State Actors)

Position: Volunteer Researcher (Study of Non-State Actors)

Organization: Global Consortium of Political Analysts (GCPA)

Location: Remote

Commitment: 3–5 hours per week (flexible hours)

Compensation: Volunteer (unpaid); professional reference upon successful completion

Requirements

• Graduate degree in (or current graduate student of) international relations, peace and conflict studies, terrorism studies, political science, journalism, sociology, or a related field.
• Proficiency in a non-English language preferred. Please specify language(s) and proficiency level in your application.
• Good command of the English language. Writing sample required with application.
• Must be organized and responsible, including punctuality, attendance at scheduled meetings, and reliable follow-through on assigned tasks.

About the Organization

The Global Consortium of Political Analysts (GCPA) advances informed policymaking and promotes critical civic literacy through rigorous, collaborative, and culturally sensitive research on pressing political, security, and humanitarian challenges. By pairing local, in-country experts with internationally recognized specialists, GCPA produces nuanced, evidence-based insights that empower policymakers and enrich civic participation. Our commitment to analytical integrity and cultural sensitivity guides our multidisciplinary teams in collecting and interpreting primary-source data across diverse languages, fostering inclusive dialogue and data-driven approaches to advance cooperation, resilient societies, and responsible governance.

We strive to help shape a world where policy is driven by integrity, inclusivity, and culturally grounded analysis, enabling societies everywhere to make informed, constructive decisions and build resilient, thriving democracies.

Position Summary

We are seeking Volunteer Researchers to support ongoing research on non-state actors, leadership, and legitimacy. This role involves gathering, reviewing, and organizing information from credible sources in foreign languages, including speeches, interviews, press releases, government documents, and social media. It also includes compiling accurate, timely research to support GCPA’s reports, briefings, and analyses.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates based in or with expertise in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and the Pacific.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on non-state armed actors, leaders, and legitimacy, focusing on their stated opinions, policies, and positions on key issues, with emphasis on non-English language sources.
• Monitor credible media outlets, government statements, and social media platforms for relevant developments and updates.
• Organize and catalog research findings in GCPA’s shared research database in a timely and systematic manner.
• Draft research summaries, annotated source lists, and briefing materials for internal and external audiences.
• Support the research team in verifying the accuracy, credibility, and reliability of sources, particularly those in a foreign language.
• Attend periodic team meetings and check-ins with assigned project leads (schedule accommodates global time zones).

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate degree in (or current graduate student of) international relations, peace and conflict studies, terrorism studies, political science, journalism, sociology, or a related field.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills in English.
• Ability to identify credible primary and secondary sources and synthesize information clearly and concisely.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to meet agreed-upon deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Writing sample (approximately 500–1,500 words) required; academic or professional writing on a relevant topic preferred.

Preferred

• Intermediate, Advanced, or Native proficiency in at least one foreign language; proficiency in languages relevant to regions of active conflict or political transition is especially valued. Please specify language(s) and level in your application.
• Familiarity with open-source intelligence (OSINT) methods and tools.
• Prior experience with political research, journalism, policy analysis, or conflict monitoring.
• Knowledge of conflict datasets or databases (e.g., UCDP, ACLED, GTD).
• Regional expertise in areas of active insurgency or political instability.

Benefits

• Gain hands-on experience in political research, conflict analysis, and global affairs.
• Opportunity to contribute to publications and analyses used by policymakers, academics, and journalists.
• Work alongside an international network of researchers, area specialists, and policy analysts.
• Receive a professional letter of reference upon successful completion of the volunteer term.
• Access to GCPA’s research resources, working papers, and internal briefings.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials directly on the company website. We will not respond to those who fail to include any of these documents. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Current CV or résumé
• Brief cover letter (no more than one page) describing your regional expertise, language proficiency, and interest/motivation in GCPA.
• Writing sample (500–1,500 words) on a relevant political, security, or humanitarian topic. We have a strict policy on the use of AI, and do NOT tolerate AI-written papers.