The CSIS Wadhwani Chair in U.S. India Policy Studies seeks a Fellow for its groundbreaking “Indian States” program.  The successful candidate will have a deep understanding both of India’s center-state relations, as well as the energy sector. The candidate must also have an appetite to lead or support Indian state-focused projects in other sectors such as healthcare and water. The candidate will have to manage multiple stakeholders- funders, government entities, and other partners. The candidate must also leverage outside resources such as non-resident fellows and project partners to generate momentum behind bilateral energy cooperation. There will also be activities tied to other funded states’ projects such as healthcare.

ABOUT CSIS:

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision-makers concerned with global security and prosperity.  Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

ABOUT THE CSIS INDIA CHAIR:

The CSIS Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies aims to unlock the full potential of the U.S.-India relationship and leads the Center's work on India. The Chair serves as an independent platform to pursue policy changes that strengthen bilateral ties, placing special emphasis on accelerating economic development in India and promoting greater business and economic engagement between the two countries. 

Among its work streams, the CSIS Wadhwani Chair has built out the world’s first program focused on political-economic developments at the state level in India.  This includes coordinating America’s engagement strategy with Indian states; a range of publications; and multiple funded programs to expand U.S. engagements with Indian states on energy and healthcare.  

Our Indian states program is not typical of think tank projects. It is very results-oriented, focused more on engagement than research and writing, though some of our deliverables include written products. The role will have regular travel across Indian state capitals, and a successful candidate will have the drive to press for policymaker meetings and to drive progress in program deliverables. 

JOB SUMMARY:

CSIS is seeking a Fellow to help manage the Wadhwani Chair’s work on Indian states, with a specific focus on energy and a smaller focus on other sectors as projects are funded, such as healthcare.  Under the supervision of the Wadhwani Chair Senior Adviser, the Fellow manages the day-to-day workflow of the India states energy projects and related states’ projects, and support the Senior Adviser to advance all major initiatives. 

The Fellow carries first-line daily managerial responsibilities for the states energy work, including budgeting and the submission of regular donor reports. The Fellow will also seek additional funding to continue to grow the states energy project, and support fundraising efforts for other states projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

THE FELLOW REPORTS THE WADHWANI CHAIR SENIOR ADVISER. FUNCTIONS MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

CRITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• STATES ENERGY INFORMATION: Building and maintaining a world-leading information set on Indian state-level energy information.
• WRITING/ MANAGING EXTERNAL WRITERS: Regularly author articles through a variety of platforms; reports, commentaries, and blogs to a consistent quality. Will also engage external authors affiliated with our program, in coordination with our Research Associate, to expand the amount of policy writing coming from CSIS.
• ENGAGING POTENTIAL PARTNERS: Sharing this information—and gaps—with global energy institutions that have the capacity to help Indian states with their respective energy challenges.
• BUILD PARTNERSHIPS: In line with funder goals, work to form partnerships between global energy institutions and Indian state governments.
• EVENTS/ VISIBILITY: Organizing public and private events to share information on state-level energy challenges and opportunities.
• FUNDRAISING/ FUNDER MANAGEMENT: Lead in securing new funding opportunities, and lead in preparing update materials for existing funders.
• BUILD AN EXTERNAL NETWORK: The Fellow will build and engage a network of experts (including other CSIS team and CSIS non-resident affiliates) that will help prepare written products, flag important issues, assist in event organization, and other duties.
• HEALTH + OTHER SECTORS: The Fellow will contribute meaningfully to other states’ sector initiatives of the Wadhwani Chair. That includes speaking at events, assistant with donor relations, and occasional travel to India and domestically.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides close supervision and mentorship of associate staff and interns.
• Travels to India regularly, meeting with state officials, business leaders, and other key organizations/ people.
• Works closely with the Senior Adviser to oversee department budget; manages grants, including preparing applications and reports.
• Supports the Senior Adviser in managing relationships within CSIS and with external stakeholders and partners.
• Plays a leadership role in convening expert groups, representing the Wadhwani Chair publicly, and chairing public events.
• Provides thought leadership and strategic guidance for the Wadhwani Chair.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least seven years’ experience working with India/ U.S.-India relations. 
• Undergraduate degree required; Graduate degree is preferred.
• Deep knowledge of Indian state political-economies and center-state relations.
• Practical experience in the Indian energy sector is important. As well as the proven ability to engage Indian policymakers at the state and national level.
• Experience running projects or programs in key Indian state capitals is important.
• Good connections in the Washington, DC India policy community, and across India, are helpful.
• Experience managing personnel, projects, budgets, and grants strongly preferred
• Superior writing, editing, and analytical skills, especially based on policy research
• Ability to operate under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• Must possess strong communication and convening skills including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from constituency groups, media, governmental entities, and the general public
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Candidates should possess sound judgment and impeccable integrity, positive attitude and creative outlook
• Ability to interact with and respond to questions from a range of individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds and dispositions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and cover letter by clicking on the "apply" link below.

Required Skills Required Experience