BASIC FUNCTION

The Foreign-Policy Program at The Brookings Institution (Brookings) is accepting applications for a Director and Senior Fellow or Fellow position with expertise in Latin American politics, security and U.S.-Latin American relations; expertise regarding Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile is particularly desirable. The successful candidate will direct the Foreign Policy Program’s Latin America Initiative and coordinate the work conducted on Latin America by other scholars in the Foreign Policy Program. The Scholar will also cooperate closely with scholars in the Global Economy and Development Program at Brookings who work on Latin America issues. The Director and Senior Fellow or Fellow will conduct original research and writing on issues such as Latin America’s political, governance and security trends and key geopolitical interests to promote an understanding of the main issues driving policy and politics in the region. This work will also help shape U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.

The successful candidate should hold a Ph.D. in political science and/or international relations, or comparable fields of study and have at least two years of post-doctoral research experience or relevant experience in or out of government. Applicants who have advanced degrees but not Ph.D.s will be considered if they have extensive policy-making and diplomatic experience. Management and fundraising experience is also desirable.

Candidates should have a deep understanding of key issues involving Latin America and the Caribbean. Areas of research interest might include U.S. policy toward the hemisphere; Latin America’s foreign relations with other regions of the world; the dynamics of domestic politics in the region; crime, violence, and illicit networks in the hemisphere; the politics and political economy of key countries in the region; migration issues across the hemisphere; the political implications of the expanding middle class in the region; the growing influence of Brazil and Mexico in the region and beyond; and quality of democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights.

The candidate should have an established record of publication in professional or academic journals and a proven ability to conduct original policy research and analysis. The candidate must be able to conduct in-depth research, produce book-length monographs, and competently lead issue-focused meetings, conferences, and other events. Strong candidates will have extensive contacts among the higher levels of the government, academic, philanthropic, media, and business communities in Latin America, and will be comfortable working with high-ranking decision makers, senior government and diplomatic officials, current and potential funders, and Brookings senior management.

Outstanding written and oral communication skills in English are required; proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese is also required; proficiency in the other language is desirable. Salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Starting date is negotiable; however, filling the position by early 2013 is preferred. Applicants should submit a full resume complete with a list of publications plus a description of research interests and priorities.

Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment in this position. No phone calls please. Brookings welcomes resumes from all qualified applicants, particularly women and minorities.