Request for Applications: Researcher – North America

UPDATE: This posting closed on October 14, 2023.

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Wilson Center) through its Mexico Institute (MI) and Canada Institute (CI), collaborating as the North American Institutes (NAI), requests proposals for the provision of research services and related activities as listed in the Statement of Work (SOW) below. The contract position will be for the inaugural Bersin – Foster Scholar on North America and is made possible through the generous support of Mr. Alan Bersin and Ms. Lisa Foster. In conjunction with the NAI’s leadership, the contractor will develop scholarship-driven research, develop a network of experts for the dissemination of Wilson’s events and published work products. The programmatic and research agenda will be determined by the MI and CI directors and is anticipated to include enhancing awareness and appreciation for the impact of the USMCA on all three countries in specific sectors and regions in advance of the 2026 agreement review. In addition, the NAI agenda will include areas outside the scope of the trade agreement on which trilateral cooperation and coordination would be beneficial. Such areas may include competition with China, responses to climate change, energy transition, public health, and migration.

Statement of Work

1. Contribute to development of a Wilson Center policy research agenda for North America

• Conduct research and analysis on North American issues. 
• Produce at least one blog post per month (due not later than the last Friday of the month).
• Produce one longer form product each quarter (due not later than the last Friday of March, June, September, and December) on topics as agreed with the MI and CI directors. 

2. Disseminate research and analysis.

• Plan, organize, and deliver six events over twelve months highlighting Wilson scholarship on North America. The meetings may be private-facing workshops that contribute to research or public facing events (in person, online or hybrid) 
• Develop social media strategy for North America in consultation with MI + CI and Wilson ER, setting up accounts as needed, branding consistent with Wilson policy. 
• Implement Wilson approved social media strategy for North America and collect and report performance metrics monthly to North American institute directors.

3. Outreach and Coordination of a Community of Practice for North American Policy

• Develop network strategy and targeted audience engagement plan with North American institute directors and Wilson External Relations, Congressional Relations, and be compliant at all times with Wilson policy. 
• Implement the approved North American network and audience engagement plan, gathering and reporting monthly performance metrics.

Term of Contract

This is a fixed-price contract with a value of $80,000 USD for a 12-month period. Renewal beyond 12 months is contingent on performance, the availability of funding, and the needs of the NAI. The contractor will be paid in monthly increments upon submission of invoice by the contractor.

How to Apply

Proposals should include a resume or CV and a cover letter that includes a statement of interest and qualifications relevant to the work. Proposals should be submitted to NorthAmerica@wilsoncenter.org by Monday, October 16.