Careers

The latest career opportunities available at the Lowy Institute.

Research Assistant, Southeast Asia Aid Map

The Lowy Institute

The Lowy Institute is Australia’s leading international policy think tank. It is independent, nonpartisan and at the centre of Australia’s foreign policy and national security debates. Located in Sydney, the Institute produces world-class research and provides distinctive perspectives on the trends shaping Australia and the world, aiming to give Australia a greater voice on the international stage.

The Lowy Institute hosts distinguished Australian and international speakers on foreign policy, defence, politics, aid, and development. With a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, the Institute’s research, events, and conferences attract significant global attention, and our experts produce commentary for the world’s leading news outlets.

The Lowy Institute is seeking a Research Assistant to work within its Southeast Asia Aid Map team.

About the role

Under the guidance of the Institute’s Deputy Director, Indo-Pacific Development Centre the Research Assistant will assist with the collection and analysis of data that will contribute to the Southeast Asia Aid Map and will provide economic analysis support to other senior researchers of the Centre.

The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing data on aid flows from numerous sources, collating the data on Microsoft Excel and analysing data on aid flows in the Southeast Asia.

Key attributes

Candidates should have strong quantitative skills with excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge and familiarity with Southeast Asia dynamics and/or the desire to develop this. Possess a high level of editorial skills, with exceptional attention to detail. Knowledge of Mandarin is an asset, but not essential. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

We are interested to hear from a diversity of high calibre individuals with something unique to offer.

The successful candidate will join the organisation at a level commensurate with experience, and with salary and benefits set accordingly.

Appointment

This is a part-time contract role, requiring availability for 2 days per week. Commencing in September 2024.

How to apply

Please send a copy of your CV and cover letter to recruit@lowyinstitute.org.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.

For additional information regarding the role please contact Lowy Institute recruitment via the email above or 02 8238 9000.


Research Assistant, Australia-Papua New Guinea Network

The Lowy Institute is Australia’s leading international policy think tank. It is independent, nonpartisan and at the centre of Australia’s foreign policy and national security debates. Located in Sydney, the Institute produces world-class research and provides distinctive perspectives on the trends shaping Australia and the world, aiming to give Australia a greater voice on the international stage.

The Lowy Institute hosts distinguished Australian and international speakers on foreign policy, defence, politics, aid, and development. With a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, the Institute’s research, events, and conferences attract significant global attention, and our experts produce commentary for the world’s leading news outlets.

The Lowy Institute is seeking a Research Assistant to work within its Australia-Papua New Guinea Network team.

About the role

The Research Assistant will be responsible for the administration and stakeholder engagement of Australia-PNG Network events. This role involves maintaining the Aus-PNG Network’s social media channels and website and promoting events and activities online and via email. The successful candidate will also manage a contact list, including stakeholder engagement records. Additionally, alongside the Project Director, you will contribute to monitoring and evaluation records, measuring the reach and impact of the Network.

Key attributes

The successful candidate will have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills and an interest in the bilateral relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea. The candidate must be able to write clearly, ideally with experience in social media management, stakeholder engagement, and organisational support for events. Proven communication skills, time management capabilities, and responsiveness to tasks and deadlines are a must. You will need to be able to work both independently and under supervision.

Appointment

This is a part-time contract role, requiring availability for 2–3 days per week.

How to apply

Please send a copy of your CV and cover letter to recruit@lowyinstitute.org.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.

For additional information regarding the role please contact Lowy Institute recruitment via the email above or on 02 8238 9000.


FDC Pacific Research Fellow

The Lowy Institute, in collaboration with the Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC), has a vacancy for a Research Fellow.

The Institute is seeking an emerging Pacific-based thought leader to join its Pacific Islands Program in a full-time capacity on a one-year contract. During their period of employment with the Institute, the Pacific Fellow will engage in all aspects of the Pacific Islands Program, from producing research and engaging in commentary on the region, to participating in events and roundtables.

The focus of the Fellow’s research will be on a theme/s of substantial consequence to the prosperity and self-reliance of Pacific Islanders.

Key responsibilities

To produce research on a theme/s of substantial consequence to the prosperity and self-reliance of Pacific Islands peoples. To produce commentary on economic, development, political and social issues in the Pacific region for the Lowy Institute’s online magazine The Interpreter as well as domestic and international media outlets. To participate in Pacific Islands Program events and roundtables.

Key attributes

Excellent research, written and oral communication skills. Able to work independently and coordinate research activity as part of a small team. Experience in establishing Pacific Islands contacts or maintaining and growing networks. Experience in government, development or academic sectors in the Pacific. Strong familiarity with contemporary challenges in the Pacific region or a subset of Pacific nations. Strong networks in the Pacific. The candidate should have an undergraduate degree or equivalent, at a minimum.

The successful candidate will join the Institute as a Research Fellow in Sydney for the duration of the contract, with salary commensurate with experience. Costs associated with relocation to Sydney will be covered by the Institute. Funding will also be available for living expenses and for the Fellow to engage in domestic and international travel of consequence to their research.

How to apply

Please submit your CV (maximum three pages), a one-page research proposal, and a cover letter (maximum two pages) supporting your application to recruit@lowyinstitute.org by 31 July 2024. The cover letter should include a brief summary of relevant work experience, motivation for participating in the Fellow program, and any issues you would like the Institute to be aware of regarding relocation to Sydney.

The FDC Pacific Research Fellow position is the result of a partnership between the Lowy Institute and the Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC), an independent Australian foundation established in 1990 with a mandate underpinned by the philosophy of self-reliance and the pursuit of opportunities and initiatives that enable institutions and communities to help themselves. More information on the Lowy Institute can be found on our website and on the FDC here.