2023 Michael and Deborah Thawley Scholarship

The Michael and Deborah Thawley Scholarship offers an Australian official, officer, student, or recent graduate an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the work of two leading think tanks, the Lowy Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Scholarship

The scholarship provides direct exposure to the work of both organisations, at the intersection of research and policy in international affairs. The Thawley Scholar will initially work for a short period in the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, before spending 8–12 weeks in Washington DC at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Research to be carried out by the Thawley Scholar is flexible, but it is expected to place a strong emphasis on the regional and geopolitical dimensions of Australia’s strategic interests. Applicants should draw up a brief research agenda to be considered for publication. In Sydney, the scholar is expected to produce output for the Lowy Institute’s digital magazine, The Interpreter, under the supervision of the Director of the International Security Program.

The CSIS placement offers a rare chance to gain direct insight into US debates on global strategic challenges and policy responses, including opportunities to interact with the Washington foreign policy establishment and to meet with high-level policymakers and commentators, and then to apply that knowledge professionally upon return to Australia.

The successful applicant will receive an A$10,000 award as well as a two-stage research placement in Sydney and Washington DC. In addition to the award, flights, visa costs, and a travel allowance are provided for the Washington placement. Domestic travel and partial living costs for the Sydney placement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The timing and length of the placement is flexible within the 2023 calendar year, and a start date would be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Applications

Applications should consist of a short cover letter, CV, and an 800-word draft article that might be suitable for publication on The Interpreter (applicants may submit previously published articles).

Please submit your application to the Director of the International Security Program, Sam Roggeveen (sroggeveen@lowyinstitute.org). Applications close at COB on 28 April.

Eligibility Requirements

There is no specific professional profile for the preferred applicant, but a competitive candidate will typically be either a promising junior to mid-career Australian Government official or Australian Defence Force officer, or an exceptional postgraduate student with wider experience and demonstrated interests in international security. Please note, this scholarship is only open to Australian citizens and holders of permanent residency.

A list of past Thawley scholars can be found here.

FDC Pacific Research Fellow

The Lowy Institute, Australia’s leading international policy think tank, 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 a piece of 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 also able to coordinate activity as part of a small team. Experience in establishing FDC contacts or maintaining networks of contacts, members or stakeholders. 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 the Fellow to engage in domestic and international travel of consequence to their research.

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) supporting your application to recruit@lowyinstitute.org by 9 April 2023. The cover letter should include a brief summary of the research you would like to undertake with the Institute 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.

Climate change

The Lowy Institute, Australia’s leading international policy think tank, has a Research Fellow (climate change) position available as it embarks on a new initiative expanding its work on the increasingly complex challenges facing Indo-Pacific developing economies, including those in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and South Asia.

To support this new program of work, we are recruiting a Research Fellow focused on climate change policy in Indo-Pacific developing economies. The precise focus of the role will depend on the expertise of the successful candidate however the Institute is particularly interested to hear from candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: renewable energy, climate finance, resilience and adaptation, and international climate policy as these relate to developing economies, especially those in the Indo-Pacific.

About the role

Under the overall guidance of the Institute’s lead economist, the Research Fellow will drive the Institute’s work on climate change policy in Indo-Pacific developing economies. They will lead policy research projects as well as contribute as a member within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team. In addition to producing original high impact policy research, the Research Fellow will also produce regular analysis and commentary on key policy issues and engage in outreach activities including events, podcasts, and media. Travel for research, events, and stakeholder engagement will also be involved.

About you

Candidates should demonstrate a strong capacity in the area of climate change finance and policy as this relates to developing economies and the ability to produce original research, insights, and policy ideas grounded in relevant experience in research, international development, government/policy, and/or industry. The successful candidate will have strong knowledge and familiarity with Indo-Pacific developing economies and/or the desire to develop this. 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.

To apply, please send 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.