CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Ateneo Policy Center Research Assistant (Policy Research)

Unit: Ateneo School of Government (ASOG)

Duration: Five Months (project-based) 

I. Description

The Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) is the public policy academic arm of the Ateneo de Manila University. Its long-term mission is to teach and work with effective and ethical public servants to build prosperous, sustainable, just, and happy communities in the Philippines, empowered by democratic, participatory, transparent, and accountable governance institutions and processes. Through its research and extension programs, and its work with public, private and civil society organizations, ASOG aims to develop and foster innovative ideas and approaches in order to change mindsets and systems in such areas as leadership, poverty eradication, climate change, social accountability, and politics.

As a graduate school for leadership and public service, ASOG's academic and executive education programs bridge the gap between classroom wisdom and real-world policy decision-making and governance. Through its research and extension programs, and its work with public, private, and community organizations, ASOG continues to develop and foster innovative ideas and approaches in areas such as leadership, poverty eradication, climate change, social accountability, and politics.

II. Tasks and Functions

The Research Assistant will join a project development team expected to work on a research study examining the capacity of artificial intelligence to inform security policies—the outputs of which shall be submitted to the Ateneo Policy Center Head.

In particular, the Research Assistant is expected to:

• Assist the project team in developing the research paper. Tasks include literature reviews, data gathering (developing research instruments, conducting field interviews, surveys, FGDs), data analysis, and write-up.
• Analyze existing policies, regulations, and legislative proposals to assess their impacts and implications on national defense.
• Monitor and track policy developments, legislative changes, and emerging trends in AI and national defense.
• Assist the Principal Investigators in collaborating with policymakers, government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations to gather relevant information and insights.
• Assist in planning and coordinating research-related events such as conferences, seminars, and colloquia.
• Assist in the completion of reports and other administrative and financial documents required for project implementation.

III.  Description of Education, Competence, and Required Experience

Applicants for the Ateneo Policy Center - Research Assistant III position must have the following qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Defense Studies, or a related field. A master’s degree is not required but an advantage.
• At least 2 years of experience in research, policy analysis, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and policies.
• Proficiency in developing research instruments and conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including field interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions (FGDs).
• Excellent writing skills, with experience in drafting research papers, policy briefs, and reports.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan and coordinate events such as conferences, seminars, and colloquia.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and engage with stakeholders, including policymakers, government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and environments.

IV. Application Requirements

All interested applicants must submit the following:

• An Application Letter addressed to Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuaño, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government
• Curriculum Vitae

Please submit the required documents via email to policycenter.asog@ateneo.edu and use “[SURNAME] – APC Research Assistant (Policy Research)” as email subject. Deadline for the submission of applications is extended until June 30, 2024.