How to apply for Peace and Security Senior Program Associate

About Effective Institutions Project

The Effective Institutions Project is a unique global working group that identifies and incubates strategies to improve institutional decision-making worldwide. Working here means being at the forefront of tackling some of the most pressing challenges in global governance, with a focus on practical, evidence-based solutions. If you are passionate about reshaping how institutions operate to address existential risks, this is a rare opportunity to be part of a nimble, high-impact team.

About the role

As the Peace and Security Senior Program Associate, you will play a pivotal role in shaping grantmaking and donor advising to mitigate geopolitical risks arising from AI and great power conflict. This involves sourcing and assessing grant opportunities, developing cost-effectiveness models, and managing relationships with grantees and partners. Your work will directly influence where critical funding goes, driving proactive strategies in a fast-paced, evolving field.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing grant applications, conducting research on emerging AI risks, and meeting with current grantees to assess progress. You could also be drafting cost-effectiveness models or donor summaries, and coordinating with partner organizations on joint initiatives. Expect a mix of deep analytical work and collaborative discussions, all within a remote, flexible environment.

Who Effective Institutions Project is looking for

• Deep expertise in peace and security, great power conflict, and AI governance, with a demonstrated ability to analyze complex geopolitical trends.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, capable of producing clear, persuasive donor recommendations and cost-effectiveness models.
• Intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ethical integrity and a commitment to improving institutional decision-making, with experience in grantmaking or philanthropy a plus.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with AI governance and great power conflict, including any research, policy, or grantmaking roles.
• In your cover letter, provide a concrete example of how you've used cost-effectiveness modeling or similar analytical frameworks to inform decisions.
• Showcase your ability to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as grantees, partners, or donors, in a remote work setting.
• Demonstrate your comfort with ambiguity by describing a time you navigated a rapidly changing situation and made proactive decisions.
• Research the Effective Institutions Project's past initiatives and mention how your skills align with their mission of improving institutional decision-making.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Emphasize your expertise in AI governance and great power conflict, linking your knowledge to the program's goals.", 'Highlight your experience in grantmaking or donor advising, including how you assess proposals and measure impact.', 'Show your ability to think strategically and proactively, with examples of identifying opportunities or driving initiatives.', "Express genuine alignment with the company's mission and your enthusiasm for working in a remote, collaborative environment."]

Research before applying

• Review the Effective Institutions Project's website and recent reports to understand their focus areas and approach.
• Look into the backgrounds of key team members to understand their expertise and potential working style.
• Familiarize yourself with current debates in AI governance and great power conflict, such as those from leading think tanks.
• Check if the organization has published any articles or blog posts to gauge their tone and priorities.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach developing a cost-effectiveness model for a potential grant in the AI peace and security space?
• Describe a time you had to make a decision with incomplete information. How did you handle it?
• What are the most significant geopolitical risks from AI, and how should grantmaking prioritize addressing them?
• How do you build and maintain relationships with grantees and partners, especially in a remote setting?
• Can you provide an example of a written donor recommendation you've crafted? What made it effective?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic statements about peace and security without linking them to AI and great power conflict specifically.
• Don't overlook the importance of cost-effectiveness analysis; failing to mention your quantitative skills can be a miss.
• Avoid appearing rigid or uncomfortable with ambiguity, as the role emphasizes adaptability and proactive decision-making.