Application Guide
How to Apply for South Asia Program Junior Fellowship
at Stimson Center
🏢 About Stimson Center
The Stimson Center is a nonpartisan think tank focused on international peace and security, known for its pragmatic approach to global challenges. Working there offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy research in South Asia, a region of strategic importance, with a team of respected experts in Washington D.C.'s policy community.
About This Role
The South Asia Program Junior Fellowship is a remote, full-time role supporting research on security, governance, and foreign policy issues in South Asia. You'll assist senior fellows with analysis, report writing, and program coordination, directly contributing to Stimson's influential publications and policy recommendations.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve morning virtual check-ins with D.C.-based team members, followed by independent research on assigned South Asia topics, drafting sections of a policy brief, monitoring regional news sources, and preparing materials for upcoming program events or meetings. You'll likely collaborate via shared documents and messaging platforms while managing your own schedule to meet research deadlines.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Stimson Center Is Looking For
- Recent graduate (MA preferred) in international relations, political science, or South Asian studies with coursework or research focused on the region
- Demonstrated research and writing skills, possibly through academic papers, policy briefs, or previous internship work related to South Asian security issues
- Familiarity with key South Asia policy debates (e.g., India-Pakistan relations, Afghanistan stability, regional economic cooperation) and ability to track regional news
- Self-motivated and detail-oriented, capable of working remotely while collaborating effectively with a D.C.-based team across time zones
📝 Tips for Applying to Stimson Center
Explicitly mention specific Stimson South Asia Program publications you've read in your cover letter (e.g., reports on India's nuclear doctrine or Pakistan's foreign policy)
Highlight any experience with remote research collaboration tools (like Slack, Asana, or shared document platforms) since this is a remote position
Tailor your resume to include keywords like 'South Asia analysis,' 'policy research,' 'stakeholder engagement,' and 'program support' that appear in think tank job descriptions
If you have language skills relevant to South Asia (Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, etc.), list them prominently as they're valuable for primary source research
Complete all required fields in the isolved application system carefully, especially the communication preferences, as think tanks often have strict compliance protocols
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain your specific interest in Stimson's approach to South Asian security (mention their pragmatic, nonpartisan stance)", "Describe one current South Asia policy challenge you find compelling and how you'd contribute to research on it", 'Provide a concrete example of your analytical writing or research on a South Asia-related topic', 'Express your ability to work independently in a remote setting while staying aligned with team objectives']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read recent reports from Stimson's South Asia Program (available on their website) to understand their research focus and methodology
- → Explore the backgrounds of South Asia Program senior fellows to identify potential alignment with your interests
- → Review Stimson's 'South Asian Voices' platform to understand their engagement with regional perspectives
- → Look into Stimson's current projects or grants related to South Asia to see where the fellowship might contribute
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic application materials that don't mention Stimson or South Asia specifically
- Focusing only on academic theories without showing how you'd apply them to current policy challenges in the region
- Failing to demonstrate awareness of remote work discipline and communication practices in a research environment
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Stimson Center!