Howard S. Brembeck Fellow on Afghanistan

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you! Join the Afghanistan Program for Peace and Development (AfPAD) and play a pivotal role in advancing global peacebuilding efforts. Founded in 2021, AfPAD works at the intersection of scholarship, policy, and practice—collaborating directly with individual practitioners, scholars, organizations, and international governments to cultivate lasting peace in Afghanistan. Housed within the world-renowned Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the Keough School of Global Affairs, the Brembeck Afghanistan Research Associate (RA) serves as a vital strategic bridge between AfPAD and key international institutional partners. In this multifaceted position, you will lead high-impact institutional coordination, oversee international dialogue and event initiatives, and deliver critical research support to ongoing peace projects. Key Responsibilities: - Strategic Institutional Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between AfPAD and core partner universities, fostering strong collaborative networks and driving joint initiatives forward. - Event & Dialogue Management: Lead the planning, management, and execution of high-level dialogue series, international workshops, and academic events. - Research Support: Provide rigorous research and analytical assistance across ongoing and emerging AfPAD peacebuilding projects. - Cross-Disciplinary Engagement: Work constructively within multi-disciplinary teams to translate programmatic goals into actionable, timely outcomes. Education & Academic Background - Minimum Required: Master’s degree in Peace Studies, International Relations, Global Affairs, or a closely related discipline (or Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience / advanced professional certification). - Preferred: Ph.D. in a relevant discipline.Professional Experience - 3 to 4 years of progressively responsible experience in program coordination, academic research management, or international education initiatives. Key Skills & Core Competencies - Cross-Cultural Communication & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively across diverse international, academic, and multidisciplinary contexts. - Organizational & Priority Management: Proven track record of managing competing projects simultaneously and delivering high-quality outcomes under tight deadlines. - Teamwork & Adaptability: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a collaborative, proactive approach to problem-solving and navigating evolving operational workflows. - Intellectual Curiosity: Continuous drive to learn new subject areas, international development concepts, and administrative systems.  Work Authorization without Visa Sponsorship Required This position will be accepting applications until November 15, 2026.   The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.