Call for Applications: APL Affiliate

Purpose:

The Afghanistan Policy Lab (APL) at Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is seeking an Affiliate to conduct research, analysis, and provide strategic support on the subject of peace, national healing, and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Collaborating closely with the Lab's director and affiliate researchers, the affiliate will contribute to the design of policy research initiatives, facilitate relevant panel discussions and roundtable sessions, and draft policy briefs on the subject of peace, national healing, and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Taking a lead role in this area, the affiliate will coordinate related efforts with the support of colleagues at the APL.

Responsibilities:

• Produce a policy research or policy brief on Afghanistan focusing on one of the subjects related to peace, reconciliation and national healing.
• Analyze data, conduct interviews, and synthesize information from various sources for the proposed research or policy brief.
• Present findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers, academics, and practitioners.
• Contribute to the development and design of panel discussions related to the relevant research or policy brief.
• Attend the Lab’s monthly virtual meetings.

Qualifications:

• Candidate must be eligible to be onboarded as an Independent Contractor through the Princeton University Supplier Management Portal.
• Former/current affiliates and Princeton University employees/students are not eligible.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field, such as peace and conflict studies, international relations, public policy, political science, or a related discipline, with a preferred work experience of 7-10 years.
• Demonstrated experience in policy research, analysis, and writing, with a focus on peace, reconciliation, justice, and youth issues in Afghanistan.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information from a variety of sources.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
•  Actively participating in APL’s relevant meetings, seminars, workshops, and other events, engaging in discussions and debates to enhance collaborative learning and exchange of ideas.
• Women and members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
• The candidate is expected to work remotely.

Supervision:

The nonresident affiliate will report to the APL’s director and collaborate closely with other affiliates, faculty, and staff of the SPIA as needed.

Compensation:

Payment of $12,500 will be issued upon completion of the final deliverable. This affiliation is remote, with all communication conducted virtually.  Affiliate is expected to have his/her own computing equipment to complete the responsibilities

Interested candidates should submit their updated resume, a one-page research proposal and a letter of interest by May 15, 2026, through the following application portal system. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Princeton University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. To maximize excellence, we seek talent from all segments of American society and the world, and we take steps to ensure everyone at Princeton can thrive while they are here. That is the sole rationale and purpose of our diversity and inclusion programs, all of which are voluntary and open to all, and which comply with federal and state non-discrimination laws. Princeton does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic, and Princeton does not provide special benefits or preferential treatment on the basis of a protected characteristic.