Secure World Foundation Winter 2019 Internship

Monday, January 21, 2019

The Secure World Foundation (SWF) is a private operating foundation that promotes cooperative solutions for space sustainability and the peaceful uses of outer space. The Foundation acts as a research body, convener, and facilitator to promote key space security and other space-related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.

SWF is looking for a motivated candidate to support a research project on the use of terminology in the commercial / private space sector domain. Specific research topics to be explored include:

• Identifying the current lexicon used in the commercial sector used to describe space activities and objectives
• Developing a typology of government and private sector interactions in the marketplace, clarifying the intent of those interaction types; what commonality in “interaction types” is there across different national jurisdictions / economic systems
• Understanding the degree to which common terms are / are not important in achieving positive benefit from further commercial activities in space and in establishing supportive and appropriate regulatory frameworks.

The fellow will perform the below duties as a key member of the research team including external partners at the Caelus Foundation. This position reports to Ian Christensen, Director of Private Sector Programs, and will be based out of SWF’s Headquarters in Broomfield, CO.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform research tasks (e.g. literature review, structured interviews) for a white paper on how common understanding of certain terms and definitions are important to achieving or promoting stability and growth in the space domain;
• Compile data and other research inputs;
• Conduct background research;
• Assist in drafting white paper content &  material;
• Assist in proofreading of the report
• Manage and respond to project-related email.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled in graduate degree program or possess commensurate experience;  (exceptionally qualified undergraduates may be considered)
• Knowledge of or interest in commercial space activities  or related discipline; academic background in business or economics preferred
• Experience in conducting open-ended research interviews preferred;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Strong interpersonal skills, a flexible attitude, and experience working as a member of a diverse, geographically distributed team;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and ability to perform professionally in English;
• Authorized to work in the United States; and,
• Good computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office products (preferably including Publisher or other desktop publishing software), and experience with electronic collaboration tools.

You will be paid at an hourly rate of $15.00, subject to lawful withholdings and deductions, working for a maximum of 24 hours per week. The total duration of this internship will be three months.

Qualified candidates, please send a cover letter and your resume outlining your work experience, education, and other skills to jobs@swfound.org. Title the subject line of your email: COMX Intern. No phone calls, please. Deadline for applications is February 11, 2019, but earlier submission is encouraged. Start date is negotiable but ideally would be in March 2019.