POSITION OPENING
Research Assistant: Water, Energy, and Security in Iraq and Jordan

The Strauss Center is seeking a student research assistant on a short-term project investigating the nexus of water, energy, and human security in the Middle East. Water and energy resources are increasingly at the center of a range of security dynamics in the Middle East.

Water and energy infrastructure have become critical tactical assets for new conflict actors, helping shape recent conflict trajectories. In terms of broader regional security, the lack of a multilateral water-sharing agreement in the Tigris-Euphrates basin has allowed regional political tensions to fester over unilateral water development projects. With increasing variability in the water supply, these countries also face near-term threats to their populations’ livelihood security in the form of reduced drought resilience and increased water and food stress. Neighboring Jordan is a critical partner to Tigris-Euphrates basin countries and a primary recipient of refugees from conflict in those countries, all while facing similar biophysical and infrastructure constraints from depleting groundwater resources, greater variability in water from the Jordan River basin, and insufficient energy generation to meet demand. Electricity supply is a constraint in all countries in the region and, while there have been two attempts at regional interconnectivity, these have failed due to conflicts and altering political alliances.

This project will conduct a pilot study on Iraq and Jordan as two countries that are critical to regional security, water, and energy dynamics in the Middle East. The aim is (1) to develop a framework for analyzing the intersection of water and energy security in the Middle East, and (2) to identify prospects for integrated regional water and energy development strategies that promote human security and interstate cooperation and stability. The student research assistant will compile and analyze data on Iraq and Jordan related to:

• Quantitative macro-economic data and its relevance to energy generation
• Water data related to water availability, access, use, and distribution on a sub-national basis
• Local, national, and regional policies impacting water and energy development (such as subsidies, water allocation to the energy sector, etc)
• Energy trade agreements and their relevance to water management
• Trade barriers, quotas, and conventions related to national and regional energy and water management
• Each country’s relationship to international agreements on energy and climate change
• Transboundary supply-and-demand, infrastructure, technology, transmission, and trade in water and energy resources

Students with GIS experience will also collect and map data related to:

• Energy, power, and water sectors in Iraq and Jordan
• Energy infrastructure
• Socioeconomic indicators, migration flows, refugee and IDP flows, and urbanization
• Food security and climate change impacts

Required qualifications:

• Academic or work experience related to the Middle East, water and energy policy, water and energy security, transboundary resource management as opportunities for conflict or cooperation, and/or tracking socioeconomic and security trends
• Knowledge or experience in Jordanian and Iraqi demographics, particularly with respect to religious and sectarian groups, conflict actors, and separatist movements
• Quantitative analysis skills
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Excellent data management and organizational skills
• Preferred experience in ArcGIS and other mapping software
• Preferred Arabic and Kurdish language skills

This is a paid position of 10-20 hours per week, to be determined in consultation with the selected candidate(s). Depending on the skills of the applicants, the position may be divided into more than one position, each at fewer hours per week, to acquire the diverse research, quantitative, GIS, regional, and language skills needed. Candidates with more of these skills will be prioritized.

The position is expected to last for 6-12 weeks in spring 2015, starting in January 2015. The exact start and end dates will be determined with the selected applicant(s). To apply, please send a resume, letter of interest, and three relevant writing samples to Ashley Moran at amoran@austin.utexas.edu. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. We look forward to hearing from you.

For more information on the Strauss Center, please visit www.strausscenter.org.