JD Senior Research Officer.pdf - International Alert

JOB DESCRIPTIONJob TitleSenior Research Officer – Gender inPeacebuildingReports toHead of Research – Peacebuilding IssuesProgramme (PIP)Management ResponsibilityPost-holder will supervise consultants andinterns, as and when appropriateJob locationLondonGrade 3.2Salary£35,372 per annumContract DurationOpenEmployment StatusAs it is unlikely that we will be able to obtaina Work Permit for this role, all job applicantsmust already have the right to work in theUK.Job PurposeIn consultation with PIP’s Head of Research, the holder of this position designs andimplements research projects and evidence-based advocacy initiatives. The main focus of theposition until mid 2014 will be to develop and share an evidence base on how integratinggender improves peacebuilding outcomes, which is one of the main planks of a donor grant.The holder also assists with the integration of gender into Alert programmes, with design andimplementation of others’ research, and with the development of a context-based peace andconflict analysis methodology.Duties and Responsibilities1. Conduct research and advocacy to influence policies and practices ofgovernments, IGOs and NGOs, with a particular focus on gender in peacebuilding• Design and coordinate/conduct policy-relevant research on how integrating genderimproves peacebuilding outcomes and develop innovative approaches toconceptualising gender relations and identities and social inclusion;• Design and coordinate/conduct policy-relevant research on other aspects ofpeacebuilding, as agreed with the Head of Research, and with a likely focus onexclusion issues;• Write research reports designed to influence the policy and practice of peacebuildersand of others with an influence on the prospects for peace;• Implement advocacy using the results of the research, through report dissemination,one-to-one meetings, training, attendance at relevant meetings, etc.;• Develop and maintain relations with key stakeholders and interlocutors in order tobuild networks through which to learn and to share advocacy messages.2. Contribute to strategies, approaches and projects designed to address genderissues in peacebuilding and other priority research topics, as and when identified,and contribute to raising funds accordingly• Engage with field programmes and other colleagues to help them integrate gender in

their research, in project designs and project plans;• Working with the Head of Research and the Senior Programme Design andFundraising Officer (SPDFO), contribute to the production of concept notes andproject proposals;• Work with the Head of Research in developing, piloting and implementing contextbasedpeace and conflict research and analysis methodologies which can beimplemented for internal and external clients;• Support Alert colleagues to integrate gender into their project designs and research;• Assist with project M&E as agreed;• Maintain relations with donors and work with colleagues to raise funds for reseachand advocacy initiatives.3. Project implementation and management• Maintain plans for the PPA and other projects as agreed;• Monitor and prepare project reports for internal and external purposes as agreed;• Ensure and implement monitoring and evaluation plan for each project;• Manage budgets up to 150,000 per year, and staff/consultants as appropriate.4. Organisational inputs:• Contribute to the development of PIP’s research strand and the co-ordination ofAlert’s research activities through engaging with internal and external stakeholders;• Work closely with the Communications team on the development of advocacy andoutreach materials to promote research results.• Contribute to team-wide communications and knowledge management, andparticipate in organisation-wide events and discussions on related topics/projects.Travel requirementsThe position involves up to 3 months travel per year. Travel patterns may be irregular,possibly including extended pieces of work lasting around 3 weeks in the field, and shortervisits to conflict locations and international capitals.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTSTalentsAt Alert, we have introduced Talent Management to our business model as we believe talentedpeople are crucial to the success of our work. We believe all individuals are talented andsuccess comes in matching the right talents to the right roles. For this role, the skills,qualifications and experience listed below are important, but we believe that to be great in thisjob you are likely, first and foremost, to have a talent for designing and implementing rigorousresearch programmes.This is what we will be looking for above all else.Post graduate degree in social sciencesExperience of empirical research, data analysis and in writing evidence-based reports andadvocacy materials with practical recommendationsExperience in gender analysis, and a clear understanding that gender in peacebuilding is alarger and wider issues than women’s and girls’ equalityAn empathetic cast of mind allowing him/her to frame recommendations in ways which makesense from the listeners’ or readers’ perspectiveHas worked for an NGO or if not, can demonstrate a good understanding of how NGOs operatePractical and theoretical understanding of peacebuilding , including how gender is integrated intopeacebuildingExcellence in written EnglishExcellent oral presentation, communication and networking skills and inter-personal abilityComputer skills – MS Word, Excel, etcGood team player and comfortable in multi-cultural settingsHas experience in financial managementDESIRABLEKnowledge of the mode of operation of policy-making as the UN, EU and relevant governmentsFluency in a second languageKnowledge of institutional structures of organisations such as the UN, the EU, bilateral donorsand governments in conflict-affected settings

SUMMARY TERMS AND CONDITIONSAnnual SalaryPensionLeave entitlementNotice periodWorking hoursSport’s club membershipThe annual salary for the post is £35,372 per annum (withmore for an exceptional candidate) + benefitsAfter the successful completion of the six months ofemployment the post-holder becomes eligible for Alertpension rights, backdated to the start of employment atAlert. Pension contributions are paid into a personalpension of the employee’s choice and are currentlyequivalent to 10% of gross salary.25 days per year plus English statutory holidays.There will be an initial six months probationary periodduring which notice will be one month on either side. Onsuccessful completion of the probationary period notice willbe three months.Full time staff are expected to work a standard 35 hourweek, with some flexibility around start and finish times tobe agreed with the line manager. All staff are required towork core hours 10am – 4pm.Staff can take advantage of subsidised membership of alocal sports club.