Mali: Peacekeeping Researcher 127 views0 applications

THIS POSITION WILL BE BASED IN BAMAKO, MALI

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION: Center for Civilians in Conflict is an international nonprofit with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. Our mission is to work with armed actors and civilians in conflict to develop and implement solutions to prevent, mitigate, and respond civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org

PEACEKEEPING PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: CIVIC conducts research to identify gaps, best practices, and lessons learned in providing effective protection to civilians through UN peacekeeping. This includes UN peacekeeping operations’ efforts to protect civilians from other armed actors and to reduce harm that peacekeeping operations may cause through their own operations. Based on this research, CIVIC undertakes advocacy with national and international stakeholders to address these gaps and institutionalize best practices. CIVIC also provides technical assistance to peacekeeping operations and other stakeholders to support them in developing and implementing protection of civilians policies, practices, and tools. In 2018, CIVIC will focus its work on peacekeeping operations in four countries, Central African Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Mali. In addition, CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program undertakes research and advocacy at the UN Secretariat and with UN Member States to advance broader peacekeeping reforms that are essential to the protection of civilians in conflict.

JOB PURPOSE: Carry out research, analysis, writing, and advocacy to advance CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program objectives with a particular focus on the UN peacekeeping operation in Mali.

LOCATION: Field-based position located in Bamako, Mali

START DATE: Early 2019

TRAVEL: Up to 40% travel outside Bamako required (including travel within Mali and the region and to European capitals, Washington DC, and New York)

REPORTING TO: Director of Peacekeeping

STAFF REPORTING: Consultants and interns

KEY FUNCTIONS: Serve as the lead researcher for CIVIC’s peacekeeping project in Mali with core responsibilities including research, writing, representation, and advocacy; work with the Peacekeeping Program team to advance broader peacekeeping reforms that are essential to the protection of civilians in conflict; work with the Director of Peacekeeping and Peacekeeping Program team to develop and measure the impact of the Program’s strategy; and contribute to proposal development and funder outreach.

QUALITIES SOUGHT:

· Knowledge of the conflicts, actors, and politics of Mali and/or the Sahel region;

· Knowledge and understanding of the protection of civilians through UN peacekeeping operations;

· Experience conducting conflict-sensitive research in active conflict areas, in particular in Mali and/or the Sahel region;

· Proven ability to articulate research findings and influence decision-makers through written products;

· Ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting project objectives and developing research methodologies and advocacy strategies;

· Ability to work independently and manage project deliverables while working remotely;

· Interest in working with and contributing to a close-knit program team;

· Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment in managing and responding appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure, and insecure context; and

· Willingness to work with diverse stakeholders, including conflict-affected communities, civil society organizations, high-level political and policy decision-makers, humanitarians, and security forces.

PREFERRED QUALITIES:

· Experience advocating within or to governments or international institutions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Per CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program objectives, conduct desk and field research in Mali to inform policy and practice recommendations;

· Develop and implement an in-country communication and advocacy strategy and contribute to an international-level advocacy strategy to meet CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program objectives;

· Lead on drafting research reports, policy briefs, advocacy talking points, op-eds, blogs, articles and other written products related to the implementation of CIVIC Peacekeeping Program objectives in Mali;

· Represent CIVIC at meetings, in coalitions, and with media contacts in Mali;

· Identify and build a network of diverse stakeholders in Mali to advance CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program objectives, including with conflict-affected communities, civil society organizations, international NGOs, the UN peacekeeping operation, UN and AU representatives, the diplomatic community, media outlets and reporters, experts, and officials in the Malian government and security forces;

· Identify, recruit, and manage research consultants in Mali that are willing and able to travel to cities outside Bamako (depending on security);

· Work with the Director of Peacekeeping and the Peacekeeping Program team to develop monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes and to monitor and report on the impact of CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program activities in Mali;

· Work closely with CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program team to develop and implement strategies to advance broader peacekeeping reforms that are essential to the protection of civilians in conflict;

· Contribute to CIVIC’s ongoing Peacekeeping Program planning and CIVIC’s overall organizational strategy by consulting with staff, partner, and other interested parties;

· Contribute to Peacekeeping Program-related fundraising;

· Comply with and implement CIVIC’s security procedures and protocols;

· Travel regularly — sometimes with CIVIC staff, consultants, or other key stakeholders — within Mali, the region, and to European capitals, Washington DC, and New York;

· Identify new partnerships with like-minded NGOs and actors in the field;

· In coordination with CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program team, collaborate closely with CIVIC’s Africa Program team to ensure that CIVIC’s work in the two areas are aligned and reinforce one another; and

· Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals.

REQUIREMENTS

· B.A. in international affairs, political science, African studies, or related area;

· MA, MS, or JD preferred;

· Fluency in French and English required;

· Minimum 3-5 years relevant full-time staff level work experience required (minimum 3 years with graduate degree, minimum 5 years without graduate degree);

· Minimum 1 year relevant field experience, ideally including work in active or recently active conflict zones;

· Demonstrated tireless work ethic; and

· Passion for CIVIC’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team.