Landmine Monitor Seeks Researchers

ICBL LANDMINE MONITOR

Position Title: Landmine Monitor Researcher

Location: Flexible

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Landmine Monitor Project Manager and Thematic Coordinators

Contract Period: January-October 2008

Compensation: Negotiable

Deadline for Applications: Friday 30 November 2007

Starting Date: Wednesday 2 January 2008

Landmine Monitor is the research and monitoring initiative of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and the de facto monitoring regime for the Mine Ban Treaty. It monitors and reports on States Parties’ implementation of and compliance with the Mine Ban Treaty, and more generally, assesses the international community’s response to the humanitarian problem caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).

Position Summary:

Landmine Monitor is composed of a network of over 70 primarily in-country researchers, an Editorial Team and is coordinated by an Editorial Board. Researchers contribute country report desk and/or field research for inclusion in Landmine Monitor Annual Report.

Landmine Monitor is seeking researchers to contribute to its 2008 Annual Report. Researchers who have contributed to Landmine Monitor reports in the past, as well as researchers new to the initiative are encouraged to apply.

All researchers must be from civil society. Applications from individuals working for any government entity will not be accepted. In the past, Landmine Monitor researchers have included ICBL campaigners, journalists, academics and research institutions.

This position involves part-time research and writing from January-April, and researchers must be available from May-October to respond to requests for clarification or additional information during the editing process. All interested applicants should review our previous reports, available online at http://www.icbl.org/lm. All researchers must conduct research and writing to Landmine Monitor’s rigorous standards.

Major Responsibilities:

• Identify and interview key information sources in government, international organizations, NGOs, landmine survivors, media and others;
• Monitor and report on national and regional media coverage of the landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) issues;
• Conduct web research on information in the public domain about landmines and ERW;
• Conduct field research as necessary and as approved by the Editorial Board;
• Conduct research interviews at Mine Ban Treaty-related meetings and forums as necessary;
• Respond promptly and thoroughly to requests for information from the Editorial Team;
• Write draft reports according to Landmine Monitor’s research and writing style;
• Submit a first research draft for review by 15 April; and,
• Submit a final research draft by 15 May.

Requirements:

• Availability to conduct research from January to April 2008;
• Availability to respond to requests for additional information from May to October 2008;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high quality desk and field research on peace, conflict, development or other humanitarian issues, and knowledge of disarmament issues is desirable;
• Ability to contact and interview key actors including government officials, international organizations, NGOs, and landmine survivors;
• Ability to write clearly and concisely in English or the capacity to translate research materials and communications between English and another language;
• Superb organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Functions well under pressure, can handle numerous tasks simultaneously and excellent time management skills, including the ability to work to tight deadlines;
• Regular (at least once per week) access to the Internet and email;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; and,
• Able to travel to relevant international fora and on research field missions as needed.

Application Procedure:

• Submit the following documents to lm@icbl.org:

• Completed application form
• Updated curriculum vitae
• One page professional writing sample
• List of three professional references

• Only electronic applications will be accepted.
• Applications must be received by Friday 30 November 2007. Late applications will not be considered.
• The Landmine Monitor Editorial Board will review and take decisions on applications in early December. A telephone interview and reference check may be required.
• All applicants will be notified on the outcome of their application by Friday 21 December.
• The ICBL is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.