Landmine Monitor Seeks Mine Action Researcher and Editor

JOB DESCRIPTION

ICBL LANDMINE MONITOR

Position Title: Landmine Monitor Mine Action Researcher and Editor

Location: Flexible

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Landmine Monitor Mine Action Team Coordinator

Contract Period: Twelve month contract

Salary: Negotiable

Deadline for Applications: Thursday 8 November 2007

Starting Date: Monday 7 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, to assess the international community’s response to the humanitarian problem caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). The Landmine Monitor project represents the first time in history that NGOs have come together in a coordinated, systematic and sustained way to monitor a humanitarian law or disarmament treaty, and to regularly document progress and problems, thereby successfully putting into practice the concept of civil society-based verification.

Position Summary:

Landmine Monitor is composed of a network of over 70 in-country researchers, an Editorial Team and is coordinated by an Editorial Board. Members of the Editorial Team undertake research, writing and editing of country/area reports for inclusion in Landmine Monitor research products including the Annual Report, Executive Summary, CD-ROM and fact sheets.

The Landmine Monitor Editorial Team is seeking a Mine Action Researcher and Editor to prepare publishable quality reports on mine action for 25 countries/ areas. This will include undertaking desk and field research, coordinating and editing contributions by in-country researchers where relevant, drafting report text, and working with other members of the Editorial Team to edit reports to Landmine Monitor’s rigorous standards.

The Landmine Monitor Editorial Team is decentralized, with staff working around the world. As most Editorial Team members work from home, applicants are required to demonstrate successful experience working with a decentralized team, relying primarily on email for communications.

Major Responsibilities:

Research and Writing

• Conduct supplementary research to complement draft reports submitted by in-country researchers.
• Conduct desk research for reports with no in-country researcher (typically the case).
• 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.
• Use research from in-country research, desk research, field research and interviews at Mine Ban Treaty-related fora and draft the mine action section of reports for 25 countries/ areas.

Editing

• Edit draft report sections before submitting them for final editing, and be available to respond to comments and questions from other members of the Editorial Team throughout the final editing process.
• Edit the mine action sections of reports prepared by other members of the mine action team as part of a peer review process.

Communications

• Provide in-country researchers with the information and resources necessary to conduct their research. Maintain regular communications with in-country researchers and coordinate their research on mine action.
• Maintain regular contact with the Editorial Team and share information, contacts and other resources as needed.

TeamBuilding

• Participate in Editorial Team meetings.

Requirements:

• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Written and spoken competency in either Russian or Arabic is highly desirable; knowledge of other languages, such as Portuguese or French, is an advantage;
• Knowledge of mine action;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high quality research;
• An undergraduate degree in the social sciences, journalism or related work experience;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills;
• The ability to take initiative on projects and work independently;
• Able to work from home and conduct most communications by email;
• Functions well under pressure, can handle numerous tasks simultaneously and excellent time management skills, including the ability to work to tight deadlines;
• Superb organizational skills and attention to detail;
• The willingness to work non-traditional hours as needed;
• Able to travel to relevant international fora and on research field missions; and,
• The ability to be creative, flexible and adaptable.

Application Procedure:

• Send curriculum vitae, letter of application, one page professional writing sample and a list of three professional references to Stuart Maslen, Landmine Monitor Mine Action Coordinator at stuart@icbl.org.
• Only electronic applications will be accepted.
• Applications must be received by Thursday 8 November 2007. Late applications will not be considered.
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.
• The ICBL is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.