Job Opportunity: Landmine Monitor Researcher

Landmine Monitor seeks researchers to contribute to its 2009 Annual Report.

Position Title: Landmine Monitor Researcher

Location: Flexible

Reporting Relationships:Reports to Landmine Monitor Project Manager

Contract Period: January-October 2009

Compensation: Range from US$250-4,000

Deadline for Applications: Friday 31 October 2008

Starting Date: Monday 5 January 2009

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) including cluster munitions.

Position Summary:

Landmine Monitor is composed of a network of over 50 primarily in-country researchers, an Editorial Team, and is coordinated by an Editorial Board. Researchers contribute desk and/or field research for chapters on countries and other areas included in the Landmine Monitor Annual Report.

Landmine Monitor is seeking researchers to contribute to its 2009 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 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 research according to Landmine Monitor’s research and writing style;
• Submit a first research draft for review by 1 April 2009; and
• Submit a final research draft by 1 May 2009.

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 (only electronic applications will be accepted):
  • Completed application form
  • Updated curriculum vitae
  • One page professional writing sample
    

• Applications must be received by Friday 31 October 2008.
• Telephone interviews and reference checks may be required as part of the selection process. All applicants will be notified about the success of their application by end of November.
• The ICBL is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Reference Documents:

• Call for researchers
• List of countries/areas in 2009 report