Researchers, ENACT organised crime project-based in Pretoria, Yaoundé, Abidjan, Nairobi, Tunis at Institute for Security Studies

The ISS seeks to appoint five researchers to the ENACT project’s Regional Organised Crime Observatories (ROCO). The researchers will be based in Pretoria, South Africa; Yaoundé, Cameroon; Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire; Nairobi, Kenya; and Tunis, Tunisia.

The ENACT project aims to enhance Africa’s response to transnational organised crime, through research, advocacy and evidence-based policy interventions.

The successful candidates will be responsible for research, monitoring regional trends, networking with stakeholders and project partners, and representing the project at meetings and events to promote research findings and policy interventions. Researchers will keep abreast of organised crime problems, actors and responses at national and regional level, and identify priorities for research and action. Researchers will also support capacity building and technical assistance for regional actors.

Applicants must be highly motivated, proactive and able to work under pressure. Good writing skills and an ability to respond quickly and manage time effectively are essential.

Overview of duties

• Conduct thematic, methodologically rigorous research on topics agreed with the ENACT team
• Write up research findings in ENACT’s required long and short formats
• Support the ROCO Coordinator to build networks and maintain relationships with key stakeholders like the AU, government officials, EU, civil society and the media
• Actively disseminate research findings through organising meetings, briefings and seminars to selected audiences
• Gather and share regional and national information with the project team
• Identify policy support and implementation needs of stakeholders, including capacity building, and work with project team to deliver assistance
• Maintain a current understanding of regional and national organised crime developments, responses, actors, and identify priorities for research and action
• Undertake monitoring, evaluation and communications activities, as required by the project
• Ensure that all expenditure (travel, procurement and sub-contracting) complies with required financial rules and procedures

Overview of requirements

• Post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as political science, criminology, development studies, public management, international relations
• At least 5 years’ experience in research, journalism, policy support or technical assistance relating to inter-governmental institutions in the specified region
• Demonstrable record of publications, e.g. journal articles, newspaper reports, project reports, website publications
• Demonstrable record of knowledge relating to transnational organised crime, or a related field, in the specified region
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English and French (for posts in Abidjan, Yaoundé and Tunis)
• Demonstrable record of excellent interpersonal and networking skills, including the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and to establish effective working relationships with a diversity of stakeholders
• An existing network among the project’s stakeholders; networks in organised crime or related fields will be an advantage
• Ability to travel within the region and internationally

The length of the contract will be for 18 months, from 1 June 2018 (or earlier) to December 2019, and may be renewed subject to project requirements, funding and satisfactory performance. A competitive salary is offered.