Researcher, Conflict Prevention and Management in the Great Lakes Region at Institute for Security Studies

• The project aims to enhance conflict early warning capabilities in the region, and involves working closely with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region’s Peace and Security Division.
• The researcher will conduct research and analysis on major peace, security and governance challenges. The findings will inform technical support and capacity-building initiatives, and will be disseminated through reports, articles, seminars and briefings. The researcher will work with a senior researcher to build networks and develop workable policy recommendations.

The position is based in Nairobi, reporting to the project manager.
Overview of duties

• Initiate, plan and undertake primary and secondary research
• Develop policy recommendations
• Disseminate research results in a timely and relevant way to specific audiences through writing, public speaking, briefings, media interviews and policy forums
• Maintain relationships with partners, governments, regional and international organisations as well as relevant civil society organisations
• Help write the annual project report
• Help identify new funding opportunities, draft concept notes and develop new projects

Overview of requirements

• A Master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline such as international relations, journalism, political science, anthropology, development studies, conflict and peace studies, strategic and security studies, law or a related field
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in the peace and security field as a researcher, policymaker or journalist
• Good knowledge of African governance and security challenges and policy frameworks, and an interest in conflict analysis, early warning, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and dialogue
• Good networking and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in partnership with international and continental organisations, governments and civil society
• Knowledge of the workings of the African Union, regional economic communities and other regional intergovernmental structures
• Excellent English and French language skills. Fluency in French is a requirement
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Willingness to travel at short notice