Researcher, Peacekeeping, Central African Republic

About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international nonprofit with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. CIVIC envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

About the Position

THIS POSITION WILL BE BASED IN BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

UN/PEACEKEEPING PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: CIVIC conducts research to identify gaps, best practices, and lessons learned in providing effective protection to civilians through UN peacekeeping. This includes UN peacekeeping operations’ efforts to protect civilians from other armed actors and to reduce harm that may result from a peacekeeping operation’s presence, activities, and operations. Based on this research, CIVIC undertakes advocacy with national and international stakeholders to address gaps and institutionalize best practices. CIVIC also provides technical assistance to peacekeeping operations and other stakeholders to support them in developing and implementing protection of civilians policies, practices, and tools. In 2022, CIVIC will focus its work on peacekeeping operations in four countries, Central African Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Mali. In addition, CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program undertakes research and advocacy at the UN Secretariat and with UN Member States to advance broader peacekeeping reforms that are essential to the protection of civilians.

JOB PURPOSE: Carry out research, analysis, writing, and advocacy to advance CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program objectives with a particular focus on the UN peacekeeping operation in CAR.

LOCATION: Field-based position located in Bangui, CAR

START DATE: January 2022

TRAVEL: Up to 40% travel (including travel within CAR and to European capitals, Washington DC, and New York)

REPORTING TO: Director, United Nations

STAFF REPORTING: Consultants and interns

Key Functions

Serve as the lead researcher for CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program in CAR with core responsibilities including research, writing, representation, and advocacy; work with the Peacekeeping Program team to advance broader peacekeeping reforms that are essential to the protection of civilians in conflict; work with the Director, UN/Peacekeeping and Peacekeeping Program team to develop and measure the impact of the Program’s strategy; and contribute to proposal development and funder outreach.

Job Responsibilities

• Per CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program objectives, conduct desk and field research in CAR to inform policy, and practice recommendations;
• Develop and implement in-country communication and advocacy strategies and contribute to an international-level advocacy strategy to meet CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program objectives;
• Lead on drafting research methodologies, reports, policy briefs, advocacy talking points, op-eds, blogs, articles and other written products related to the implementation of CIVIC Peacekeeping Program objectives in CAR;
• Represent CIVIC at meetings, in coalitions, and with media contacts in CAR;
• Identify and build a network of diverse stakeholders in CAR to advance CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program objectives, including with conflict-affected communities, civil society organizations, international NGOs, the UN peacekeeping operation, UN representatives, the diplomatic community, media outlets and reporters, experts, and officials in the CAR government and security forces;
• Identify, recruit, and manage research consultants in CAR that are willing and able to travel to cities outside Bangui (depending on safety and security);
• Work with the Director, UN/Peacekeeping and the Peacekeeping Program team to develop monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes and to monitor and report on the impact of CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program activities in CAR;
• Work closely with CIVIC’s Peacekeeping Program team to develop and implement strategies to advance broader peacekeeping reforms that are essential to the protection of civilians in conflict;
• Contribute to CIVIC’s ongoing Peacekeeping Program planning and CIVIC’s overall organizational strategy by consulting with staff, partner, and other interested parties;
• Serve as primary contact for national authorities and ensure administrative compliance with national legislation;
• Comply with and implement CIVIC’s security procedures and protocols;
• Travel regularly — sometimes with CIVIC staff, consultants, or other key stakeholders — within CAR and to European capitals, Washington DC, and New York;
• Identify new partnerships with like-minded NGOs and actors in the field;
• Contribute to Peacekeeping Program-related fundraising; and
• Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals.

Requirements

• A. in international affairs, political science, African studies, or related area;
• MA, MS, JD, or PhD preferred;
• Fluency in French and English required;
• Minimum 3-5 years relevant full-time staff level work experience required (minimum 3 years with graduate degree, minimum 5 years without graduate degree);
• Minimum 1 year relevant field experience, ideally including work in active or recently active conflict zones;
• Demonstrated tireless work ethic with ability to maintain a healthy work/life balance; and
• Passion for CIVIC’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team.

Qualities Sought

• Knowledge of the conflicts, actors, and politics of CAR;
• Knowledge and understanding of the protection of civilians through UN peacekeeping operations;
• Experience conducting conflict-sensitive research in active conflict areas, in particular in CAR;
• Proven ability to articulate research findings and influence decision-makers through written products;
• Ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting project objectives and developing research methodologies and advocacy strategies;
• Ability to work independently and manage project deliverables while working remotely;
• Interest in working with and contributing to a close-knit, remotely-based program team;
• Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment in managing and responding appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure, and insecure context; and
• Willingness to work with diverse stakeholders, including conflict-affected communities, civil society organizations, high-level political and policy decision-makers, humanitarians, and security forces.

Preferred Qualities

• Experience advocating within or to governments or international institutions.