Russia, Belarus Researcher – REMOTE

About the organization

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) is a research project which records, publishes, and analyzes disaggregated data on violent political conflict. The data is publicly available along with information about the project at www.acleddata.com. The data is used for a range of purposes, from academic research on dynamics of conflict to informing diplomatic policy, and humanitarian and development work in conflict-affected contexts.

The role

ACLED is recruiting one Russia and Belarus Researcher to assist in the collection, review, and management of political violence and protest data across Russia and Belarus, with a possibility of additional assignments covering other countries in Europe. Researchers are expected to be available to work at least 30 hours a week. This position is fully remote and can be done from any location with reliable internet service. This role will require a researcher to submit deliverables weekly on Saturdays/Sundays. This is a contractor position.

Collection of data is conducted by reviewing news, international organization, NGO and security reports concerning the assigned countries, and recording the incidents of political violence into an Excel template. Researchers will focus on coding events to provide holistic coverage of current political violence, ranging from protests to battles.

Review and management of data involves ensuring the quality, consistency, and reliability of the data produced. The role provides team members with experience conducting detail-oriented tasks and producing and managing quantitative data.

Specific roles and responsibility:

Candidates who are selected will undergo extensive ACLED training. The training consists of several exercises. Candidates’ exercises will be scrutinized and only those who are performing at the required level will be retained as Researchers.

For those selected, the initial consultancy period will be from July 2024 to June 2025. After this, continuation may be possible, pending performance and availability of funding.

Please note that this position involves working with conflict-related media and reading about violent events.

Remuneration:

Remuneration is 20 USD per hour.

Skills and competencies:

• University degree in conflict studies, peacebuilding, international development, or related field;
• Familiarity with Excel (essential);
• Fluency in English (essential);
• Fluency in Russian (essential);
• Fluency in reading Belarusian (preferred);
• Fluency in reading Ukrainian and/or other European languages (advantage);
• Experience conducting desk-based research;
• Experience working to deadlines with limited supervision;
• A high level of attention to detail and the ability to receive and incorporate feedback;
• Access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, email, and a recent version of the Microsoft Office Suite;
• Research focus or professional experience in conflict research or peace-building in Eastern Europe generally, or country-specific studies focused on Russia and Belarus is a strong advantage;
• Research focus or professional experience in media monitoring, political violence studies or related areas is advantageous.