Position Overview

We are seeking a volunteer researcher for the Central Asia Programme. The role involves researching, analysing, and writing on current regional geopolitical, human rights, and humanitarian issues and contributing to the quarterly Peace & Security Monitor. The role may also involve writing blog posts and contributing to projects when available or appropriate. The role will suit those with a background in international law, international relations or development studies.

Deadline: 15 November 2024

Start date: ASAP

Duration: min. 12 months

Commitment: 5-10h/week, flexible work hours Location: home office(remote)

Remuneration: unpaid (volunteering)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research geopolitical, human rights and humanitarian issues in the region using open-source information and qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
• Contribute a well-written and researched 2,000-word article with actionable policy recommendations for the Peace & Security Monitor quarterly publication, as well as blog posts and other work when appropriate.
• Participate in projects, fieldwork and wider Platform for Peace and Humanity activities when available or appropriate.

Main Requirements:

Mandatory:

• Passion and dedication to the mission and values of the organisation, result-driven commitment, ability to work in an international team and handle uncertain situations with flexibility
• A good understanding of the Central Asia region, including the geopolitical situation and human rights and humanitarian issues.
• A good understanding of international law or international relations at the following level (Master, doctoral candidate or holder of a PhD degree. (Suitably qualified Bachelors will be considered)
• Experience with academic writing and/or academic blog posts
• Very good proficiency in English (C1 minimum)
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to convey complex information and messages in a simple way and easily understood by target audiences
• Ability to meet reasonable deadlines and ability to work in a team

Desirable:

• Entrepreneurial spirit with out-of-the-box thinking to propose new initiatives Willingness to continuously learn and develop new skills
• Previous experience with non-profit organisations and project management

What You Will Get

• One-to-one coaching on academic-policy-security writing
• Flexibility to manage your own time
• Opportunities to represent us at multilateral fora
• Opportunities to use our Platform as a launchpad for your own research
• Bi-monthly training workshops with guests’ speakers (previous speakers include: Phil Tovey (Head of Futures at UK’s DEFA), Ben Ditto (Social Media war correspondent and influencer), Chris Greenway (BBC Monitoring), Prof Pat Jordan (Middlesex University)
• Deeply focused and guided research tasks or complete flexibility to pursue own research interests
• Heavy one-to-one editing process and consistent feedback
• A place on our website