Research/Study on Civil Society Based Monitoring (CSBM)

Background: JustPeace is seeking a researcher to support the conceptual development of a Civil Society Based Monitoring System (CSBM) as part of its International Peacebuilding Practitioners project. The project aims to establish an active and sustainable network of civil society organizations (CSOs) from the Global South for mutual exchange, learning, and support. The CSBM shall equip civil society actors with tools to enhance the monitoring and evaluation of key trends and shifts in their environments, identifying both risks and opportunities early on. The approach stands in contrast to state-led or international preview systems, which have shown significant limitations in recent crises (e.g., Afghanistan 2021, Sudan 2023). The study’s objective is to identify and critical evaluate existing methodologies and novel or upcoming approaches to monitoring and preview for civil society actors. The findings will serve as a foundation to discuss, develop and implement CSBM tools together with JustPeace’s partner organizations. More information on the International Peacebuilding Practitioners project can be found here: https://www.justpeace.ngo/innovations.

Scope of Work:

• Identification and critical evaluation (e.g., regarding their feasibilities, strengths, weaknesses, and potentials for civil society actors) of
  • (1) existing methodologies and technologies in early warning systems and foresight/monitoring tools accessible to civil society actors (globally, not limited to a context), and
  • (2) novel or upcoming monitoring and preview approaches that have not yet been widely implemented globally, not limited to a context).
• Producing a comprehensive written report in English summarizing findings (length around 20 to 40 pages).
• Presenting and discussing the findings and options for JustPeace and its partner organizations.

Contract & Renumeration:

• The selected researcher will be engaged under a contract for work and services (“Werkvertrag”).
• The total remuneration is 4,500 Euros (all-inclusive). Payment may be divided into installments based on agreed-upon deliverables, to be specified in the contract.

Timeline:

• Application Deadline: November 5, 2024.
• Contract Start Date: November 11, 2024.
• Submission of Report: December 31, 2024.

Candidate Profile:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., social sciences, conflict studies, international relations, or related areas).
• Knowledge or working experience in strategic foresight, early warning systems, or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills and relevant research experience.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working at the intersection of technologies and social sciences, particularly with a focus on conflict prevention and peacebuilding is desirable.
• Familiarity with NGOs and activist movements in local/international peacebuilding is desirable.