Researchers for the Mediterranean Programme

We are looking for part-time volunteer researchers for our Mediterranean Programme within the Platform. Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator of the Peace & Security Monitor for the Mediterranean Programme and the overall guidance of the Mediterranean Programme Director, the researchers will be an integral part of the Mediterranean Programme’s multi-national research team. The role involves researching, analysing, and writing on current regional geopolitical, human rights, and humanitarian issues and contributing to the Peace & Security Monitor on a quarterly basis. Moreover, the researchers will work closely with Platform’s dedicated editorial team and in a highly collaborative and motivating environment. The role may also involve writing blog posts and contributing to projects when available or appropriate. The geographic areas currently covered in our regional Monitor are North Africa, part of the Middle East, and European countries in the Mediterranean region, including as Greece, France, Spain, and Italy.

Deadline: 20 August 2024

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview expected in the last week of August or the first week of September. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so earlier applications are recommended.

Start Date: ASAP but not later than 1 September 2024

Duration: min. 12 months
Commitment: 5-10 h/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 with well-written and researched 2,000-word articles with actionable policy recommendations for the Peace & Security Monitor quarterly publication, as well as blog posts and other work when appropriate.
• Actively participate in team meetings and training, projects, fieldwork and wider Platform activities when available or appropriate.
• Actively propose topics and ideas for the Monitor and engage in an active relation with the editorial team, including the Programme Coordinator and Director, throughout the preparation period leading up to the next Issue release, in a collaborative manner.
• It is necessary to deliver on time and be active during the period before the release.

Main Requirements

Mandatory:

• Passion and dedication to the organisation’s mission and values, result-driven commitment, ability to work in an international team, and flexibility in handling uncertain situations.

• A good understanding of the Mediterranean 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 research and writing and/or academic blog posts.

• Subject matter familiarity with international humanitarian law, international human rights law,

  and peace and security threats especially affecting the Mediterranean Region.

• Excellent 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 an international, diverse, and collaborative team.

Desirable:

• Experience working with non-profit organisations and international organisations.
• Experience in research and writing in international think tanks, research centres or institutes.
• International experience working in a diverse and multicultural team.
• Experience working remotely in a diverse team.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with out-of-the-box thinking to propose new initiatives.
• Willingness to continuously learn and develop new skills.

Other requirements:

• Data gathering & analysis, literature review, critical assessment.
• Excellent drafting and writing skills.
• Knowledge of current international affairs and international legal issues in the Mediterranean.
• Expertise in one or more of the Mediterranean region countries is considered an asset.
• Ability to prioritise.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office with a preference for Microsoft Teams.
• Professional fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of other languages is considered an asset for access to primary sources related to countries within the Mediterranean region, but not required.
• Demonstrated awareness of multicultural dynamics and the ability to work in a team while establishing collaborative working relationships with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

What You Will Get

• One-to-one coaching on academic and policy recommendations, research, and 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.
• Heavy one-to-one editing process and consistent feedback from our editorial team.
• A place on our website.
• An opportunity to grow within the Platform while working in an international environment.