Researcher, Governance Crime and Justice Vacancy

Researcher, Governance Crime and Justice (GCJ) Division Nairobi Office

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is an independent, non – profit applied policy research organization with a focus on human security in Africa. Its mission is to conceptualize, inform and enhance the security debate on the continent. 

The ISS has offices in Addis Ababa, Dakar, Nairobi and a head office located in Pretoria.

The Institute for Security studies is offering an exciting new opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to be based at the ISS office in Nairobi. 

As an integral member of the GCJ team, the researcher will be dealing with broader aspects of research and advocacy projects in the field of criminal justice, policy and practice, tackling corruption and good governance. 

He/she will work closely with a network of African governments, regional organizations, the diplomatic community as well as research institutions.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Work as part of a team under the supervision of the Head of Division and Head of the Nairobi Office to identify critical areas of new research and advocacy to support good governance and improve policy and practice in the broad area of criminal justice
• Conceptualize and develop research proposals and manage research projects
• Proactively initiate, undertake high quality primary and secondary research on Governance, Crime and Justice.
• Convene seminars and experts roundtables and interact with key organizations.
• Have an existing network of contacts and established relationships with relevant stakeholders in government and civil societies in Kenya.
• Have published journal and media writing articles and have experience in editing.
• Grant interviews to media and organize targeted policy briefings to stakeholders.
• Work closely with relevant regional organizations within the region.
• Present research findings at ISS and other relevant forums.
• Actively pursue the exchange and protection of information to ensure effective knowledge management according to ISS’ organizational objectives.

Requirements

• The candidate should have at least a Masters degree in a relevant social science discipline such as International Relations, Political Science, Conflict and Peace Studies, Strategic and Security studies, Law or related qualification;
• A minimum of five years of relevant applied research experience in a policy environment;
• At least three years in managing projects;
• Good analytical research, editing, presentation and writing skills;
• An understanding of the government’s policy-making environment in Kenya, East Africa and the Horn.
• Good publication record on African political dynamics and issues related to human security and governance;
• Ability to undertake networking with academia and other research organisations;

This position includes local and regional travel hence the intended candidate should have capacity to travel extensively in the region in pursuit of research deliverables. 

The length of contract will be for two years and will be renewable subject to future funding.

Salary: Internationally competitive salary offered.

To be considered for this unique and exciting opportunity please apply with a detailed CV including three references and three single authored publications to Ms. Salome Oyoo on email at nairobijobs@issafrica.org. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date: 30 November 2013.

Our mission is to inform and enhance the debate on human security in Africa in order to support policy formulation, implementation and decision making at all levels.

For further details about our many applied research, training and capacity building programmes and projects visit www.issafrica.org