Feb 26, 2016

Program Manager Human Security Survey (0,8 fte)



Employer:  PAX
Location: Utrecht, The Netherlands
Closing date: 01 Mar 2016


PAX works with civilians and partners in areas of conflict to protect human security, to prevent and end armed violence, and to build peace with justice. PAX operates independently of political interests.

The need for the protection of civilians in armed conflict is clear, but effective ways to organize protection are few and far apart in today’s violent conflicts. PAX aims to include the voices and capacities of civilians in the debates and actions of international actors in conflict. With that in mind, PAX developed a ‘Human Security Survey’ methodology to enable civilians to directly advocate for and hold to account the actors capable of providing protection. This research and advocacy program is part of the recently established Protection of Civilians (PoC) department within PAX.

To increase our population survey and data analysis capacity and to increase the number of research locations in the Middle East, we are looking for a

Program Manager Human Security Survey (0,8 fte)

More specifically, we are looking for an experienced human security researcher with an activist’s appetite for participatory methods in conflict areas, who can collect, analyze and present quantitative data through innovative and convincing presentations.

The Program Manager Human Security Survey (HSS) makes an important contribution to the further development of the research methodology, the establishment and management of research and advocacy networks in new locations (focus on Middle East), inspiring international advocacy on PoC and to provide general advice to PAX on the themes of Human Security and PoC.

The particular objectives of the HSS are to advance joined understanding of local security incidents, perceptions and dynamics; to increase the ‘claim-making capacity’ of civilians to organize protection and hold to account security actors; and to apply this information and subsequent networks to advocate for and monitor activities that claim to improve human security and protect civilians.

The program manager will be responsible for part of the research and advocacy efforts within the HSS team and for contributing to the PoC’s department overall goals and strategies. The regional focus for the Program Manager HSS will be the Middle East.

Main activities
Further methodology development of the HSS in general and appropriating the research methods into the particular research contexts
Quantitative data collection, management, and analysis
Initiating and managing population-based surveys with partner networks in conflict areas (field work)
Writing accessible reports on the survey results for a variety of audiences
Implementing capacity development with research and advocacy partners, primarily on quantitative research methodologies and data analysis
Advocacy activities to promote the inclusion of civilian voices in PoC debates and activities
Independent management, administration and fundraising for parts of the HSS team within the PoC department

We look for

Required and demonstrable experience

Minimal 5 years of working experience in and/or on conflict
Track record of research and conflict related work in the Middle East
Management and implementation of population-based surveys in conflict areas
Professional level quantitative data analysis
Experience with the organization and management of high quality research on peace and security in challenging environments
Demonstrable ability to link local insights constructively to international policy discussions
Interaction with a variety of (non-state) security actors and/or CIVMIL interactions

Capacities
Professional data analysis in SPSS, Stata or comparable
Ethical approach to research in conflict areas
Strong network skills, eg working with networks in conflict areas in a sensitive but effective manner
Excellent command of English, preferably also Arabic and/or French (both verbal and written)
Excellent presentation skills on highly complex issues
Planning and administration of complex program cycles
Effective fundraising skills

We offer
An interesting position in a dynamic, informal, international working environment with committed and enthusiastic colleagues
Place of employment: Utrecht, The Netherlands, with regular travel to research locations in Iraq, South Sudan and relevant policy locations such as New York and Brussels
Appointment for 28,8 hours per week (0,8 fte), preferably starting April 2016 (or earlier if possible), initially for 11 months, with possible extension
Scale 10 according to PKN terms and conditions of employment, depending on experience, min. € 2.423 - max. € 3.897 gross (based on a fulltime position, 36 hours per week)
8.3% end of year bonus


HOW TO APPLY:

Information and application

Please visit our website for further information on our organization: www.paxforpeace.nl

For questions regarding this position, please contact Hans Rouw (Program Lead PoC) at  rouw@paxforpeace.nl.

Interested candidates matching the profile and requirements are requested to send their CV (max. 2 pages) and a motivation letter (1 page) in English addressed to Hans Rouw, Program Lead PoC, only by using the application form on our website.

PAX is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds that are legally allowed to work in the Netherlands (e.g. holding a work and residency permit for the Netherlands) to apply for this position.

Closing date for reactions to this vacancy announcement is March 1, 2016.

The first round of interviews will be held in week 10 and 12 (March 7 – March 18, 2016).