Location: London preferred. Remote locations considered
About The Role| The Field Investigator will play a central role in data collection and analysis in support of CAR’s Iraq operation. Reporting to the Head of Regional
Operations, the Field Investigator will work with other colleagues to conduct investigations into:
- Illicit weapon transfers;
- chemical precursors and IED components; and
- related conflict dynamics, logistics, and supply networks
The Field Investigator will also assist with training and technical support to CAR’s
national counterparts. The position requires strong diplomatic skills, political acumen, deep knowledge and respect for local traditions and culture, and the ability to work well as part of a team in a challenging environment.
Strong research and writing skills are required. Technical knowledge in weapons is
valued, but not necessary. The position will require frequent travel, sometimes at short notice, to Iraq and to other austere and hostile environments in CAR’s wider areas of operations.
Responsibilities:
Work with the Head of Regional Operations and other investigative staff to
design and implement strategies to document and trace illicit weapons.
Support the Technical Support Unit and Head of Regional Operations in the
design and delivery of bespoke training and technical support to CAR’s
national counterparts.
Liaise with the Tracing and Analytics Units to trace illicit weapons while
protecting CAR’s operations and access in Iraq.
Populate CAR databases and prepare trace requests to national governments
and manufacturers.
Write internal and external briefings and reports to communicate investigative
findings to internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in closed-door meetings and public briefings with government
officials and policy makers.
Support fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Head of Regional
Operations and Directors.
Comply with evidence management standards, including the management
of interview records, physical items, documents, and digital evidence.
Demonstrate utmost discretion and political acumen in building and preserving
CAR’s relationships with national and international stakeholders.
Personal Specification
Experience:
At least 5 years’ experience conducting research and/or investigations relating
to weapons, armed conflict, terrorism or other national security issues.
Native or native-level fluency in the written and spoken Arabic of Iraq and/or
neighbouring countries.
Proven experience and strong ability to manage sensitive, diplomatic
relationships in the senior leaders in government, military or non-state armed
groups.
Experience in and a desire to work in austere or hostile environments, often at
short notice.
Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Experience developing and implementing investigative or research strategies,
including key source interviews and sensitivity in managing such data and
relationships.
Ability to communicate investigative findings through written reports, data
visualisations, and oral presentations.
Proven collaborative teamwork spirit.
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Strongly desirable:
Proven experience working in Iraq or Syria, in the Arabic language.
Specialist weapon knowledge and/or strong interest in supply chains,
international trade and trafficking, counter-proliferation, counterterrorism, or
armed groups.
Ability to identify and obtain non-public information, documentation, and
evidence.
Demonstrable interest in international relations, conflict, national security,
investigative journalism, or a similar discipline.
Experience of building and interrogating large datasets.
Other:
Willingness to travel overseas, typically for 1-3 weeks at a time regularly
throughout the year, often at short notice.
Can be trusted to work remotely without constant direct oversight.
The ability to show initiative and solve complex (often sensitive) problems, in
high intensity, potentially hostile, environments.
Employment Terms:
Probation: Three months.
Duration: Permanent full-time.
Location: Based within commutable distance to London, though remote working will be considered for the right candidate. If working remotely, candidates must provide proof of legal working status in their country of residence.
Holidays: 30 days per year (Jan to Dec) in addition to all statutory holidays in your
country of residence.
Hours: The standard working week is 40 hours, but on some occasions, particularly whilst in the field, staff will be required to work longer days and through weekends.
How To Apply:
Please email your CV and a cover letter detailing how you meet the above
criteria to: xxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxx.com
(Email is available to Subscribers /Members ONLY )