Belgium: Researcher - Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence

Feb 3, 2024 | International Peace Information Service
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International Peace Information Service (IPIS) is an independent research institute based in Antwerp (Belgium), providing governmental and non-governmental actors with information, analysis and policy advice to build sustainable peace and development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The research is centred around four programmes: Natural Resources, Business & Human Rights, Arms Trade & Security and Conflict Mapping.

IPIS is recruiting a researcher, starting as soon as possible

This is a 90% FTE permanent contract. The recruitment will also serve to establish a small recruitment base for additional hirings for long and short term contracts. Therefore, eligible candidates are highly encouraged to participate.

Job description: 

 

Based in the IPIS office in Antwerp, this position will carry out research projects and advocacy activities on issues related to peace, development and human rights. The researcher will disseminate structured information and analysis through written publications, presentations, and policy advice. The researcher will specifically execute research projects related to human rights and environmental due diligence, with a focus on the minerals and arms trade sector.

Position in the organisation: This is a researcher post for an individual who will work both independently and as part of a team. This post holder will report to the director.

Salary: The salary is competitive to the Belgian NGO sector.

Deliverables

  • Deliver structured analysis and policy advice based on desk and field research
  • Disseminate policy advice and recommendations to the relevant stakeholders
  • Develop and deliver capacity enhancement projects with partners in focus countries
  • Secure project funding to ensure the continuity of IPIS’ research projects
  • Perform administrative tasks as needed, such as project management and reporting

Requirements 

  • Master’s degree with a preference for political science, conflict & development, law, governance, or development economics
  • Demonstrated research, analysis and writing skills
  • Experience in developing and delivering training and other interactive information sessions
  • Knowledge and experience of issues pertaining human rights and environmental due diligence, (legal) business and human rights frameworks, conflict and development in fragile contexts. Preferably knowledge and experience in natural resource governance and/or arms trade
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience
  • Excellent verbal and written command of English or French and a good working knowledge of the other language
  • Field experience in sub-Saharan Africa is desirable and willingness to travel to the region to conduct field research is essential
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to show initiative and work both independently and as part of a team
  • Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
  • Willingness to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including NGOs, academic researchers, policy makers, and business actors
  • Permit to work in the European Union

How to apply

Selection process: Please send a recent CV, cover letter and a 700 word writing sample (in English or French) to recruitment@ipisresearch.be before 26/02/2024, 17.00 Brussels time. In the cover letter the candidate should briefly explain the reason for interest in the post, why the would be best suited for the position and why they have chosen the writing sample they have submitted.

Those selected in the initial round of applications will be invited to participate in a home-based written test. The test will be organised in the first week of March. Those candidates with the highest scores in this test will be invited for a panel interview at its offices or online, in the second half of March.

IPIS is an equal opportunities employer. IPIS does not discriminate on grounds of sex, race, ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, age or disability. As such, IPIS welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.