BACKGROUND:
Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict is an NGO network that monitors and reports on violations against the security and rights of children and adolescents in specific situations of armed conflict. Watchlist uses this information to urge action by the UN Security Council, other UN agencies and appropriate governments. Watchlist also provides support to local NGO partners in areas of conflict to build sustainable, grass roots monitoring, reporting and advocacy networks related to violations against children in armed conflicts.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Research Officer is based in New York. The Research Officer’s role is to prepare Watchlist’s “Field Monitors,” which aim to provide regular updates and policy advice based on information from the field to improve national and global policy responses for children affected by armed conflict (CAAC). In line with Watchlist’s strategic goals for the next three years, the Field Monitors will focus on collecting information on grave violations against children in situations of conflict and/or assess the capacity and effectiveness of the in-country Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) and other protection mechanisms set-up to address these violations, with a particular focus on attacks against hospitals and its impact on children in situations of armed conflict.
The Research Officer will oversee all phases of the preparation of the reports (one – two reports per year), conduct extended field missions for child rights research purposes, and develop and implement advocacy strategies around the reports’ release. The Research Officer reports to the Watchlist Executive Director.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
· Recommend country situation to be reviewed for next Field Monitor report, in line with Watchlist’s strategic goals, and in consultation with Watchlist staff, Board and key child protection partners in the field and at headquarters.
· Prepare and carry out one – three field missions per year (up to 15 weeks total) to research grave violations perpetrated against CAAC and, where relevant, assess the effectiveness of current policy and programmatic responses, including the MRM.
· As part of the field missions, gather children’s perceptions of the armed conflict and the impact of related violence on their lives and, where relevant, the effectiveness of protection mechanisms.
· Write Field Monitor reports, following Watchlist’s content, style and format; ensure that feedback from Watchlist staff, Board and other expert stakeholders is integrated into the final version of the report.
· Manage all aspects of final report production, including final content editing, final copy editing, translation(s), design and printing, in close collaboration with Watchlist Program Manager.
· Lead the development and implementation of an advocacy strategy around each report, in close coordination with Watchlist staff and Board. Advocacy activities may include, for example, speaking at press conferences, organizing high-level bilateral discussions, and coordinating UN and NGO roundtables.
· Assess and record the impact of Watchlist’s advocacy around each report and define strategic follow-up activities.
· Contribute to other areas of Watchlist work as appropriate, including contributing to strategic planning, periodic policy papers, lessons-learned documents on the MRM, general communications and fundraising efforts.
REQUIREMENTS:
Master’s Degree in international affairs, international law, political science, or related field.
Minimum 5 years work experience, including at least 3 years progressive human rights/ child rights/humanitarian protection work experience, specifically including research and writing tasks.
Previous experience in human rights monitoring, or field-based work in humanitarian and conflict settings is a plus.
Experience, willingness and ability to travel (up to 15 weeks / year) and work in difficult/remote circumstances.
Knowledge of the UN system, international human rights and humanitarian law, and child rights issues.
Excellent written and spoken English required. Working knowledge of French, Arabic, Spanish or other relevant languages highly desirable. Must be able to read, write, and communicate fluently in English.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to communicate effectively with multiple audiences and to produce persuasive advocacy materials for a range of audiences.
Knowledge on attacks against hospitals / healthcare in armed conflict is a plus.
Ability to work independently and manage complex projects and deadlines involving different partners.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the US. We are an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical condition (cancer-related) or conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions (ARC). Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.
Reports to: Executive Director, Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict
Position: Regular, Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Deadline to Apply: 31 March 2016
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