The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) seeks to hire for the following positions:

• All candidates should send their applications, with relevant documents to: recruitment@dohainstitute.org
• See bellow for job descriptions and requirements.

1. Research Assistant – Job Description

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Assistant provides research assistance for CHS staff as directed by the Center’s Director. The RA undertakes all work in English and Arabic as required. This position is based in Doha, Qatar. The term of appointment will be for 1 year with possible renewal.

Research work

• Conduct substantive work and research as requested under the direction of CHS Director
• Work with the Director and CHS Senior Research Fellows to help identify research priorities and conceptualize and design research projects
• Provide editorial input to scholarly drafts and articles, assist in ensuring the professionalism and accuracy of publications, updates and check existing data and footnotes, copy edits, and proofreads as needed
• Stay up-to-date on conflict and humanitarian issues facing the Middle East and North Africa region
• Revising and editing reports, letters, website content in Arabic and English
• Collect and analyze information, assemble relevant material including press reports, interviews, government data, and reports from a wide variety of sources including library and internet searches, local media, NGOs, experts, and others in the field
• Write event summary reports, assist in the drafting of grant proposals, and compiling abstracts and summaries.
• Conduct other substantive work as requested
• Provide ad hoc administrative support, maintain files, respond to information requests, perform clerical duties, edit letters, and memos
• Participate in meetings and help organize CHS events as required

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

MA/MSc in development studies, international relations, political science, humanitarian affairs, or a related area with an emphasis on conflict and humanitarian issues facing the Middle East and North Africa region. BA in a social science-related discipline. Strong academic record with outstanding research, writing, and analytical skills.

Skills

• Extremely strong writing and editing skills in English and Arabic
• Background in and understanding of the socio-economic and geo-political issues facing the Middle East
• Ability to work in a team
• Strong qualitative research, writing, and editing abilities
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Proficiency in internet research and the use of database programs
• Ability to prioritize in a heavy workload environment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel required

Personal Attributes

• Motivated and personally engaged in conflict and humanitarian studies
• Culturally adaptable, as evidenced by time spent in diverse cultural environments, particularly in developing countries
• Attention to detail and commitment to high quality
• Ability to plan and prioritize own work in order to meet deadlines
• Willingness to travel internationally as required

2. Research Fellow – Job Description

The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) seeks to hire for the position of Research Fellow. This position is based in Doha, Qatar. Fluency in English is required and working knowledge of Arabic is an advantage. The term of appointment will be for 1 year with possible renewal.

Research Support:

• To undertake research with colleagues on projects led by CHS Director.

• To conduct on-the-ground fieldwork, which could involve collecting data, conducting interviews, liaising and meeting with stakeholders and project partners, providing translation and transcription for the research team where needed, organizing workshops, and training local researchers.

• To prepare and write up research outputs as required by CHS Director.

• The position may entail international travel including to medium-to-high risk areas such as zones of conflict and disaster. The candidate must be prepared to travel at short notice.

Research Management and Administration:

• To develop and apply a good working knowledge of CHS administrative systems, including filing and data protection, to answer queries and resolve problems from colleagues.

• To contribute to the provision of effective and efficient administrative support across the team (including arranging meetings and taking notes, drafting and preparation of documentation, organisation of travel/events).

• The Research Fellow will provide ad hoc support to CHS work and projects as well as the CHS Director.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications:

ESSENTIAL: A Master’s in post-war recovery, development studies, peace and conflict studies, political science, international relations or a closely related field within the social sciences and humanities.

DESIRABLE: A Doctorate in one of the above fields. Specialised knowledge on conflict and post-conflict recovery in Afghanistan.

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge in core areas of CHS interest: post-war recovery, conflict resolution, humanitarian action, and evaluation in conflict zones and/or disasters.
• Knowledge of the workings of international aid and development organisations, including governmental/bilateral (DFID, USAID), non-governmental and inter-governmental (UN, EU) bodies
• Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies, including development methods such as monitoring and evaluation and/or needs assessments

Skills:

• Fluency in oral and written English. Arabic, Pashto, and/or Dari language skills are highly desirable
• Good analytical, writing and editing skills
• Quantitative skills with statistical packages such as STATA, R would be highly desirable
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media
• Good management, organisation, advocacy, and communications skills as demonstrated by previous experience
• Ability to contribute substantively at all stages of the research funding cycle including identifying sources of funding, contributing to the process of securing funds, and developing proposals
• Ability to manage administrative and reporting requirements (including financial reports) of funded research according to the particular specifications of the funder

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent time management
• Ability to work in a team
• Motivated and personally engaged in conflict and humanitarian studies
• Culturally adaptable, as evidenced by time spent in diverse cultural environments, particularly in developing countries
• Attention to detail and commitment to high quality
• Ability to plan and prioritise own work in order to meet deadlines