Senior Researcher–Technical Coordinator, Pan-African Programme on Transnational Organised Crime

The ISS is seeking a Senior Researcher–Technical Coordinator for its new Pan-African Programme on Transnational Organised Crime. The incumbent will help develop the project’s research agenda and ensure that research outputs are high quality and relevant to the policy environment.

The senior researcher will also be responsible for coordinating research activities and outputs of programme staff and partners, as well as project management of the workplan. She or he will network with relevant stakeholders to ensure that policy recommendations are practical and relevant, and will work with the project team to disseminate research results via a range of written and digital communication channels as well as briefings, seminars and workshops. The senior researcher will represent the project in African and global policy engagements, and provide media commentary on organised crime.

Applicants must be highly motivated individuals, with proven project management competence and the ability to work under pressure and manage high work volumes. The successful candidate will report to the Programme Head.

About the Pan-African Programme on Transnational Organised Crime

The purpose of the programme is to enhance African capacity to respond effectively to transnational organised crime. The programme will establish five regional organised crime observatories to study transnational organised crime and strengthen policy and interventions in Africa, based on this new analysis.

Key stakeholders and beneficiaries of the programme’s work are African policy makers and practitioners, including the African Union, inter-governmental institutions, and civil society actors, as well as international actors operating on the continent (including the EU), the media, and local communities.

Overview of duties

• Support the the ISS project team and partners to establish and develop an innovative and policy relevant research agenda
• Ensure that the project produces high quality outputs by providing methodological advice and editorial guidance on written outputs to team members and project partners
• Produce timely, insightful, relevant and informative written content
• Convene seminars, closed briefings and expert roundtables
• Network and interact with key organisations and partners
• Conduct regular media interviews
• Work closely with relevant regional organisations
• Present research findings at ISS events and other relevant forums
• Actively pursue the exchange and protection of information to ensure effective knowledge management according to ISS’s objectives

Overview of requirements

• Post-graduate degree (PhD preferable) in a discipline directly relevant to transnational organised crime
• Minimum of 7 years relevant experience in the field of transnational organised crime either as a researcher or policy maker
• Strong knowledge of the African or sub-regional policy environments related to transnational organised crime
• Experience in networking and engaging with senior government and non-government actors in Africa, and globally
• Excellent English and French language skills. The candidate must be fluent in at least one of the two languages and should have a very good command of the other (both written and verbal)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills supported by a publications and public speaking record
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Willingness to travel

The length of the contract will be three (3) years, and may be renewed subject to programme requirements, funding and satisfactory performance. A competitive salary is offered.

HOW TO APPLY:

Email your application to Rekha Valabh at pretoriajobs@issafrica.org. Applicants must provide a cover letter and detailed CV, including at least three contactable referees. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.