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ACCORD - Research Fellow, Knowledge Production Department

Junior Research Fellow, Knowledge Production Department
Based: Durban, South Africa
Closing date: 16 March 2012
Starting date: April 2012
Reference: KPD-JRF-ACCORD

About ACCORD
The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) is a South Africa-based civil society organisation working throughout Africa to bring creative African solutions to the challenges posed by conflict on the continent. ACCORD’s primary aim is to influence political developments by bringing conflict resolution, dialogue and institutional development to the forefront as an alternative to armed violence and protracted conflict. ACCORD specialises in conflict management, analysis and prevention and intervenes in conflicts through mediation, negotiation, training, research and conflict analysis.

ACCORD is currently recruiting for the position of Junior Research Fellow (full-time) in its Knowledge Production Department. The Knowledge Production Department’s strategic objective is to establish ACCORD as a positive and constructive learning organisation that enhances policy, research and practice in the field of conflict management. The department focuses on topical areas related to ACCORD’s work on conflict management in Africa, ranging across the continuum of Peacemaking, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding, as well as the Theory and Practice of Conflict Resolution.

Tasks & Responsibilities:
The overall tasks of the Junior Research Fellow are – but are not limited to:

• Develop a proposal for contributing to wider knowledge production on the continent;
• Organise an internal seminar on the fellow’s area of research;
• Write a research paper which may be published by ACCORD;
• Assist Senior Researchers with key research initiatives and support them in developing specific research outputs;
• Contribute to drafting concept notes and research proposals;
• Carry out literature surveys, pertinent to the research agenda of the department;
• Assist the department in identifying possible research areas and the surveying of current trends in the field;
• Ad hoc administrative and project management tasks.

Skills & Qualifications:
• Exceptional research, analytical and writing skills;
• Fluency in English;
• Commitment to work in the conflict resolution/management field in the future;
• Familiarity with key African institutions and actors involved in conflict management and peace and security is preferred;
• Appreciation for cross-cutting issues and area expertise in African countries or regions where conflict has/is occurring is also valued;
• Enrolment in master’s level graduate studies; recent graduation (within the last 2 years); or evidence of significant, comparable, relevant work experience;
• Proficiency in another language (French, Arab, Portuguese) is strongly desired;
• Computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

The fellowship will take place over a period of six months, beginning in April 2012, pending availability of the successful candidate. The fellowship is based in Durban, South Africa but may include international travel. The honorarium for the 2012 fellow is R 9,500 per month. In addition, travel costs to and from Durban will be covered.

How to apply:
Please send your relevant English letter of motivation, CV, published research or ten-page writing sample of original research, and references with KPD-JRF-ACCORD in the subject line to: recruitment@accord.org.za

In an effort to build African capacity, scholars from conflict and post-conflict countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

For more information about ACCORD please visit http://www.accord.org.za