Internship, Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis

Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

ISS-IDRC Internship opportunities

Two positions, Addis and Cape Town Office

(Deadline for application: 14^th May 2012)

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is a pan-African established think tank working in the area of African human security. Its objective is to mainstream human security perspectives into public policy processes and to influence decision makers within Africa by providing timely, empirical research and contextual analysis of relevant human security issues to policy makers, area specialists, advocacy groups, and the media. The work of the ISS is organized through five Divisions (Governance and Corruption, Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis, Conflict Management and Peacebuilding, Transnational Threats and International Crimes, Crime and Justice,) and four Regional Offices (Cape Town, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dakar). ISS, in partnership with Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), offers 2 internship positions: 1 at Addis and 1 at Cape Town. Each intern will be placed under the direct supervision of a Senior Researcher. The Intern based in Cape Town Office, will work in the Division of Governance and Corruption (G&C), and will be mentored by a senior researcher from that Division, while the Addis Office based one will work in the Division of Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis (CPRA) and be mentored by a senior researcher from the Division.

Principal duties and responsibilities

• Assist the Senior Researcher with background research;
• Design and undertake desk and field research, under the mentorship of a Senior Researcher, and publish ISS papers as appropriate (ISS Today, Policy brief);
• Attend specific seminars/workshops/conferences and prepare relevant reports;
• Prepare minutes of specific meetings as per the senior researcher’s guidelines;
• Summarize discussions from the Situation room morning briefings;
• Produce scientific articles on one of the thematic subjects mentioned above, under the supervision of the senior researcher;
• Any other tasks assigned by the Senior Researcher.

Qualifications

The candidates should:

• Be nationals from francophone West African countries;
• Be aged of less than 30 years;
• Have at least a Master degree in Politics, Law, International Relations or in related fields;
• Be well organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in Governance, Security and Justice issues;
• Have followed relevant coursework and (previous research experience is highly desirable);
• Have a high proficiency in English (writing and speaking). Interview will be conducted in English and a written test will be performed;
• Have computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, Excel, Internet applications, Power point);
• Be able to work under pressure and in a multicultural environment.

The ISS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving employment equity in the workplace. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duration:

The internships will each be for an initial period of six (6) months, with the possibility of extension to 12 months, depending on programme needs and funds availability. The interns will perceive a stipend equivalent of USD 952 per month. Accommodation and return air ticket in economic class, by the most direct flights from and to the countries of origin will be provided. The interns will ensure that they have appropriate entry visa in the country of internship. The ISS will assist in securing a stay visa for the duration of the internship.

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should forward letters of application, accompanied by a CV and three references to: Mr Isaac Sihadi on email at pretoriajobs@issafrica.org no later than May 14, 2012.

The Institute will only contact short-listed candidates for interview. Interviews will take place in the last week of May 2012. The name of the selected candidates will be announced around June 2^nd 2012

Assumption of duties:

The assumption of duties is planned for June 11^th 2012.