Arabic-speaking intern for the SIPRI Military Expenditure project

SIPRI is seeking an Arabic-speaking intern for its Military Expenditure project, for 3 months starting ideally in mid-September 2012. The project collects and analyses data on military expenditure worldwide and conducts research on related issues. The internship would suit a student in the final year of a bachelors degree or pursuing a masters degree, or someone who has recently completed a bachelors degree. Application deadline: 28 July 2012

SIPRI is an international research institute conducting research on questions of conflict and cooperation of importance for international peace and security. For information on SIPRI and its research programmes, visit the SIPRI website, www.sipri.org. English is the working language at the institute.

Main tasks

• Gather primary and secondary sources of information on military expenditure in Arabic-speaking countries
• Work with the Military Expenditure Project’s Senior Researcher with responsibility for the Middle East to evaluate this information and to update the SIPRI military expenditure data series for the relevant countries to 2012
• Assist with data entry for the SIPRI Military Expenditure Database
• Code, write brief summary translations and archive Arabic-language articles from electronic and print sources relating to military expenditure in Arabic-speaking countries
• Undertake other tasks relating to the work of the Military Expenditure Project, depending on available time and the intern’s abilities and interests

The intern will also have the opportunity to pursue his or her own research, e.g. in relation to a degree dissertation. He or she will have full access to SIPRI’s print and electronic resources for this.

Required skills and experience

• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Fluency in reading Arabic
• Proficiency and experience in Internet-based research
• Persistence in tracking down sources of information
• Ability to work with basic numerical information
• Computer literacy, e.g. Word, Excel
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in an international environment
• Education to BA level, or in the latter stages of a BA degree, or equivalent
• An interest in issues relating to SIPRI’s work on peace, security, conflict, armaments and disarmament.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Proficiency in written and spoken Arabic
• An interest in working on military expenditure issues
• Experience of working with economic data

SIPRI does not pay interns a salary or housing costs. However, the intern’s travel-to-work costs will be covered up to the monthly cost of a Stockholm regional travelcard (i.e. a monthly SL-kort). Applicants should indicate in their applications that they have their own funding to cover all their costs in Sweden.

To apply:
Applications Applications should include a one-page cover letter in English, describing the applicant’s interest in and suitability for the position. A full CV should also be included, with information about educational background, relevant experience, skills and publications.

Send your CV and covering letter by email to Åsa Agreus, SIPRI Human Resources Officer, agreus@sipri.org.
Include AFMIL2012 in the subject line of your email. Only those applicants who are called for an interview will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 28 July 2012
The internship is for a minimum of three months, starting in or soon after mid-September 2012.

Enquiries to Dr Sam Perlo-Freeman: Tel: +46 8 655 9737; email: perlo-freeman@sipri.org
SIPRI is an equal opportunity employer.