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Programme Director, Arms Transfers

11:11:00 AM
SIPRI seeks a Programme Director to lead its Arms Transfers Programme.


Context

Established in 1966, SIPRI is consistently ranked as one of the world's top think tanks. The institute is dedicated to independent research into peace, conflict and security and is known worldwide for its flagship publication, the SIPRI Yearbook, and its databases. SIPRI is based in Stockholm with presences in Beijing and Washington, DC, and well-established, on-the-ground partnerships and operational networks across the globe. The staff of SIPRI is international and the working language is English. In recent years SIPRI has expanded its staff and budget while building a dynamic research and outreach agenda that reflects the fast-changing international security order.
The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database is the only freely accessible database world-wide providing information on all international transfers of major conventional weapons since 1950. Monitoring and analysing the dynamics and impacts of international arms transfers has always been at the core of SIPRI’s research agenda and remains the basis for the work of the Arms Transfers Programme. The programme also conducts policy-relevant research and capacity-building activities to strengthen and develop international, regional and national standards for controlling international arms transfers and preventing and combatting arms trafficking. Recent projects have provided input to the negotiations on the Arms Trade Treaty, reviewed measures for strengthening transfer controls for small arms and light weapons (SALW), and analysed states’ submissions to the OSCE Information Exchange on SALW. A related project at SIPRI tracks the top 100 arms producers worldwide.


Tasks and responsibilities

The incoming Programme Director will be responsible for:
(a) leading, recruiting, retaining and developing a respected team of researchers;
(b) developing and implementing an innovative and policy relevant research and outreach agenda, including the maintenance and development of the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database;
(c) acquiring and implementing external research and policy grants to fund these activities;
(d) overseeing the programme’s publishing activities, including contributions to the SIPRI Yearbook;
(e) networking with key donors, policymakers, partners and the media to disseminate the programme’s research and policy findings; and
(f) contributing to overall SIPRI activities.
These responsibilities will be managed in cooperation with the programme team, senior management and SIPRI’s external partners.
We are looking for exciting ideas for this important research area and encourage applicants to propose their own way forward, including new topics and methodologies for the relevant data sets maintained by SIPRI.

Eligibility requirements

SIPRI is looking for a dynamic individual with the potential to lead and further develop a world-class research and outreach programme. Applicants should have demonstrated strong leadership and project management skills, a track record in working with relevant data, and a detailed understanding of national, regional and international policy debates and processes in the field of arms transfers. A proven ability to raise funds will be a key evaluation criterion for the selection of the Programme Director.
Additional prerequisites include:
(a) a graduate degree (preferably a PhD) in political science, international relations, security studies, economics or other relevant discipline;
(b) at least five years of professional experience in the field of arms transfers as a researcher, analyst or policy maker;
(c) excellent communication skills;
(d) some experience in dealing with the media; and
(e) fluency in English (prior knowledge of Swedish is not required).
SIPRI is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.
The appointment will be for two years initially and is renewable. The post is full-time and the successful applicant will be expected to reside in Stockholm. The salary package will be negotiated individually.
An appointment as an adjunct professor at a university in the greater Stockholm region may be negotiated individually should this suit the profile and interests of the successful candidate.

How to apply

To apply, send a short cover letter; your curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and a list of previous and current grants held; two samples of recent relevant work; a two-page proposal for the future agenda in data, research, fundraising and advisory work for the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme; and the names of three potential referees to  The initial closing date is 29 November 2013. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Further information about the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme can be found on our website. For confidential enquiries contact Professor Tilman Brück, Director () or Helena Berger, Human Resources Officer ().


Trade Union representatives

The trade union contact persons at SIPRI are David Prater for ST () and Theresa Höghammar for SACO ().

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