16 September 2010

Press Release

Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor Call for Researchers 2011

Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor is the research and monitoring initiative of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC). It is the de facto monitoring regime for the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. It assesses the international community’s response to the humanitarian problem caused by landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war (ERW), and reports on state implementation of and compliance with relevant international legal instruments.

Position Summary:

Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor is composed of a network of over 80 primarily in-country researchers, an Editorial Team, and is coordinated by an Editorial Board. Researchers contribute desk and/or field research for reports on countries and other areas included in online country profiles.

Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor is seeking researchers to contribute to its 2011 online Country Profiles (www.the-monitor.org/cp). Researchers are sought to monitor every country in the world. Applicants may apply to conduct research in one country/area or many. Applicants may indicate their preference to cover one thematic area (ie. cluster munition ban policy) or many/all thematic areas that the Monitor researches (cluster munition ban policy, landmine ban policy, mine action, and casualties and victim assistance). Please note that research on all thematic areas is not needed for all countries (ie. no research is needed on casualties and victim assistance in Canada, since Canada is not affected by mines/ERW). See the current online Country Profiles to get a better idea of what thematic areas the Monitor covers for each country/area.

Researchers who have contributed to Monitor reports in the past, as well as researchers new to the initiative are encouraged to apply. All researchers must be from civil society. Applications from individuals working for any government entity will not be accepted. In the past, researchers have included campaigners, journalists, academics, and research institutions.

This position involves part-time research and writing from January-April, and researchers must be available from May-December respond to requests for clarification or additional information during the editing process. All interested applicants should review our previous reports, available online at www.the-monitor.org. Researchers must conduct research and writing to Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor’s rigorous standards.

Major Responsibilities:

• Identify and interview key information sources in government, international organizations, NGOs, mine/ERW survivors, media, and others;
• Monitor and report on national and regional media coverage of the landmine, cluster munitions, and ERW issues;
• Conduct web research on information in the public domain about landmines, cluster munitions, and ERW;
• Conduct field research as necessary and as approved by the Editorial Board; Conduct research interviews at Mine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions-related meetings and forums as necessary;
• Respond promptly and thoroughly to requests for information from the Editorial Team;
• Write research according to Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor’s research and writing style; and
• Submit a first research draft for review by Monday 4 April 2011.

Requirements:

• Availability to conduct research and respond to requests for additional information from January to December 2011;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high quality desk and field research on peace, conflict, development or other humanitarian issues, and knowledge of disarmament issues is desirable;
• Ability to contact and interview key actors including government officials, international organizations, NGOs, and mine/ERW survivors;
• Ability to write clearly and concisely in English or the capacity to translate research materials and communications between English and another language;
• Superb organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Functions well under pressure, can handle numerous tasks simultaneously and excellent time management skills, including the ability to work to tight deadlines;
• Regular (at least once per week) access to the Internet and email;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; and
• Able to travel to relevant international fora and on research field missions as needed.

Application Procedure:

• Submit the following documents to monitor@icbl.org (only electronic applications will be accepted):

1. 1. Completed application form
   2. Updated curriculum vitae
   3. One page professional writing sample

• Applications must be received by Thursday 12 October 2010.
• Telephone interviews and reference checks may be required as part of the selection process.
• All applicants will be notified about the success of their application by 6 December 2010.
• The Monitor is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.