Senior Researcher & Project Coordinator at Institute for Security Studies

Duration: 18 months (May be renewed subject to funding and satisfactory performance)
Travel Activity: Extensive Travel

Job Description

• The ISS is seeking an experienced Senior Researcher & Project Coordinator to coordinate the ENACT project’s contribution to the OCWAR-T project. The latter project supports the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to enhance analytical capacity and evidence-based research on organised crime and illicit trafficking in West Africa, with an emphasis on supporting local and regional institutions and civil society organisations.
• The position will be based in Abuja and will be supported through the ISS ENACT’s Regional Organised Crime Observatory for West Africa, in Dakar. 
• The ENACT project at the ISS aims to enhance Africa’s response to transnational organised crime. ENACT is helping to implement the Organised Crime: West African Response to Trafficking (OCWAR-T) project commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office and co-funded by the EU.
• ENACT’s OCWAR-T work is jointly implemented by the ISS and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC).

Overview of Duties

• Coordinate the establishment and maintenance of a network of organised crime research organisations for West Africa that include intergovernmental institutions, civil society, academic and research institutions
• Establish good working relationships with the ECOWAS Commission and national government agencies of ECOWAS member states
• Coordinate evidence-based research on the illicit markets of common concern at regional and national levels
• Coordinate regular, timeous engagements with key regional and national entities to promote the combating of transnational organised crime in the region
• Contribute to capacity building activities with key institutions in West Africa
• Engage proactively with the media
• Monitor and report on key elements of the programme
• Work as an integral part of the ISS and GI-TOC implementation team
• Contribute to the effective implementation of the memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the ISS and ECOWAS

Overview of Requirements

• A Master’s Degree or higher qualification in political science, international relations, law, or any other relevant discipline.
• At least 7 years relevant work experience in research and policy, with at least 3 years producing outputs on transnational organised crime, crime and security, customs, and corruption.
• Track record of establishing and working with networks, preferably regional or multi-national.
• Proficiency with online platforms for networking and maintaining engagements
• Demonstrable written and policy engagement related directly to transnational organised crime in West Africa.
• Experience of working with high-level decision makers in regional and international institutions.
• High proficiency in French and English, with demonstrated experience in both spoken and written outputs in both languages.
• Strong communications track record with media and research organisations in West Africa (more than 3 countries, preferably Franco- and Anglophone).
• A demonstrable track record of engagement in security policy issues in West Africa, including access to relevant networks with regional institutions
• Experience and understanding of the political integration and the policy-making issues and processes (national and regional) in West Africa.
• Ability and experience to work independently and remotely and be able to deliver on multiple priorities.
• Track record of innovative problem-solving in complex regional contexts to ensure programme delivery.