The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) is a South African-based civil society organisation working throughout Africa to bring creative African solutions to the challenges posed by conflict on the continent. ACCORD specializes in conflict management, analysis and prevention and intervenes in conflicts through mediation, negotiation, training, and research and conflict analysis. Since 1992, ACCORD has trained over 15,000 people in conflict management and conflict resolution skills, focusing on all sectors: government and the public service, business, military and police, and civil society. The United Nations (UN) has recognized ACCORD’s approach of intervention, research, training and early warning as a viable model for conflict prevention and transformation on the continent.

ACCORD Knowledge Production Department

A position is currently available in ACCORD’s Knowledge Production Department (KPD). KPD’s strategic objective is to establish ACCORD as a positive and constructive learning organisation that enhances policy, research and practice in the field of conflict management. The department works under three overall themes related to ACCORD’s work and to conflict management in Africa:

• Peace agreements and the theory and practice of conflict resolution.
• Development and conflict in Africa.
• Peacebuilding in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Researcher will design, implement and manage research programmes on African peace and security and conflict resolution issues. S/he will contribute to an ACCORD-wide system of knowledge production and research through intellectual and project management leadership. The Senior Researcher will also help to strengthen ACCORD’s publications and generate innovative approaches that can contribute to peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

Requirements

The Senior Researcher must be in possession of an advanced (MA) graduate degree in political science, international relations or a relevant social science field, with a focus on conflict resolution. S/he will have the ability to contribute to research and knowledge production within a complex and diverse environment and possess:

1. an understanding of the African and international field of conflict resolution;
2. a track record in research in diverse settings, including in the domain of applied research; and
3. a record of multiple publications (book chapters, jointly-authored articles).

Candidates with a PhD qualification and strong project management, administrative and organisational skills will have an advantage.

Closing Date

29 May 2009.

If you do not hear from ACCORD by 10 August 2009, consider your application as unsuccessful.

Application

A letter of motivation; curriculum vitae; and 3 references should be submitted as the application for the post. Applicants should also send ACCORD a writing sample of original research. Writing samples should not be more than 5,000 words.

Applications should be sent to:

ACCORD
Human Resource Department
Pvt Bag X018
Umhlanga Rocks
4320
South Africa

Tel: +27 (0)31 502 3908
Fax: +27 (0)31 502 4160

email: recruitment@accord.org.za

ACCORD is an equal opportunity employer.