Research Officer

Job Description

Vacancy Code VA/UNOPS/NAO/AoC/5 Post Title Research Officer Post Level A3 Project Alliance of Civilizations Duty Station New York, NY, USA Duration ASAP through 31 December 2007 (initially) **Closing Date 9 July 2007** **Project Background** The Alliance of Civilizations, launched by the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and co-sponsored by the Prime Ministers of Spain and Turkey, responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and to mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions and polarization that militate against such a consensus. The Alliance hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society. The AoC project whose Secretariat is based in New York, NY, is funded by multiple donors and executed by UNOPS. **Duties and Responsibilities** The Alliance of Civilizations requires a Research Officer to assist in website content development, the gathering of information for an Alliance-hosted clearinghouse on intercultural initiatives and the development of a global network of contacts among newspaper, radio and TV editors. The post holder will also carry out background research on a range of organizations with which the Alliance is developing partnerships and provide analysis of global political issues that may impact on the work of the Alliance. Working closely within the Alliance of Civilizations Secretariat team, the Researcher will provide direct support to the Strategic Partnerships Manager, the Communications Specialist and the Website/Clearinghouse Manager. RESPONSIBILITIES - Research and gather a wide range of materials for the Alliance website, including articles, photographs and video clips - Write and edit material for publication on the Alliance website - Coordinate the publication of the Alliance electronic newsletter, including material gathering and content input - Contribute to the development of the Online Clearinghouse by undertaking research and gathering detailed information about a wide range of organizations (including international and regional bodies, civil society groups and foundations) and intercultural initiatives - Assist in development and maintenance of an extensive network of newspaper, TV and radio editors, as well as web-based media networks - Monitor and analyze media coverage of the Alliance of Civilizations and related initiatives - Commission and edit op-ed articles, coordinate their translation in several languages and assist in placing them in a range of publications worldwide - Assist in development of a list of experts who can provide potent analyses of cross-cultural issues to be used by editors and publishers for media interviews - Assist in the drafting and editing of a range of media related material (including press releases, messages and statements) - Provide any other research support the Alliance of Civilizations may require **Required Competencies & Knowledge** - Excellent analytical and research skills - Detailed knowledge of international affairs and current debates on intercultural issues - In-depth understanding of the world of media and public affairs - Excellent writing skills - Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines - Ability to work in a multicultural and international environment **Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language** - Masters Degree in international relations, communications, media, journalism or related field - Minimum of 5 years of experience in research, analysis and information gathering, preferably within a regional or international organization - Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a media setting - Experience in website design or maintenance desirable - Oral and written fluency in English - Working knowledge of French, Spanish and/or Arabic desirable - IT proficiency **Submission of Applications** Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form ( template may be obtained from ), and a writing sample, to **Mr. Oscar Hernandez**, via e-mail to . **Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title when applying** (in the subject line by e-mail). **Additional Considerations** - Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. - Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. - Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. - UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a selected candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.