ob Title: Staff Associate, Center for International Conflict Resolution, East Timor

Columbia University
School of International and Public Affairs
Center for International Conflict Resolution

Job Title: Staff Associate, Center for International Conflict Resolution, East Timor


Summary Job Description:

Columbia University's Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR), based at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), seeks a staff associate (research). Primary responsibility will be to assist officers of research and faculty at CICR in the conduct of research on international mediation projects. Duties will include support research into early warning and early response mechanisms, focusing on local conflict, community tensions and possible peace-building interventions in Timor-Leste; support CICR officers of research and faculty in producing articles and publications, and in the elaboration of conflict-sensitive policy reform proposals based on field-work, research and comparative methodologies; gather data and implement existing conflict assessment methodologies, recommending and supporting system improvements and adaptations to local circumstances as needed; perform related duties as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications (Applicant MUST meet these minimum qualifications to be considered an applicant):

Master’s degree or equivalent work experience in international affairs or related field and three years full-time experience in conflict research, conflict transformation methods, or related field are required.


Additional Position-Specific Minimum Qualifications (Applicant MUST meet these minimum qualifications to be considered an applicant):

Must have prior experience working in a post-conflict and development setting and knowledge of conflict resolution theory and practice. Linguistic aptitude, willingness to become fluent in Tetum, and willingness to live in Timor-Leste is a further requirement. Strong organizational, planning and communication skills essential. Strong writing, research and analytical skills required. Significant computer fluency required in Word, Excel, and Access. Must have ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and experience in a mentoring position.


Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in international affairs or related field. Experience producing research work for academic publication and in data analysis. Fluency in Tetum will be considered a distinct advantage. Knowledge of Tetum, Bahasa, Indonesian, or Portuguese an advantage.

Four plus years of related experience preferred. Experience with early warning systems and knowledge of conflict prevention mechanisms an advantage. Significant computer fluency in MySQL preferred. Experience and competency using communications techniques and graphical software a distinct advantage.


Additional Information:

The initial appointment is for a term of 12 months starting on 1 January 2011 and is renewable, depending on performance and the availability of funding.

Persons interested in the position must complete an on-line submission in order to be considered at the Recruitment of Academic Personnel System (RAPS) website at:

https://academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=54041


Screening of the candidates will begin immediately and the search will remain open through December 19, 2010. For further information, please contact Alba Taveras, Administrative Assistant, Center for International Conflict Resolution, at at2049@columbia.edu.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.



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Sarah Dewhurst
CICR Program Manager
Columbia University
Belun, Timor-Leste
+670 742 8371
sarah.belun@gmail.com
sd2633@columbia.edu