Senior Researcher: Local NGO Deadline: 22 October 2021

Background

A human rights organisation is seeking the services of a highly motivated Senior Researcher to join a small team of high impact researchers for its Harare office. The ideal candidate for the position must be a researcher who understands the Zimbabwean context and is eager to make an impact on human rights policy and practice in Zimbabwe and beyond, multi-talented, highly collaborative, excellent writer and skilled communicator who must excel at targeted research and advocacy initiatives. The researcher must excel at convening diverse groups of stakeholders to move strategy from vision to implementation and impact. The researcher must believe in all human rights for all people, in justice and accountability for all and willing to go an extra mile to ensure that the goals of the organisation are achieved.

Overall job purpose

Under the supervision of the Programmes Coordinator, the Senior Researcher will implement and accomplish strategic objectives by overseeing multiple project activities in the organisation. In particular, the Senior Researcher shall be directly responsible for the implementation of the following project: Human rights monitoring and documentation, Unified database human rights system management, impact research, archival, media and visibility and lobby and advocacy (human rights protection and promotion) at national and international levels.

Duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Researcher includes: Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the research, monitoring and documentation programmes;

Overseeing, designing and implementing high impact research projects; Developing funding proposals; Working with the Programmes Coordinator, ensure budget parameter and grant agreements compliance; Producing thoroughly researched analytical papers on human rights; Designing appropriate interventions and recommendations for the human rights sector in Zimbabwe; Convening and facilitating regular stakeholder meetings which include training and dialogue on key human rights issues in Zimbabwe; Compiling and dispatching human rights reports within agreed timeframes; Keeping a tag on and design appropriate responses to critical human rights developments in the country.

Profile of the senior researcher position

To be considered for this role you must, Be passionate about the promotion and protection of human rights; Have a strong record of handling and delivering effectively in a similar capacity; Have strong interpersonal skills and experience of working with a range of stakeholders from the human rights community, partners and community-based groups; Have good communication and writing skills (English); Be a self-motivated personality with sound judgement; Have the gravitas and credibility to engage with target stakeholders including state institutions, independent commissions, inter-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, funding partners, communities and victims; Have the ability to work independently and under pressure; Have good computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Qualifications

The candidate must have the following experience and qualifications: Possess a degree in law, social sciences or related field from a reputable institution; A post-graduate qualification in law, social sciences or the related field; At least 5 years of professional experience in human rights research and advocacy and community engagement; Experience in database management and data mining; At least 3 years working experience in donor / NGO projects.