Vacancy for a work experience position in our Sahel Watch programme

We offer a great learning experience, an unique way of working building your thematic, methodological and analytical insights and broadening of your professional network. This will be a stepping stone to the start of your professional career.

Background

The Broker (www.thebrokeronline.eu) is a vibrant knowledge hub of integrated perspectives on globalization and development. We bring together cutting-edge knowledge and expert opinions from researchers, policymakers and practitioners.

You will work for a programme The Broker has started to analyse the conflict in Mali from a regional perspective, which is being extended to the larger Sahel region where similar issues are relevant.

There are two key elements in our Sahel Watch programme, one is the overview and synthesis of perspectives (local, national, regional) on the conflict and the second is advancing the understandings on the conflict together with many experts for better policies. The work placement position entails a constant investment in both these elements and to translate its outcomes in the overall analysis. The goal of your work will be to contribute to the development of our Sahel Watch programme, under supervision of the programme leader and senior advisor. Activities include research in multi-level and multidimensional perspectives on the conflict, preparing meetings and events, networking and linking research and multimedia and working with innovative tools.

The Broker is looking for a person who has completed an academic study in the field of conflict studies, international relations or political science. You must be able to speak and write fluently in both Dutch and English. Since much of the literature and communication with partners is in French, you must also have a good understanding of French. We welcome candidates who are self-motivated and have a significant background and interest in writing, editorial work and a good knowledge of online tools and software. The position is for a minimum of six months beginning as soon as possible. You will be working for The Broker at its office in Amsterdam.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Gathering, maintaining and connecting up-to-date knowledge from academia, politics and practice

• Creating overviews of reports, literature and media

• Online editing

• Conducting stakeholder analysis

• Co-writing policy briefs and project proposals

• Co-writing project proposals

• Co-organizing events and expert meetings

• Establishing and maintaining contact with international networks and organisations

• Supporting the facilitation of knowledge exchange with our partners

• Co-monitoring quality of content

• Recommending topics for publication

Your profile

• Recently completed an academic study in the field of international relations, political science or development studies

• Knowledge of Mali, the Sahel, West-Africa and the MENA region

• Capable of analyzing texts and their underlying structure

• Fluent in both Dutch and English. Good understanding of French

• Strong analytical skills

• Strong communication skills

• Able to oversee and expand an international network

The Broker tries to give everyone equal opportunities both in its recruitment and in its work.

Conditions

• Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

• This is a position for 32-40 hours per week with a compensation of €700 per month based on a fulltime position, depending on qualifications and experience.

• The position will last from 15 April until the end of September.

Further information about this position can be obtained from Karlijn Muiderman, +31 (0)20 471 3459.

Interested candidates can send an application, together with a curriculum vitae, via email to [email protected], before 9 April 2015.