Thailand: Senior Researcher

ECPAT International

Vacancy Notice

Job Title: Senior Researcher

Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand

Duration: 1 year (renewable)

Reports to: Head of Research

Grade Level: C

Overall Purpose of the Research Programme

The ECPAT International Research and Policy Programme is designed to support and enhance ECPAT’s knowledge base through rigorous processes of information gathering, analysis and evaluation to ensure research and policy publications that support effective internal and public action in favour of children.

Job Purpose of the Senior Researcher

The main purpose of the Senior Researcher is to develop, evaluate, peer-review and implement and evaluate research projects/proposals on behalf of ECPAT International Secretariat through a proactive collaboration with sector colleagues and other professionals, and the adoption of rigorous processes of information gathering, analysis, evaluation, including through scientifically sound evidence-based research methodologies.

Primary Tasks and Responsibilities for Senior Researcher

Building Research Capacity

• Support and promote greater ECPAT network field research and desktop studies as a critical foundation for advocacy and programming

• Develop and manage measures to enhance network learning, collaborations and advocacy strategies that increase evidence-based research

• Promote the application of robust ethical research methods and child protection protocols

• Encourage and monitor the meaningful and ethical participation of children in research and consultations

• Help forge and oversee collaborations with specialized academic and research institutions, researchers and other relevant sector experts

• Support and/or coordinate the identification and recruitment of individual researchers, thematic experts, relevant agencies and research partners as a research resource for ECPAT International and network members as needed

Research Technical Support

• Coordinate the day-to-day activities for specific research projects undertaken by the Research and Policy Programme Team

• Oversee the development of and provide substantive technical inputs to research projects and publications of the Research and Policy Programme Team, including on situation analyses, position papers, internal reports and documents

• Coordinate and act as editor for the production of ECPAT technical journals

• Assist ECPAT International colleagues in the development of research activities relating to sector-specific projects of their responsibility (e.g. support the development of research plans/projects, research protocols, research methodology and supporting tools, outlines for research reports, review of draft reports and findings etc.

• Assist in responding to ECPAT network member research queries and requests for technical input and guidance as needed including on-site capacity building and trainings

• Conduct technical editing and verification of text and sources of research and policy publications to ensure research projects/policy papers are consistent with ECPAT Style Guidelines as necessary

• ECPAT Guidelines/Tools and other relevant resources related to Research and Policy work are updated and maintained on the ECPAT Hub/Server to ensure research capacity is up-to-date

• Represent and/or help present on behalf of ECPAT at international and regional events and other conferences or meetings on CSEC research findings and approaches as necessary

• On an as-needed basis, assist with other ECPAT programmatic tasks particularly related to data analysis

Programme Development, Management and Coordination

• Assist the Policy and Research Programme in envisioning broad research goals and synergise with sector and network colleagues to strategically strengthen programme development, advocacy and communication on the basis of sound evidence

• Assist in the development and monitoring of yearly Policy and Research Programme workplans and in creating relevant linkages with the workplans relating to other programmes

• Coordinate the establishment of an online platform for a CSEC global database (‘Global Atlas’), and manage the production of ECPAT’s Country Monitoring Reports (CMRs) and Situational Analysis Reports (SITANs) to ensure their finalisation in line with the approved strategies and workplan

• Oversee the updating of the various ECPAT research databases and HUB

• Support donor and internal reporting

• Support and assist the administration of on-going projects of the research team (e.g. Prevention Project) as needed

• Assist, and where requested, lead in the development of concept notes and funding proposals for research and as required

• Assist in the preparation and management of contracts with research consultants, external peer reviewers as per ECPAT policy.

• Manage research workplans, project budgets and expenditure for those specific project assigned.

• Provide technical guidance to the Research intern team and Heads of Programmes as needed

• Recruit, induct, manage, guide and assess the members of the research intern team

Qualifications

· Post-graduate degree in human rights, development studies, law, international relations, law or social sciences;

· At least ten years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in conducting research on human rights and/or child rights issues at international level;

· Updated knowledge of major international and regional policy, legal and programme frameworks relating to human and social development, child/human rights and child protection-related issues;

· Demonstrated excellent research and analytical skills; experience in drafting and commissioning research papers; publications in international journals an asset;

· Track record of successfully managing, coordinating and supporting diverse, multi-national and multi-cultural teams;

· Experience in working with human rights and social development issues, specifically as these relate to the rights of children and child protection, ideally in the area of sexual abuse and exploitation;

· Experience and demonstrated capacity of advocating for children’s rights and other social issues internationally and/or regionally;

· Proven high level communications skills in English, including academic writing and presentation skills

· Ideally an ability to communicate in other major languages used by members of the ECPAT network e.g. Spanish/French/Russian ;

· Knowledge of standard online database systems, platforms and software highly desirable.

Competencies

· Demonstrated commitment to ECPAT’s vision, values and principles;

· Excellent facilitation and capacity building skills;

· Proven ability to analyse and synthesise large amounts of information;

· Planning and Organising: capacity of setting clearly defined objectives, activity planning and monitoring, and ability to adapt as required;

· Relating and networking: excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, diplomacy, and tact.

Interested candidates are requested to send in their CV and cover letter.

Submission of expression of interest: vacancy@ecpat.net, please mention in the subject line: Senior Researcher.