Temporary Research Fellow, Sudan Portfolio
Job Description
ABOUT HUMANITY UNITED:
Humanity United is a foundation dedicated to bringing new approaches to global problems that have long been considered intractable. We build, lead, and support efforts to change the systems that contribute to problems like human trafficking, mass atrocities, and violent conflict. HU is part of the Omidyar Group, which represents the philanthropic, personal and professional interests of the Omidyar family.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Research Fellow will primarily support the Sudan Investments Team, which comprises of the (i) Managing Director, Public Policy & Government Relations; (ii) Director, Investments; and (iii) Manager, Investments as they develop and implement HU’s systems-based Sudan strategy. This is a one-year, fixed term employment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Assist in the development and implementation of HU’s systems-based Sudan strategy
• Ensure the systematic research (from a variety of sources) and documentation of relevant information pertaining to the myriad on-going crises in Sudan, including relevant socio-economic, political and geopolitical developments
• Assist in the management of the Team’s research, communications, and strategy formulation activities
• Assist in the drafting and production of research, grant, and advocacy documents and communications
• Liaise with HU’s contacts, monitor media reports and undertake Internet searches to keep the Team appraised of relevant developments
• Produce regular reports outlining agendas, major developments, and tasks lists for the Team
• Contribute to the Team’s responses during crises or any unexpected work
• Serve a central role in coordinating the Team’s internal and external relationships by working among the Team members and between the Team and other departments at HU. As the point of contact for the Team, process incoming inquiries and, as appropriate, respond to inquires
• Manage the administrative responsibilities and provide other support, including, but not limited to, planning missions, making travel arrangements, scheduling meetings, and drafting and producing documentation for the Team
• Assist in the development and maintenance of administrative and communication systems and files, records, and other information retrieval systems, as necessary
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS:
• Graduate or post-graduate education in international affairs or public policy, or equivalent experience
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Fluency in Arabic preferred, but not required
• General knowledge of Sudan, the Middle East and the North Africa and East Africa sub-regions
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to undertake research and draft material of publishable quality and of appropriately tailored content to relevant audiences
• Affinity toward collaboration and teamwork, with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to supervise volunteers
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulately express ideas, orally and in writing, especially of complex issues, with appropriate sensitivity to the audience
• Ability to work with limited supervision by taking initiative, being proactive, applying creative problem-solving skills, often in high-pressure environments
• Experience with managing conflicting demands, meeting multiple deadlines, adjusting priorities, using sound judgment and providing constructive inputs
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including but not limited to the East Africa region
• Excellent administrative skills, including ability to establish and maintain office systems and information and coordinate an efficient flow of communication
• Professional and personal interest in peacebuilding and conflict transformation
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Candidates are expected to disclose public and other activity, affiliation to or support for any group or organization, personal association or other factor, which may generate a real or perceived conflict of interest with HU’s principles, or raise a security concern, or any other concern that would otherwise prevent the candidate from carrying out key functions of the specific post. Relevant conflict of interest issues may disqualify a candidate from being hired.
Other duties from time to time as determined by institutional priorities.