Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) carries out expert research, advocacy and field programmes, geared towards reducing the incidence and impact of armed violence world-wide. The organisation seeks to appoint a new Director of Policy and Research. This is a critical post, and filling it with precisely the right person is key – hence this re-advertisement.
The post-holder will provide strategic direction and planning, and will take the lead in exploring new policy initiatives. Along with the CEO and other staff members, they will represent the organisation in relevant external assemblies, conferences and working groups. They will be expected to network widely, act as an advocate on significant policy issues, cultivate new donors, and take a key role in the submission of funding proposals. This is likely to involve extensive international travel. They will provide quality control in the development, publication and implementation of research projects. They will work closely with the Programmes department to ensure that Policy and Research both contributes to AOAV’s practical action on the ground, and benefits from it in terms of evidence gathering, monitoring and assessment. Internally, they will represent the interests of the Policy and Research department as a member of AOAV’s Senior Management Team, and will encourage the professional development of individual members of their department. The post-holder will be responsible for managing the Policy and Research department’s funding allocation, ensuring the optimum use of funds within budget.
This is not a backroom, purely academic role. The position requires someone with a dynamic and proactive personality, who can combine excellent research proficiency with first class leadership and representational skills. The ideal candidate will possess and/or demonstrate the following expertise and experience:
• Substantial management expertise, with at least 5 years’ experience in leading a team; • Postgraduate university degree in a relevant subject (eg, Conflict Studies, International Development, International Human Rights Law; International Humanitarian Law); • Excellent research skills in the fields of disarmament, armed violence, international law, human rights and/or peace-building; • Knowledge and experience of working in an NGO/humanitarian environment; • Highly developed outreach, communication and presentation skills. • Experience in fund raising; • Experience in policy advocacy and campaigning.
In terms of the ‘person fit’, the successful candidate is likely to be:
• A motivational leader, who is also a team player; • An outgoing personality – confident in representational environments; • A visionary – capable of looking at the big picture and long-term impacts, and able to provide the necessary leadership to move forward in new areas; • A strategist, capable of identifying and initiating new workstreams, whilst ensuring the sustainability of existing projects; • Active, highly motivated and positive; • Flexibility to handle multiple projects and to take the initiative where needed.
The post-holder will be based in London in the UK. Remuneration package includes a salary of £47,000 per annum, plus London weighting (£2,800). Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
How to apply:
To apply, please e-mail your CV (maximum three pages) and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, addressing how you meet the requirements of the role to jobs@aoav.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Monday 3 December 2012. Previous applicants need not apply. For more information about Action on Armed Violence please visit www.aoav.org.uk.
