Netherlands: Researcher

The Netherlands Red Cross helps to strengthen resilience of vulnerable people exposed to hazards and crisis situations and we respond to disasters and conflicts to save lives and alleviate suffering. In the Netherlands with more than thirty thousand volunteers and internationally through technical assistance, supplies and money. Together we act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

We do this without regards to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. Our seven principles guide our humanitarian work: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations. The ICRC and the Netherlands Red Cross have opened two positions for:

Researcher The Hague 40 hours p/w for a duration of four years)

Purpose of the position Based in The Hague, the researchers work within the Netherlands Red Cross and under technical supervision of the ICRC office in Belgrade, and contribute to clarifying the fate and whereabouts of persons missing in relation to the Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo conflicts.

As part of their ongoing cooperation, the ICRC and the Netherlands Red Cross are looking for two experienced and skilled researchers to conduct research into the United Nations Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) searching for information on individuals unaccounted for in relation to the Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo conflicts. Through their work the researchers assist the ongoing efforts in the Balkans to clarify the fate and whereabouts of around 10’000 persons still missing from those conflicts.

Responsibilities 

• Review of the MICT archives documentation in search for information assisting the process of missing persons’ fate and whereabouts clarification. The entry point of the documentation review are the names of missing persons or specific requests received from the relevant authorities. The researchers pursue the necessary information based on the described parameters and under the overall and technical supervision of the ICRC Missing Programme Coordinator and the ICRC Research Team Leader respectively.
• Summarising and recording the MICT archives selected documents of interest in accordance with the existing working procedures.
• Processing and analysing the MICT archives documentation in accordance with the ICRC data management and confidentiality rules, contributing to the overall efforts of the archives research team
• Regular reporting on the work performed
• Proactive contribution to the optimization of the ICRC’s efforts to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons through archives research (proposing new strategies and/or activities)
• Research coordination and daily communication with MICT team in order to optimize efforts to find information on fate and whereabouts of persons missing in relation to the Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia conflicts.

Profile candidate

Skills and experience  University degree (Social science, Law, or equivalent)  At least five years of work experience in the field of Missing Persons.  Very good knowledge on the past conflicts in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.  Fluency in English,  Excellent command of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian languages;  Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.

Competencies  Excellent interpersonal skills, including proven experience and capacity to work constructively in teams under considerable pressure;  Proven ability to undertake responsibilities with considerable degrees of autonomy;  Good analytical skills and attention to details;  Flexibility and capacity to adapt to changes;  Commitment and interest for humanitarian work;

An assessment can be part of the selection procedure. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We offer  A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for four years.  A flexible and human centred working environment in an international environment with a variety of international organizations.  Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development. Remuneration: the salary scale level is set at 12 as mentioned in the CAO, depending on education level and experience. (min. € 3.581,35 until max. € 4.778,76 gross per month on the basis of full time employment).

Please send your resume in English and letter of motivation with reference to Lieske Pott Hofstede before 15 May 2018 using our online application tool:

https://career5.successfactors.eu/sfcareer/jobreqcareerpvt?jobId=6002&company=ICRCPROD&username=&st=52B56E96EA5F456AB79CB5ADE8BFE8D4EC682E89

For more information about the position, you can contact fbourdier@icrc.org or pagagnon@icrc.org

For more information of the work of the Netherlands Red Cross please go to www.rodekruis.nl and www.rodekruis.tv. NLRC on Facebook: Facebook.com/rodekruis and Twitter: Twitter.com/rodekruis

Acquisition for his vacancy will not be appreciated