Job Description

Counter Narrative Research Fellow

Working with: Institute for Strategic Dialogue

Location: Central London

Charity number: 1076660

Compensation: £20,000-£24,000 per annum (** Recruitment is dependent upon likely funds being awarded)

Contract: Permanent

Start date: ASAP

Application process:  Applicants for the post are requested to send a full CV (2 pages maximum) and a one-page covering letter explaining their interest in and suitability for the role. Applications close midnight on Friday 12th February 2016. Applicants should reference CN2016 in the subject line of the email.

We intend to conduct interviews between the 17th and 19th February. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted and applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Please note that flexible working hours and some international travel may be required for this position.

ISD’s Counter-Extremism Work

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) is an independent think and do tank working with leaders in government, business, civil society and academia to develop cross-border responses to the major geostrategic, social and security challenges of our time.

ISD has established itself as one of the leading global authorities on extremism and security. It runs major strategic partnerships with governments, tech sector giants, grassroots community groups and practitioners at the frontline of efforts to tackle extremism and violent extremism. Combining research and policy advisory work with innovative delivery programmes, specialised task forces, cross-sector partnerships and networks, ISD works to counter global extremism, bridge intercommunal divides and enhance Europe’s capacity to act effectively in the global arena.

Position Summary

ISD has developed, trialled and tested a new approach to counter-violent-extremism (CVE): the creation and dissemination of counter-narrative messaging online, intended to take back spaces monopolised by extremist propaganda. [A counter-narrative is a tool used for disrupting, demystifying or de-constructing the narratives of violent extremist]

Working across the organisation, the Counter Narrative Research Fellow will work particularly with our networks of former extremists, survivors of extremism, young activists and creatives; being responsible for researching sources and discovering potential contributors that may be suitable to develop as counter narrative products and campaigns that can counter extremism globally.  The role would also involve support in the generation and development of these counter narrative products.

In addition the role would require assistance in providing administrative support with the organisation of training workshops and events to facilitate the creation of counter narratives. This would include (but is not limited to) briefing participants, arranging travel, booking facilities and producing written reports and/or presentations for distribution.

The role will also include responsibility for developing new methods to engage user groups online through analysis and outreach with potential content creators and online CVE activists.  

Key Responsibilities

We seek a candidate to work as part of a busy and growing team to develop and maintain an effective international network. The nature of this role will evolve as the priorities of the network develop, but initial responsibilities will include:

• Researching sources and discovering potential contributors that may be suitable to develop as counter narrative products
• Organising day-to-day activities related to counter extremism
• Holding responsibility for all related research documentation and reporting
• Compiling background documents and undertaking research assignments
• Providing coordination and logistical support for meetings and events
• Liaising with production teams to generate and develop counter narrative products
• Managing relationships around counter narratives with ISD’s relevant existing networks (Against Violent Extremism Network and Youth Civil Activism Network in particular)
• Please note that flexible working hours and international travel will be required for this position. Time off in lieu is available when appropriate

Person Specifications

This is an exciting role that requires someone with solid security sector/counter-terrorism/Counter-extremism knowledge, experience working online using social media, with experience providing logistical and administrative support to large event and a collaborative project delivery approach.

Essential skills:

• Excellent understanding of counter-extremism policy and practice
• Strong experience of working with social media tools
• Confident networking skills
• Sound political judgement
• Good budget management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Desirable:

• Fluency in one or more foreign languages
• Experience working in start-up environments
• A post graduate degree in a CVE related subject