Aceh Conflict Research and Capacity Building Coordinator - World Bank

From Indopedia

• TERMS OF REFERENCE: Aceh Conflict Research and Capacity Building Coordinator - Indonesia: Conflict & Development Program

INTRODUCTION: The World Bank is providing a program to support conflict sensitive development in Aceh. The Conflict and Development team, within the Social Development Unit of the World Bank Jakarta, is coordinating the various elements program. A key part is analytical work aimed at providing real-time information and analysis of conflict dynamics, evaluating the impact of post-conflict development interentions, and providing policy advice to government agencies responsible for formulating policies and implementing post-conflict programming. Recent analytical work includes an assessment of the 2006 executive elections in Aceh, an evaluation of the BRA community-based asssitance to conflict victims program, and an assessment of the economic reintegration of former combatants. In addition, the team is using a newspaper conflict mapping methodology to record and categorize all incidents of conflict in Aceh as reported in two provincial newspapers (Serambi and Aceh Kita). The team publishes bi-monthly Aceh Conflict Monitoring Updates analyzing the data, complemented by fieldwork where possible, in both English and Indonesian. The research work aims to help the government formulate policies, improve donor programs, and provide information on post-conflict Aceh to a range of stakeholders.

Since early 2005, the Conflict and Development team has been carrying out analytical work in-house. A key element of the team’s mid-term strategy is to strengthen the capacity of government institutions to carry out high quality work focused on the social and economic impacts of conflict. To this end, the team is working with The Asia Foundation to establish and build the capacity of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies (CPCRS) of the Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam – Banda Aceh. Syiah Kuala University is a neutral, well-respected institution with the potential to influence the future direction of policymaking in Aceh. The CPCRS is located in the Social Science Research Training Center (PLPISB), and its Director reports directly to the Rector. The Center aims to conduct independent, high quality research that influences provincial and local government policies and programs that are conflict-sensitive. Over time, the research work currently conducted by the World Bank will be taken over by the Center.

It is widely recognized that women in Aceh have suffered greatly as combatants and non-combatants alike during the 30-year conflict between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Government of Indonesia (GoI). Women often bore the brunt of counterinsurgency operations aimed at villages suspected of providing support to GAM. Since 2005, the government, donors, and NGOs have made explicit efforts to provide support to women through tsunami reconstruction and a limited number of post-conflict reintegration programs. However, little is known about the conflict’s impact on the ability of women to participate fully in economic, social, and political life. The CPCRS will draw on the resources of The Asia Foundation’s ongoing Empowering Women in Aceh (EWA) program to develop tools that promote gender sensitive approaches to conducting research and delivering policy advice.

The World Bank is seeking an experienced researcher to coordinate the Conflict and Development team’s research program in Aceh and strengthen the capacity of staff in the CPCRS.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Research and Capacity Building Coordinator will have two primary tasks. Half of the time will be spent coordinating the Conflict and Development team’s research program in Aceh. This includes:

-- Leading the conceptual design and development of new quantitative and qualitative studies.

-- Developing field research guides.

-- Training researchers in the application of field research guides.

-- Overseeing the implementation of research activities to ensure quality.

-- Producing publishable research reports and policy notes.

The remaining 50% will be spent building the capacity of the CPCRS. This includes:

-- Working closely with the Director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies to develop a strategic plan for the center, including a research strategy, and translating this vision into a concrete work program.

-- Working closely with the Director and other personnel of the CPCRS to build capacity to design and implement research projects and write-up and disseminate research findings.

-- Working closely with The Asia Foundation’s Empowering Women in Aceh program to strengthen the capacity of CPCRS management and researchers to carry out gender sensitive research activities.

-- Ensuring coordination with other donors, NGOs, civil society and Government programs and persons to secure support and funding for the CPCRS.

-- Overseeing the production of the bi-monthly Aceh Conflict Monitoring Updates. This involves providing assistance to the Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies to ensure a smooth handover of the ACMU data collection process to the centre, design and implementation of a training program to build staff capacity for conflict monitoring, overseeing the ACMU data collection and analysis, and leading the write-up of the ACMUs.

OUTPUTS

Outputs from this assignment include:

-- Three bi-monthly Aceh Conflict Monitoring Updates.

-- Reports produced and disseminated from at least two research studies conducted by CPCRS (one produced in-house by CPCRS researchers and the other outsourced to qualified individuals or NGOs and firms).

-- A high quality strategic plan and research plan for CPCRS.

-- Trained local researchers.

MANAGEMENT

-- The Conflict Research and Capacity Building Coordinator will be managed by and report to the Coordinator of the Post-Conflict Program, under the overall guidance of the Social Development Sector Coordinator. The position is based in Aceh at CPCRS but frequent travel to Jakarta and across Aceh will be required. The position is as a World Bank consultant on a 150-day contract from approximately July 2009 to February 2010. There may be an option for extension depending on performance and the availability of funding.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The following qualifications are required:

-- Advanced degree (MA or PhD) in social sciences or related field.

-- Minimum of five years (and preferably seven years) experience leading research teams investigating issues related to poverty, conflict, corruption, and development issues, preferably in Indonesia.

-- Research has been published in academic journals, or by International organizations such as the UN and the World Bank.

-- Fluent English.

-- Strong command of Indonesian language. Ability to read and produce high quality documents in Bahasa Indonesia.

-- Prior experience mentoring researchers in academic or non-academic settings.

-- Familiarity with Aceh preferable.

-- Experience working on politically sensitive issues.

-- Results-oriented and focused.

-- Ability to adapt to different cultures and conditions on the ground.

-- Ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.