Maldives Researcher

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) is a research project which records, publishes, and analyzes disaggregated data on violent political conflict. The data is publicly available along with information about the project at www.acleddata.com. The data is used for a range of purposes, from academic research on dynamics of conflict to informing diplomatic policy, and humanitarian and development work in conflict-affected contexts.

The role:

ACLED is recruiting a Maldives Researcher to assist in the collection, review, and management of political violence and protest data across the Maldives. Researchers must be available for at least 30 hours a week. This position is fully remote and can be done from any location with reliable internet service. This is a contractor position.

Collection of data is conducted by reviewing news, international organization, NGO and security reports on a list of assigned regions, and recording the incidents of political violence into an Excel template. Researchers will focus on coding events to provide holistic coverage of current political violence, ranging from protests to battles.

Review and management of data involves ensuring the quality, consistency and reliability of the data produced. The role provides team members with experience conducting detail-oriented tasks, and producing and managing quantitative data.

Specific roles and responsibility:

Candidates who are selected will undergo extensive ACLED training. The training consists of several exercises. Candidates’ exercises will be scrutinized and only those who are performing at the required level will be retained as Researchers.

For those selected, the initial consultancy period will be from September 2020 to June 2021. After this, continuation may be possible, pending performance and availability of funding.

Remuneration:

Remuneration is 14 USD per hour.

Skills and competencies:

ACLED is seeking applicants who have the following skills and experience:

• Familiarity with Excel (essential);
• Fluency in English and Dhivehi (essential);
• Fluency in reading one or more of the following regional languages (preferred): Sinhalese, Tamil
• Experience conducting desk-based research;
• Experience working to deadlines with limited supervision;
• A high level of attention to detail and ability to receive and incorporate feedback;
• Research focus or professional experience in conflict research or peace-building in the Maldives or South Asia generally, or country-specific studies is a strong advantage;
• Skills to produce quantitative and qualitative analytical pieces and visualization of data (preferred);
• Familiarity with conflict and actors in the Maldives;
• Access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, email, and the Microsoft Office Suite.