Middle East Research Analyst (6-month fixed term contract)

Middle East Research Analyst

6-month fixed term contract (may be extended with funding)

Part time - 20 hours per week

Location: Remote working in UK, Europe, or within 2 hours +/- of BST/GMT

Salary: Competitive dependent upon experience

About us

The HALO Trust (HALO) is the world’s largest and oldest international humanitarian mine action non-government organisation (NGO). Our mission is to lead the effort to save lives and restore livelihoods for those affected by conflict. HALO is known for its work to clear landmines but is very much involved in the disposal of other explosive hazards such as bombs, rockets, missiles, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). HALO was established in Afghanistan in 1988 and now employs over 10,000 staff in 26 countries and territories.

About the role 

HALO is seeking a contracted part-time (20 hours per week) Middle East Research Analyst to contribute to a dedicated project of open-source research of Explosive Ordnance (EO) usage across the region, with a specific focus on the conflict in Gaza, leveraging open-source data and digital techniques. The aim of the research is to provide HALO and other stakeholders with an understanding of the type, location and extent of explosive ordnance used in the conflict. This will contribute to evidence-based decision making in HALO and others’ planning, field operations, and resource mobilisation.

This is a new position with an immediate start date for a period of six (6) months with the potential for extension dependant on donor funding. The Research Analyst will report to the Programme Manager but will form a close technical relationship with HALO HQ’s Global Research Officer. The candidate must be based in the UK, Europe or within two hours of BST/GMT.

Role and Responsibilities

The Research Analyst is to:

• Conduct open-source desk-based research of mines, IEDs, EO, weapons systems, small arms and other incidents across the region as required.
• Use digital techniques, such as data scraping and advanced search, verification, geolocation, and munitions identification, to collect conflict related data.
• Verify the authenticity of open-source information, identifying and discarding mis/dis-information. 
• Use HALO internal data, open source, and other data with IM and GIS tools to produce analysis of the presence and impact of mines and other explosives.
• Analyse datasets collated by other organisations, including identifying any EO present in the source material, geolocating the location of their source material, and verifying its authenticity. 
• Input data into HALO’s internal dataset, including uploading images of the source material.  
• Maintain the HALO dataset to ensure accurate and efficient collection and storage across a range of operational data. 
• Support management as required in presenting the project and its findings to stakeholders
• Support management in sourcing ongoing funding for the project or associated projects, including the drafting of proposals and budgets.
• Support the IM/GIS team on other tasks as necessary, including translation and data quality control.

Essential skills and experience:

• Sustained experience in an international politics and security research-based role, including digital-led, open source techniques.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, political science, international relations, languages, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrable analytical, organisational, writing and communication skills.
• Experience working with and mapping open-source datasets.
• Experience with social media monitoring and research.
• Advanced English language skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Arabic.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritise work.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to HALO’s Values and Standards always, in and out of work

Desirable skills and experience:

• Knowledge and understanding of GIS software.
• Experience in managing large datasets.
• Knowledge of explosive ordnance.
• Prior experience with tools such as GoogleEarth, Dataminr, and Reverse Image Search.

Our benefits:

• Competitive salary depending upon experience
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus 8 statutory holidays
• Non-contributory life assurance (3 x salary)
• Private medical health cover
• Pension contributions matched by HALO up to 5%
• Emergency medical insurance when travelling overseas
• Flexible working policy

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role by no later than 22nd May 2024. If there is a sufficient calibre of applicants, we reserve the right to close the role earlier than the date noted.

** PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS WITHOUT A COVER LETTER TAILORED TO THIS POSITION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED**

The HALO Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

The HALO Trust is committed to a culture that is both diverse and inclusive and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

The HALO Trust is committed to ensuring that it provides a safe and trusted environment which safeguards and promotes the welfare and well-being of anyone who comes into contact with, or is part of, the Charity, with a zero-tolerance approach to behaviours which challenge this.