Switzerland: ATT Monitor Project Coordinator

Organization: Control Arms
Country: Switzerland, United States of America
Closing date: 18 Jan 2015

BACKGROUND

Control Arms is a global civil society alliance that has campaigned since 2003 for a bulletproof Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that will protect lives and livelihoods. This landmark agreement was adopted in April 2013 and will enter into force on 24 December 2014.

Promoting the universalization and full implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) will require comprehensive monitoring of how States apply treaty provisions. Control Arms will establish an independent “ATT Monitor” as an essential component of its future work to support Treaty universalization and implementation. The ATT Monitor will provide timely and independent information and analysis on:

• Universalization of the ATT norms both through legal adherence and changes in the practice of non-party States.
• ATT implementation (including the establishment of national legal and control systems) and the application of its criteria to arms transfers, and
• Key challenges that need to be addressed at each stage of the universalization and implementation process.

The ATT Monitor will utilize a phased-in approach to scale up the level and extent of its reporting in order to build up necessary expertise, experience and credibility. The ATT Monitor will be published in both online and traditional print formats, initially in English, French and Spanish, with an expectation that the majority of information will be made available online through the development of a new web platform and database. The first edition will coincide with the first meeting of the Conference of States Parties, expected to take place in August or September 2015.

Planning for the initial phase of the ATT Monitor is underway. A project concept was endorsed by the Control Arms Steering Board in April 2014. This concept will serve as a guide for the project’s implementation. A corresponding work plan is being developed and there has been an initial meeting of the International Expert Group, which will provide policy guidance and support to the project. An Editorial Team will be established by the time this post begins. The Team will be responsible for content and include experts from across multiple thematic areas.

This is an initial one-year, full-time position starting 1 February 2015, renewable to 2018. The Control Arms Secretariat is based in New York, but location for this post is flexible (Geneva would be an advantage). The Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Control Arms Secretariat. Some international travel will be required. Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits are dependent on location.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

RESPONSIBILITIES

The overall responsibility of this position is to provide oversight and management of the ATT Monitor project. The Project Coordinator will ensure that the ATT Monitor develops in accordance with and per the timeline articulated in the existing work plan and project concept.

In the first year of the project, this will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Ensuring the on-time and high-quality delivery of the first edition of the ATT Monitor
• Acting as a representative and spokesperson for the ATT Monitor
• Providing guidance and leadership to the International Reference Group as well as expanding the group to include other individuals as needed
• Providing guidance and leadership to the Editorial Team
• Finalizing a research methodology for in-house research and developing draft templates for different Monitor chapters/sections
• Developing and overseeing a publication schedule
• Managing and providing support to commissioned research projects as relevant to the first edition of the ATT Monitor
• Managing staff, including at a Researcher and Web & Communications Officer, as well as relevant consultants
• Overseeing development of the ATT Monitor web platform
• Contributing to fundraising initiatives to sustain the project

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

· Graduate degree in international affairs or relevant social sciences, or equivalent practical experience

· Well-developed research, writing and strategic thinking skills

· Substantial experience working in civil society or international organizations, preferably in the disarmament, arms control, human rights or humanitarian fields.

· Strong knowledge of the Arms Trade Treaty and/or conventional arms export controls.

· Experience managing staff and consultants

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and ideally at least one other language (preferably Spanish, French or Arabic)

· Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills

· Ability to organize and time manage effectively

· Willingness to travel internationally

How to apply:

Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing how you meet the skills and experiences required in the person specification plus CV/resume to jobs@controlarms.org. Please put “ATT MONITOR First name Last name” in the subject line of your email.

Applications will be accepted until 18 January 2015.