We are creating a talent pool for an Academic Researcher to be part of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
You will provide research support to teams across the Commission including Case Support, Information Recovery and Findings, and undertake predominantly open-source research on individual cases. You will provide historical context to the Commission’s information recovery and findings work. Through your oral and written research products, you will ensure staff understand the nature of the Troubles/Conflict and use this knowledge to inform their work.
With a strong understanding of historical research methodologies and research ethics, you will also have experience of utilising a range of sources such as archival collections, public and academic libraries, visual, oral histories, and newspapers, to assist the Commission in its work.
You will bring your expert understanding of state and non-state archives to support the work of investigators, and report writers in the Finding Team. Your excellent analytical and communication skills will ensure that you can synthesise complex and competing sources into objective, accurate and accessible research products.
You will be part of a high performing team of academic researchers based within the Investigations Directorate in the Commission.
We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor.
We are happy to discuss the role and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us for an informal conversation by emailing us at [email protected]
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake research for teams across the Commission.
- Develop an in-depth understanding of thematic areas of the Commission’s work which may include developments in paramilitarism, law enforcement and security institutions; political and social dimensions of communal violence; gendered experiences of conflict; and the geography of violence.
- Build strong relationships with external stakeholders such as community organisations, academic institutions and museums.
- Engage in complex research in state and non-state archives (such as PRONI, community archives and libraries) accessing a wide range of material.
- Provide advice to investigation teams on the opportunities and challenges within state and non-state archives.
- Contribute to a constructive and collaborative team culture.
- Identify opportunities to raise the profile of the team across the Commission and deliver training sessions and briefings on areas of expertise.
- Establish and maintain constructive, professional relationships with key teams across the Commission, including the Case Support Team, Investigations Team, Findings Team, General Counsel, and the Engagement Team.
- Set an example across the Commission to help create an inclusive environment which values diversity, encourages continuous learning and development, and welcomes feedback.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Postgraduate qualification relevant to historical research or relevant skills and experience that can be transferred.
Essential Criteria
- Experience of undertaking complex research utilising a wide range of sources.
- Ability to translate complex material into accessible and clear written and oral outputs, tailored to the relevant audience.
- Confident communicator with experience of delivering presentations and workshops (in-person and online).
- Experience of conducting research in state and non-state archives.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks efficiently and deliver to deadline.
- The ability to represent the organisation effectively and build relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrate the values set out in the ICRIR Code of Conduct.
- Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for SC clearance, if not already cleared.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of studying or working on the Troubles/Conflict.
- Previous experience of working in a high profile / contentious environment.