Programme Director, Arms Transfers

Established in 1966, SIPRI is consistently ranked as one of the world's top think tanks. The institute conducts research into peace, conflict and security and is known worldwide for its flagship publication, the SIPRI Yearbook. SIPRI is based in Stockholm with presences in Beijing and Washington, DC.

The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database is the only freely accessible database worldwide providing information on all international transfers of major conventional weapons since 1950. Monitoring and analysing international arms transfers has always been at the core of SIPRI's research agenda. The Arms Transfers Programme also conducts policy-relevant research and capacity-building activities to strengthen and develop standards for controlling international arms transfers and combatting arms trafficking.

The incoming Programme Director will be responsible for:
(a) leading, recruiting and retaining a respected team of researchers;
(b) developing and implementing an innovative and policy relevant research and outreach agenda, including the maintenance of the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database;
(c) acquiring and implementing external research and policy grants to fund these activities;
(d) overseeing the programme's publishing activities, including contributions to the SIPRI Yearbook;
(e) networking with key donors, policymakers, partners and the media to disseminate the programme's research and policy findings; and
(f) contributing to overall SIPRI activities.

These responsibilities will be managed in cooperation with the programme team, senior management and SIPRI's external partners. We are looking for exciting ideas for this important research area and encourage applicants to propose new topics and methodologies for the relevant data sets maintained by SIPRI.

SIPRI seeks a dynamic individual with the potential to lead and further develop a world-class research and outreach programme. Applicants should have demonstrated strong leadership and project management skills, a track record in working with relevant data, and a detailed understanding of policy debates and processes in the field of arms transfers. A proven ability to raise funds will be a key evaluation criterion.

Additional prerequisites include:
(a) a graduate degree (preferably a PhD) in political science, international relations, security studies, economics or other relevant discipline;
(b) at least 5 years of professional experience in the field of arms transfers as a researcher, analyst or policy maker;
(c) excellent communication skills;
(d) experience in dealing with the media; and
(e) fluency in English.

SIPRI is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. The appointment will be for 2 years initially and is renewable. The post is full-time and the successful applicant will be expected to reside in Stockholm. The salary package will be negotiated individually. An appointment as an adjunct professor at a university in the Stockholm region may be negotiated individually should this suit the profile and interests of the successful candidate.

Send a short cover letter; your CV, including a list of publications and a list of previous and current grants held; 2 samples of recent relevant work; a 2-page proposal for the future agenda in data, research, fundraising and advisory work for the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme; and the names of 3 potential referees to PDArmsTransfers2013@sipri.org.