China/Southeast Asia Researcher

The project:

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 part-time China/Southeast Asia Researcher to assist in the collection, review, and management of political violence and protest data across China and Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The researcher must be available for at least 25 hours a week. This position is fully remote and can be done from any location outside of China (including Macau and Hong Kong) with reliable internet service. This is a contractor position. Collection of data is conducted by reviewing news, international organization, NGO and security reports concerning the countries listed above, and incidents of political violence will be recorded in 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 January 2021 to June 2021. After this, continuation may be possible, pending performance and availability of funding.

Remuneration:

Remuneration is 16 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 Mandarin Chinese (essential);
Fluency in Cantonese, Khmer, Lao, and/or Vietnamese (preferred);
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 and/or social movements in China or other China-focused studies (essential);
Research focus or professional experience in conflict and/or social movements in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam or other country-specific studies (preferred);
Familiarity with political dynamics and actors in China (essential);
Familiarity with political dynamics and actors in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam (preferred);
Skills to produce quantitative and qualitative analytical pieces and visualization of data (preferred);
Access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, email, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Applications:

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing qualifications, experience, and language proficiency. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a two-hour exercise as part of the evaluation of their coding aptitude. Please apply through this link. Further information on the project is available online at acleddata.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are advised to apply early. Please make sure to check your spam folder for correspondence.

Tags: The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)