VACANCY: INTERN

Start date: January/ February 2020

Duration: 6 months

Working hours: Full time (36 hours per week)

Location: The Hague, the Netherlands

Allowance: The successful applicant will receive a stipend of 450 Euros per month.

Position summary

ICCT is seeking an intern to support its activities. He or she will be primarily responsible for providing assistance to ICCT’s team in its day-to-day functioning. This concerns communication, logistical and secretarial tasks as well as research and project support. Communication tasks include contributing to online communication, such as ICCT’s social media accounts, monthly newsletters and website and external communication with ICCT’s partners and visitors. Other duties may include editing ICCT’s publications, assisting with the organisation of events, assisting in background research on a range of topics, related to a rule of law and human rights approach to countering terrorism. This multitude of responsibilities will require the intern to be highly organised and independent with the ability to communicate effectively. The successful applicant should expect to gain direct exposure to the counter-terrorism work of a dynamic think tank at the intersection of security, politics and development.

Tasks and responsibilities

  • Project assistance: Providing project related logistical and administrative support, such as sending out invitations, registration of participants and arranging travel and accommodation;
  • Research assistance:; Conducting research such as doing a literature review, preparing legal questionnaire, mapping international legal framework and /or collecting relevant case-law;
  • Administration: Providing secretarial and logistical support to ICCT’s core team, including the management and fellows;
  • Online communication: Managing ICCT’s social media accounts, drafting the ICCT newsletter, texts for ICCT’s website and expanding the online presence of ICCT;
  • External communication: Contributing to ingoing and outgoing correspondence, liaising with and welcoming external partners such as national and international academics, policymakers, (foreign) dignitaries and practitioners;
  • Editing: Assisting in the editing of ICCT publications and in background research;
  • Events organisation: Assisting in the organisation of public events and closed expert meetings;
  • Other duties as required.

Key requirements

Key competencies

  • Excellent communication and writing skills;
  • Proven organisational skills; ability to manage and prioritise various tasks;
  • Dutch speaker and excellent (native or near-native) command of English. French and/or Arabic is considered an advantage;
  • Excellent research and analytical skills, preferably demonstrated through prior academic work;
  • Knowledge of and an interest in the field of counterterrorism or countering violent extremism are an advantage
  • Excellent computer skills, including a good command of the Microsoft Office Suite and WordPress; good command of graphic design software (e.g. Adobe Illustrator) is an advantage;
  • Ability to work autonomously on given tasks and projects;
  • Preferably administrative experience;
  • Preferably editing experience.

Contact details

Interested candidates matching the aforementioned criteria and eligible to live and work in the Netherlands are requested to submit the following documents in English via e-mail only to ICCT, at Antoinette van den Berg (a.van.den.berg@icct.nl) before Sunday 24 November 2019.

  • A curriculum vitae;
  • A motivation letter outlining your suitability for the position;
  • A recent writing sample of no more than 2000 words. This can be an excerpt of a larger work or a piece on its own.

Please use “ICCT Internship Winter 2020” as the subject of your e-mail.

About ICCT

The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism – The Hague (ICCT) is an independent think and do tank providing multidisciplinary policy advice and practical, solution-oriented implementation support on prevention and the rule of law, two vital pillars of effective counter-terrorism.

The focus of ICCT’s work is on themes at the intersection of countering violent extremism and terrorism and criminal justice sector responses, as well as human rights related aspects of counter-terrorism. The centre connects experts, policymakers, civil society actors and practitioners from different fields by providing a platform for productive collaboration, practical analysis, and exchange of experiences and expertise, with the ultimate aim of identifying innovative and comprehensive approaches to preventing and countering terrorism.

ICCT is a growing organisation, operating in a high-paced, complex and politically sensitive environment. The centre is supported by a unique partnership comprising three renowned institutions based in The Hague: the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, the Netherlands Institute of International Relations “Clingendael” and Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs(formerly the Centre for Terrorism and Counterterrorism).

VACANCY: SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATOR & ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN THE FIELD OF TERRORISM AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Deadline for application: 15 November

The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), in cooperation with Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA), is looking for a hands-on academic combining theory and practice

Project description
Leiden University is one of three stakeholders in ICCT, alongside the T.M.C. Asser Institute and the Clingendael Institute. The successful applicant will be employed full-time by Leiden University but will dedicate 50% of his or her time to working with and at ICCT in order to strengthen synergies and enhance joint capacities in research, policy advice and project management. At ICCT, the applicant will occupy a position as Senior Program Coordinator (SPC). Within this role, the applicant will function as editor-in-chief of ICCT’s online journal. He or she will scout and attract new authors to write for the journal and is responsible for quality control, working together with the editing team. Furthermore, he or she will be responsible for the acquisition and management of one of ICCT’s thematic programmes of policy and practice-oriented projects. The other 50% of the appointment will take place at ISGA and focus on teaching (30%) and research (20%).

This vacancy offers a unique combination between academic research and teaching on the one hand and policy-and practice-oriented project acquisition and management on the other. Both positions are intended to strengthen each other, for instance by incorporating the results of ISGA-based research into community-engagement programs run under the ICCT flag. Or by working with ISGA colleagues to carry out ICCT projects.

Key responsibilities

  • Demonstrate a clear affinity and experience with both academic work and project acquisition and management skills, including coordinating the work of a diverse group of project staff;
  • Acquire and manage research funding and/or training projects from third-party sources, such as the United Nations, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) or the European Union;
  • Develop and teach courses related to security studies, with an emphasis on the broad field of terrorism and political violence, to students from a diversity of academic backgrounds;
  • Conduct independent research on topics related to terrorism and political violence and support the ongoing development and implementation of the research strategy of the Institute;
  • Continue to build an (inter)national network that spans both academics and policymakers and practitioners working on topics related to terrorism and political violence;
  • Participate in professional-learning courses to maximize the societal impact of academic research and ensure its relevance beyond the academy;
  • Engage in the public debate on terrorism and political violence;
  • Contribute to the renewal and ongoing improvement of educational practices at Bachelor’s and Master’s level;
  • Provide access to an (international) network in the CT or CVE/PVE field. We are specifically interested in candidates who have both experience in the academic world and in a policy and/or operational setting.

Selection criteria

  • PhD degree in Political Science, Criminology, Psychology, International Relations, Sociology, History, Public Administration, Law or another field with direct relevance for the work carried out within the ISGA research group Terrorism and Political Violence and ICCT;
  • Outstanding research qualities manifest in an established or developing publication record;
  • Demonstrable experience with project acquisition and management;
  • Experience in research-led teaching;
  • Demonstrable passion for education, in and out of the classroom (experience with blended learning technologies is a plus);
  • Excellent command of English;
  • Excellent network in the world of professionals in the field of security and global affairs, counter-terrorism and /or safety and justice.

Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA)
This position is situated within Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA), part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) and based in The Hague. ISGA is a scientific institute that focuses on multidisciplinary research and education within the international field of security studies. The approach to issues of security is glocal, that is to say that the local, national, transnational and global impact is studied and analysed in conjunction with each other. ISGA operates from The Hague, the third major city of the Netherlands, centre of national governance and International City of Peace, Justice and Security. For more information, see ISGA.

The appointment is specifically within ‘Terrorism and Political Violence’ (TPV), one of the research groups at the heart of ISGA. TPV is among the few dedicated European centres for research on terrorism and related subjects such as radicalization, (online) extremism and political violence more broadly. Over the coming years, TPV aims to continue conducting internationally recognized research and high-quality teaching for both students and professionals.

Terms and conditions
The position starts as soon as possible, preferably by 1 January 2020. We offer initially a two year term position, with the possibility of an extension to a permanent position, based on funding, the candidate’s acquisition success and performance. The salary ranges from €3,637.- to €4,978.- gross per month on full-time base (pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More information at Job application procedure and employment conditions.

Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already  possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/she must be willing to obtain this Qualification within two years.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Bart Schuurman, email: b.w.schuurman@fgga.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any inquiries about the procedure, please contact Caroline de Ruijter, email: l.c.de.ruijter@FGGA.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications
Please submit online your application no later than 15 November 2019 here. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents in PDF format, quoting the vacancy number:

  • Motivation letter;
  • Curriculum vitae including a list of publications;
  • A sample of two publications;
  • The names and contact details of three potential referees (no actual recommendation letters required at this stage).

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.

Visiting Fellowship Programme

ICCT’s Visiting Fellowship Programme is now open for applications for 2020. The successful applicant is envisioned to begin the Fellowship in mid-to-late 2020; however, ICCT is flexible and open to other suggested time scales.

The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism – The Hague (ICCT) is an independent knowledge centre providing research, evidence-based policy advice, and practical, solution-oriented implementation support on matters regarding counter-terrorism (CT) and preventing/countering violent extremism (P/CVE). Respect for human rights and the rule of law underpins ICCT’s approach to CT and P/CVE research, and is integral to all aspects of our work.

Since its launch in 2010, ICCT’s Visiting Fellowship Programme has attracted scholars from around the world to undertake research in The Hague. The aim of the programme is to provide scholars and practitioners with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research into a specific area of work relating to ICCT’s three thematic focuses.

These are:

Define and detect

Within this programme, operationally-focussed research and activities of ICCT (such as empirical research on the modus operandi of terrorist organisations) intersects with relevant academic work. Relevant output as part of this theme are, for instance, topical insights on discussions about how to define what is counter-terrorism, and what is P/CVE and how those relate to definitions on for instance development, or public health. Within this programme ICCT groups its long-term analyses of trends regarding jihadism and other forms of extremism. More operationally, this programme includes, for example, ICCTs research on terrorist attacks and how terrorist organisations work.

Prevent and protect

This programme combines research and activities on the preventive side of CT—namely, PVE— and includes a particular emphasis on understanding and addressing the factors and dynamics underlying violent extremism and radicalisation. In addition, this programme looks specifically to the measures that can be taken to protect individuals, groups, and infrastructure from attacks.

Respond and reflect

This programme focuses on responses to terrorism—including criminal, administrative, and national security measures—as well as rehabilitation and reintegration. This theme aims to develop a range of M&E activities, such as a critical assessment of the functioning of organisations in the CT field, and focusses on the discussions regarding the ethics of P/CVE and CT; for example, this programme asks questions such as should governments actively retrieve children from jihadist conflict zones? Why? Why not? Other examples of themes within this programme are the necessity, proportionality, and effectiveness of CT measures and the possible long-term negative consequences of P/CVE and CT policies and practices.

While residing in The Hague and working at ICCT’s offices, knowledge exchange between the Visiting Fellow, ICCT staff, and the wider public, for example through public seminars and closed expert meetings, will be encouraged and facilitated.

Fellow profile:

We welcome applications from academics for research, from practitioners for knowledge exchange, or from any expert interested in helping develop practical and implementable tools or solutions (including handbooks or guides, workshops or training courses, monitoring and evaluation tools, etc.).

Practical Information

Funding

Visiting Fellowships are unsalaried positions. We welcome applications from salaried staff, those on secondment/sabbatical, or those who have received scholarships or external funding. As such, Visiting Fellowships are ideal opportunities for professionals on sabbatical or secondment.

Unfortunately, ICCT is not in the position to help with acquiring these external funds.

ICCT covers the following costs:

Travel and Accommodation

  • Accommodation in The Hague for one month during the Fellowship;
  • Return travel to and from The Hague.

Research, Development, and Publication

  • Office space at ICCT headquarters in The Hague;
  • Supervision and guidance from an ICCT Research Fellow who is an expert in your area of study;
  • Research costs;
  • Assistance and guidance from the ICCT Journal’s editorial team, including research coordination and an in-house editor;
  • Publication of Fellowship output on ICCT’s website;
  • Organisation of an event (such as a seminar or expert workshop) to present the output of the Fellowship to a high-level audience in The Hague.

Who Can Apply

We welcome applications from mid to senior level academics and practitioners with at least 5 years experience in the field of counter-terrorism, PVE, CVE; or with unique expertise in the study of non-state actors, rebel groups, political extremism, radicalisation, security and defence, criminology/criminal networks, violent subcultures, supremacism (e.g. male, white, etc.), conflict, or intelligence which could be applied to topics in the field of counter-terrorism in a novel and beneficial way.

In addition, the Fellow must:

  • At minimum, hold a bachelor’s degree by the start of the Fellowship;
  • Be highly proficient in English (verbal and written skills);
  • Be prepared to submit references or recommendation letters if selected.

We are especially interested in experts who bring non-Western or non-Eurocentric perspectives and experiences.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents to info@icct.nl, with editor@icct.nl in cc.

  • An up-to-date CV;
  • A short biography;
  • A writing sample on a relevant topic (books, chapters, or peer-reviewed journal articles that meet international standards preferred);
  • A one-page letter of motivation setting out your motivation for applying for this Visiting Fellowship and how it will fit within your broader academic/career plans;
  • A (maximum) two-page Research or Development Plan.

For more information, please contact our Office Manager at info@icct.nl.

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