Policy & Research Officer

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Organization : Thailand Institute of Justice (Public Organization)

ABOUT THE TIJ

Building on Thailand’s engagement in the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) was established in 2011 with the aim to promote excellence in research and capacity-building in the area of criminal justice. The institute serves as a bridge that transports global ideas to local practices. The primary objective is to promote the implementation of United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) as well as other United Nations standards and norms related to women and children in contact with the criminal justice system. As a member of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network Institute (UNPNI), TIJ also gears its work towards important cross-cutting issues on the United Nations agenda such as the rule of law, sustainable development, human rights, peace and security. At the same time, it works toward enhancing domestic justice system and the rule-based community within the ASEAN region.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The Office for the Bangkok Rules and Treatment of Offenders (OBR) is responsible for the work of the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) in the area of promoting and supporting the implementation of the United Nations standards and norms related to the treatment of offenders particularly the United Nation Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) at the national, regional and international levels. The core functions of OBR include research, policy advocacy and capacity building with the purpose to promote gender sensitive criminal justice system as well as enhance effective rehabilitation and reintegration support for incarcerated persons through social collaboration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Officer will conduct research/activities related to the promotion of the implementation of the United Nations standards and norms related to the treatment of offenders, particularly the Bangkok Rules, at the national, regional and international levels. Her/his role will also include providing support and substantive inputs for other activities related to research and policy advocacy. She/ he will serve as a coordinator for assigned publication(s), and/ or perform editorial variety of writing, editorial duties including plans, designs, writes text, edits, and produces scholarly publications/materials. This position involves some domestic and international travels. Within assigned authority, she/he will be responsible for the following specific duties:

Research:

Support the design and implementation of a high quality qualitative and quantitative research and provide practical and evidence-based recommendations to inform and influence policies and practices in the following areas:
- Pathways to prisons and experience of persons during and after imprisonment
- Gender responsive criminal justice
- Community-based treatment and the use of alternatives to prison
- Drug polices and rehabilitation programme;
Lead and support research project activities including data collection, focus group discussion, survey administration, data analysis and producing written outputs under the supervision of Project Manager;
Conduct a quick desk research and prepare a findings summary in a timely manner;
Assist in developing institutional partnership with international organizations, NGOs, academic and other concerned institutions and individuals with regard to research and policy work; and
Present the research outcome to various international and regional platforms including conferences, workshops, seminars and meetings.

Advocacy and Publication:

Provide substantive inputs in designing policy advocacy strategies, communication materials and campaigns within the scope of OBR’s work;
Provide substantive inputs in designing programmes for building national and regional capacities as well as develop tools and materials for training programmes and active learning activities related to the treatment of offenders;
Prepare and draft high quality and timely written outputs, such as executive summary, concept papers, correspondence with governments, working papers, mission reports, annual report on the progress of the project presentations, policy proposals and ad hoc reports;
Assist in a review, proofread and fact-check; and
Ensure permissions standards for content and image are consistent and documented;
Maintain microsite webpage and other forms of electronic publication.

Administration:

Coordinate with consultants and other short-term local assistants hired for the research project activities;
Prepare a budget plan as well as monitor and report on financial status of the project;
Prepare necessary documents required for project activities such as concept note, invitation letter, information note and trip, internal memos, and financial reports;
Provide logistics and administrative support during research fieldwork in Thailand and aboard; and
Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, trainings, and other administrative functions conducted by OBR.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism:

Has excellent research, analytical and writing skills with good planning, organizational, presentation and networking skills;
Has demonstrated professional competence and comprehensive knowledge and understanding about the criminal justice systems and UN standards and norms related to the treatment of offenders and international crime prevention and criminal justice related issues;
Has strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills;
Shows persistence when facing with difficult problems or challenges and remain calm under pressure or in stressful situations; and
Proficiency in Microsoft suite including Word and Excel.

Qualifications:

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology or relevant social or political area with adequate focus on law, criminal justice and/or law enforcement issues is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Minimum four years of professional experience in research and policy advocacy in the field of gender, crime prevention, criminal justice is required;

Experience in coordinating research projects and producing research outputs;
Experience working with data, developing analysis, and writing report and policy brief in Thai and English;
Experience working with web-based technology and management information systems; and
Experience in copyediting and proofreading (thorough knowledge of English grammar and technical, scientific, and social sciences writing styles).

Languages: