Quaker Peace & Social Witness works with, and on behalf of, members of the Society of Friends in Britain to translate faith into action. Quakers are committed by faith to make an active witness for peace and justice. The Quaker testimonies to equality, justice, peace, simplicity and truth are a challenge to alleviate suffering and seek positive social change.

We are seeking a temporary Programme Assistant to work with both our longstanding Economic Issues Programme and a new project focussing on Human Security. The Economic Issues Programme seeks to promote a fairer and more equitable international economic system which meets the needs of all. We work to influence the policies of governments, companies and international economic institutions and to encourage greater popular understanding of these issues. 

The Human Security project is piloting work on the linkages between environmental degradation, violent conflict and economic injustice, using an integrated human security approach to the policy areas. The Human Security project focuses particularly on Uganda and Bangladesh.

This position offers a number of attractive benefits:

• The opportunity to join a small, friendly team who endeavour to make their work as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
• The opportunity to gain work experience in a well established and well regarded faith based NGO and to be part of a major new project as it develops. This is an ideal springboard for the right person seeking to move into a similar career. 
 
Duties and responsibilities

The post will comprise three sets of responsibilities as follows:

1. Approximately two days a week monitoring Human Security developments and undertaking a specific, discrete piece of research within the project.

2. Approximately two days a week undertaking research on the ethical policies and practice of trans-national corporations in which the churches have investments, as part of QPSW’s membership of the  Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR).

3. Approximately one day a week undertaking specific tasks to support  the Economic Issues Programme of QPSW, including editing an occasional newsletter, attending some events on behalf of the Programme, and some administrative tasks such as sending out literature on request.

The proportions of the week quoted above are an estimated average over the period of the appointment – the balance of the work will vary from time to time.

Everyone in the Quaker Peace & Social Witness office works as part of an extended team, and will, from time to time, be asked to assist in other areas of work.

Applications:

Quaker Peace & Social Witness works with, and on behalf of, members of the Society of Friends in Britain to translate faith into action. Quakers are committed by faith to make an active witness for peace and justice. The Quaker testimonies to equality, justice, peace, simplicity and truth are a challenge to alleviate suffering and seek positive social change.

We are seeking a temporary Programme Assistant to work with both our longstanding Economic Issues Programme and a new project focussing on Human Security. The Economic Issues Programme seeks to promote a fairer and more equitable international economic system which meets the needs of all. We work to influence the policies of governments, companies and international economic institutions and to encourage greater popular understanding of these issues.  The Human Security project is piloting work on the linkages between environmental degradation, violent conflict and economic injustice, using an integrated human security approach to the policy areas. The Human Security project focuses particularly on Uganda and Bangladesh.

This position offers a number of attractive benefits:

• The opportunity to join a small, friendly team who endeavour to make their work as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
• The opportunity to gain work experience in a well established and well regarded faith based NGO and to be part of a major new project as it develops. This is an ideal springboard for the right person seeking to move into a similar career. 
 
Duties and responsibilities

The post will comprise three sets of responsibilities as follows:

1. Approximately two days a week monitoring Human Security developments and undertaking a specific, discrete piece of research within the project.

2. Approximately two days a week undertaking research on the ethical policies and practice of trans-national corporations in which the churches have investments, as part of QPSW’s membership of the  Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR).

3. Approximately one day a week undertaking specific tasks to support  the Economic Issues Programme of QPSW, including editing an occasional newsletter, attending some events on behalf of the Programme, and some administrative tasks such as sending out literature on request.

The proportions of the week quoted above are an estimated average over the period of the appointment – the balance of the work will vary from time to time.

Everyone in the Quaker Peace & Social Witness office works as part of an extended team, and will, from time to time, be asked to assist in other areas of work.

Person Specification

The Programme Assistant should have the ability and willingness to contribute actively to administrative and programme work.

Essential:
• Applicants will hold a degree or equivalent, or be pursuing further study, preferably in a relevant subject, such as International Relations or Development Studies
• A genuine interest in the international economy and the environment
• Proven analytical and writing skills, including note-taking
• Good IT skills, including Word and internet search skills.
• The ability to get on well with people and a willingness to help the rest of the team as needed.
• Some research experience
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently within a context of team support
• Legal eligibility for employment within the European Union

Desirable:
• The post would suit someone with an understanding of and sympathy with the Quaker approach
• Knowledge of Uganda and/or Bangladesh

Conditions of Service

Remuneration: at a rate of £16,051 per year.  Other employee benefits will be provided, including a subsidised on-site restaurant. Membership of a pension scheme is available. 

Working hours: 35 hours a week. There is some room for negotiation about exact office hours.
If occasional evenings and weekends are worked, time off in lieu will be granted.
Annual leave: 27 working days per year.

Closing date for completed applications: noon, Wednesday 2 January 2008
Shortlisting: Monday 7 January 
Probable interview date: Monday 14 January
Starting date: as soon as possible.

The successful applicant will be expected to complete a medical questionnaire.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Please return a completed and signed paper copy of the application form to: The Personnel Office, Religious Society of Friends, Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ.   We will accept an emailed or faxed form which reaches us by the closing date as long as a signed paper copy reaches us before shortlisting.