Social scientist for socio-ecological participatory research (m/f/x)

AGIAMONDO is the personnel service of German Catholics for development cooperation. In the Civil Peace Service (CPS), we offer professionals the opportunity for meaningful service in cooperation with local development actors. The CPS is a personnel program for violence prevention and peacebuilding in crisis and conflict regions. It works for a world in which conflicts are settled without violence. Together with church and civil society partner organizations in Colombia, AGIAMONDO wants to contribute to the civil conflict resolution there and to the sustainable and just development of the country through peacebuilding measures.

The registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) “Centro Sociojurídico para la Defensa Territorial – SIEMBRA” supports local communities in their struggle to gain control over their territories, which is very challenging in the face of widespread dispossession and exploitation. To this end, SIEMBRA provides socio-legal accompaniment and support for various processes on the Pacific coast of Chocó, in Cajamarca, Tolima and Huila, with the aim of contributing to the defence and guarantee of rights.
A particular focus is on the commitment around the Atrato River, which was granted its own legal personality by the Constitutional Court in 2016 with judgement T622. This involves restoring its natural features, such as water quality, as well as supporting the communities living there. By working with SIEMBRA, you can help to promote the enforcement of the T622 ruling by supporting the affected communities and organisations in claiming their rights through research, analysis and communication work.
 

To support our partner organization, we are looking for the next possible date a Social scientist for socio-ecological participatory research (m/f/x).

 

 

Your tasks

• You will analyse and research the existing conflicts around the Atrato River, e.g. illegal mining, deforestation, fishing, land use and land conflicts.
• You assess the implementation of the T622 ruling by various stakeholders and analyse the associated environmental and social consequences.
• You will support discussions and negotiations with the government on the implementation of the T622 judgement.
• You will contribute your expertise in the preparation of reports and analyses to support the victim groups supported by SIEMBRA in the areas of communication and advocacy.
• You will contribute to the development of national and international advocacy strategies for SIEMBRA and the supported communities.
• You will be responsible for the proper spending and administration of funds on the ground in accordance with donor guidelines and AGIAMONDO’s specifications. You will work in partnership with the partner organisation.

 

 

Your profile

• You have a relevant university degree in a social science or humanities subject, such as environmental and sustainability sciences, political science, sociology or anthropology.
• You have at least 3 years of international professional experience with a focus on socio-ecological issues in NGOs or social organisations.
• Your methodological skills cover research processes on extractivism and/or socio-ecological conflicts and their impact on the community.
• Experience in the development of, links between and input into environmental legislation and related action plans is an advantage for this position.
• You will have a good knowledge of environmental conflicts, especially those related to water use (mining, fishing, erosion).
• You have very good Spanish language skills.
• You are an EU citizen or Swiss national and you identify with the goals and concerns of church development and peace work.

 

The AGIAMONDO offer

• Individual and comprehensive preparation
• Three-year contract, social security and remuneration according to the Development Aid Act
• Further training in the country, language or other professional skills as well as coaching and supervision, individual counseling

 

Have we aroused your interest? Then apply via our online application portal by 19.05.2023.