Academic Researcher
About The Role
We are creating a talent pool for an Academic Researcher to be part of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
You will provide research support to teams across the Commission including Case Support, Information Recovery and Findings, and undertake predominantly open-source research on individual cases. You will provide historical context to the Commission's information recovery and findings work. Through your oral and written research products, you will ensure staff understand the nature of the Troubles/Conflict and use this knowledge to inform their work.
With a strong understanding of historical research methodologies and research ethics, you will also have experience of utilising a range of sources such as archival collections, public and academic libraries, visual, oral histories, and newspapers, to assist the Commission in its work.
You will bring your expert understanding of state and non-state archives to support the work of investigators, and report writers in the Finding Team. Your excellent analytical and communication skills will ensure that you can synthesise complex and competing sources into objective, accurate and accessible research products.
You will be part of a high performing team of academic researchers based within the Investigations Directorate in the Commission.
We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor.
We are happy to discuss the role and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us for an informal conversation by emailing us at
Key Responsibilities
* Undertake research for teams across the Commission.
* Develop an in-depth understanding of thematic areas of the Commission's work which may include developments in paramilitarism, law enforcement and security institutions; political and social dimensions of communal violence; gendered experiences of conflict; and the geography of violence.
* Build strong relationships with external stakeholders such as community organisations, academic institutions and museums.
* Engage in complex research in state and non-state archives (such as PRONI, community archives and libraries) accessing a wide range of material.
* Provide advice to investigation teams on the opportunities and challenges within state and non-state archives.
* Contribute to a constructive and collaborative team culture.
* Identify opportunities to raise the profile of the team across the Commission and deliver training sessions and briefings on areas of expertise.
* Establish and maintain constructive, professional relationships with key teams across the Commission, including the Case Support Team, Investigations Team, Findings Team, General Counsel, and the Engagement Team.
* Set an example across the Commission to help create an inclusive environment which values diversity, encourages continuous learning and development, and welcomes feedback.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Postgraduate qualification relevant to historical research or relevant skills and experience that can be transferred.
Essential Criteria
* Experience of undertaking complex research utilising a wide range of sources.
* Ability to translate complex material into accessible and clear written and oral outputs, tailored to the relevant audience.
* Confident communicator with experience of delivering presentations and workshops (in-person and online).
* Experience of conducting research in state and non-state archives.
* The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
* Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks efficiently and deliver to deadline.
* The ability to represent the organisation effectively and build relationships with a range of stakeholders.
* Demonstrate the values set out in the ICRIR Code of Conduct.
* Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for SC clearance, if not already cleared.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience of studying or working on the Troubles/Conflict.
* Previous experience of working in a high profile / contentious environment.
About Us
The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery is an independent organisation that has been established to recover information about Troubles/Conflict-related deaths and serious injuries to families, victims, and survivors and to promote reconciliation.
We are building a values-led organisation. We operate with integrity, impartiality, openness, accountability, and respect, as set out in our Code of Conduct. This is reflected in our fair and open recruitment processes. We encourage people to join us across all backgrounds, communities and faiths to help us deliver.
The Commission is based in Belfast, with further operational sites in Northern Ireland and London. Travel to all locations will be required, but hybrid working arrangements will help us support a range of flexible working patterns. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with a unique and vital remit.
The Commission is formed of seven Commissioners, the Chief Commissioner, Sir Declan Morgan, the Chief Executive Officer, Louise Warde Hunter, and the Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan, as well as four Non-Executive Commissioners to provide challenge and scrutiny to the executive team.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. We value diversity in our workforce as it enhances our ability to serve the communities of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.
ICRIR's Code of Conduct
* Integrity
* Impartiality
* Openness
* Accountability
* Respect
For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.
If you would have any queries or would like to contact us to discuss a reasonable adjustment, please email us at or call us on .