The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) seeks two Research Assistants in the field of armament and disarmament to support the work of the Military Expenditure and Arms Production (MILAP) Programme. Context SIPRI is an independent international institute whose core mission is to undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. SIPRI's research on arms production and military spending has been at the core of the institute's work since its foundation. This work is largely based on two comprehensive and open-access databases: the Arms Industry Database and the Military Expenditure Database. These exemplify SIPRI's core values of transparency, by using only open sources that can be independently checked, and universality, by including data on almost every country in the world. Main tasks and responsibilities The Research Assistant will work under the supervision of the Programme Director of the MILAP Programme hosted within SIPRI's armament and disarmament research area. The Research Assistant will contribute to the implementation of activities related to projects in the MILAP Programme. The main tasks and responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following: • Supporting the MILAP Programme's research activities, including data collection, analysis and drafting reports on military spending and the arms industry; • Identifying new potential information sources and validating them with the team; • Assisting with data launches and producing content for the SIPRI Yearbook and other projects; • Reviewing, fact-checking and proofreading research output, including Yearbook chapters and reports to external funders (where relevant and appropriate); • Supporting the team in preparing answers to requests for information or comment from the media or others (as and when requested); • Contributing to a pleasant and stimulating intellectual and work environment; and • Collaborating with others, including on research, fundraising and outreach. Requirements The Research Assistant is expected to be calm and professional under pressure, flexible, thorough and open-minded as well as a strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills, a solution-oriented attitude and a talent for multitasking. The successful candidate must have: • a university degree or degrees in disciplines and topics relevant to this post; • a strong interest in, and familiarity with, arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament issues; • an ability to work independently with strong attention to detail, effective time management and the capacity to organize and prioritize workflows; • experience of open-source information research; • fluency in English, both written and spoken, with knowledge of other languages seen as a distinct advantage (knowledge of Swedish is not required); • very good knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) along with the ability and interest to learn how to use other relevant software tools; and • a familiarity with SIPRI's research areas, with a regional focus on Europe or the Middle East seen as an advantage. Contract period and conditions Starting 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter, the contract period will initially last for two years with the possibility of extension. The post is a full-time position. The post requires that the candidate becomes a resident in Stockholm, Sweden, when employment starts. The salary package will be negotiated individually. How to apply Interested candidates should submit:  • a one-page cover letter in English detailing why you are applying for this position; • a CV in English including your degrees, work experience, publications, and language skills; and • one short writing sample in English of no more than 2500 words. Please note that candidates will be asked to provide references at a later stage. The application must be made via SIPRI's electronic application system in the vacancies section of the SIPRI website. Please access the form using the 'apply' button at the end of this page. Applications through any other external job sites will not be accepted. SIPRI is an equal opportunity employer and applications from qualified women and other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged. The initial closing date for applications is 21 July 2024, 23:59 CET. Interviews are expected to be held in August. For enquiries regarding the position please contact  Dr Nan Tian, Senior Researcher and Director of the MILAP Programme.  The trade union contacts at SIPRI are Pieter D. Wezeman for ST and Annika Salisbury for Saco-S.