BACKGROUND

In many ways, it is the research department that distinguishes the KAIPTC from other peace support training centres in Africa. The creation of this department will provide the link which has hitherto been missing – between conceptual thinking and analysis, and the development of appropriate training at the operational level. 

The name “Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution Department” reflects an African approach to peace and security as articulated in the Cairo Declaration of 1993 and the subsequent creation of the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution. Similarly, at the ECOWAS summit of December 1999, agreement was reached on a Protocol for the Establishment of a Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, Peace and Security.

While the name of the research department may be cumbersome, it does provide a broad mandate for research into the full spectrum of multidimensional peace support – from peacemaking to peacekeeping and post-conflict peacebuilding. On the other hand, the potential breadth of the research agenda presents a constant challenge of relevance, and must therefore be tempered by the reality of available human and material resources.  

VISION

To become the pivotal department of KAIPTC; guiding the development of meaningful training courses and educational seminars, whilst also locating the KAIPTC at the centre of West African peace support studies through policy-relevant research and wider dissemination efforts.

MISSION

The mission of the CPMRD is to:

• conduct and facilitate research into and analysis of the principles and practice of  international and regional conflict prevention, management and resolution;
• in order to enhance (West) African contributions to peacemaking, peacekeeping  and peace-building;
• through education and training activities at KAIPTC that are informed by sound policy and doctrine and that meet real regional needs. 

OBJECTIVES

The CPMRD will pursue this mission through: 

• Investigating and analysing the causes and course of conflicts in West Africa and  generating policy options for more effective conflict prevention and resolution;
• Establishing and maintaining a network of researchers, trainers and practitioners engaged in areas of conflict prevention, management and resolution in West Africa.
• Providing a forum for analysis and documentation of emergent lessons from ongoing peace processes;
• Initiating processes to identify clear civilian and military training needs, and engaging in collaborative approaches to meeting these needs;
• Presenting and publishing research findings that are meaningful to policymakers, trainers and practitioners; and
• Providing appropriate and relevant advice and support to course development and presentation by the other departments of the KAIPTC.  

RESEARCH

The research agenda of the CPMRD will evolve over the coming months, with the clarification of ECOWAS priorities and the appointment of additional researchers to the Department. During the start-up phase, however, it is envisaged that the Department will focus on:

• Ongoing processes of peace implementation in Liberia , Côte d' Ivoire and Sierra Leone;
• Cross-border sources/causes of conflict and means of regional conflict resolution in West Africa;
• Managing natural resources (especially oil) to reduce conflict potential in West  Africa;
   Managing cultural diversity in peace processes (including culture and custom vs international norms and instruments);
• The youth factor in [West] African conflicts and peace processes;
• The ‘art' of peacemaking in regional context;
• Comparative DDR experiences and lessons
• Transitions from peacekeeping to peace-building/ transfer of authority
• Human rights, civilian protection and military doctrine for PSO
• Methods of alternative dispute resolution;
• Legal and administrative frameworks in war to peace transitions;
• Trends in the employment and training of civilians for peace missions in West Africa ; and
• Reduction of violence against women and children in West Africa , gender in peacekeeping, trafficking.
• Comparative electoral systems  

In addition to in-house research and writing, the CPMRD welcomes engagement in collaborative research projects with African and international partners.

KAIPTC Internship Programme: Policy Guide January 2009

1. Introduction

KAIPTC offers internship to graduates and post-graduates from the West African region and abroad. Interns work under the supervision and guidance of the Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution Department (CPMRD), where they perform a variety of duties ranging from conducting research and developing training materials to producing papers for publication.

CPMRD is one of three departments of KAIPTC. It conducts and facilitates research into the principles and practice of international and regional conflict prevention, management and resolution, in order to enhance Africa’s contribution to peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace-building. The Department also engages with (sub-) regional organizations at policy level and provides a forum for analysis and documentation of emerging lessons from ongoing peace processes; generates research findings in support of ongoing policy development for enhancing peace and security in Africa; and contributes to the development of meaningful training and educational courses, seminars and workshops at KAIPTC.

2. Objectives

The primary purpose of the internship programme is to provide interns with an opportunity for further apprenticeship in research on issues relating to peace and security and peace support operations in Africa. Some of the objectives of the programme are to:
1. Provide recent graduates  with the opportunity to improve their research skills and gain relevant work/research  experience;
2. Provide interns with the opportunity  to improve their understanding  peace and security issues in Africa;
3. Expose interns to a multi-national working environment; and
4. Offer interns the opportunity to be involved in course management at KAIPTC.

3. Job description

To achieve the above objective interns are required to:
1. Take part in CPMRD research projects;
2. Produce a paper for publication;
3. Contribute to course administration; and
4. Perform administrative tasks when necessary.
 
4. Support and benefit of KAIPTC internship programme

Interns at KAIPTC are provided with support to make their stay comfortable. Some of these are:  flexible work schedule; opportunity to explore research topics related to their interests and expertise; work station, computer, and access to internet and shared files on the public domain for the duration of their internship; assistance in furtherance of the intern's personal study through the provision of contacts and/or networks where possible; and reference/certificate of service upon the successful completion of the internship.

5. Eligibility criteria

The programme is open to current post-graduate students or those who have completed post-graduate study in the last three years. KAIPTC will also consider applications from those with first degrees who have some experience in the field of peace and security.

6. Duration of the internship programme

The duration of the internship programme is six months, with the following schedule:

 April - September
 October – March

7. Remuneration

Internship at KAIPTC is not remunerated. Interns are therefore required to make adequate provisions for their subsistence, field work related expenses, and accommodation (for those without residence in Ghana or Accra) before they begin the internship. Prospective interns are therefore advised to seek financial support elsewhere before arriving in Ghana for the start of their internship.

8. Applying for Internship

Prospective interns can apply electronically with their CV, letter of motivation and 2 writing samples to aissatou.fall@kaiptc.org. Applications should be submitted latest on 31 January for the internships starting in April and latest on 30 June for those beginning in October (refer to point 6 above).  Note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

9. Final selection of interns

Interns are selected taking into consideration their ability to undertake research with minimum supervision. Other considerations include gender and geographical distribution. Interns shall be notified of the status of their application one month before the beginning of their internship at KAIPTC.

10. Medicals

Selected application will be required to submit medical report showing that they are medically fit for the internship programme. Those coming from outside Ghana should also have comprehensive travel insurance.

KAIPTC accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship.

11. Accountability

A serious breach in the duties and obligations stipulated in this policy, as per the observations of the Administrator may lead to termination of the internship. A one-week notice shall be given in such cases.

The intern will also reimburse KAIPTC for financial loss or for damage to KAIPTC-owned equipment or property caused by him/her, if such loss or damage:

a) occurred outside the performance of services with KAIPTC; or

b) arose or resulted from gross negligence or wilful misconduct or violation or reckless disregard of applicable rules and policies by the interns.
 
12. Agreement between KAIPTC and Interns

Terms & Conditions:

1. Interns shall perform their duties as stipulated in the job description and any other duties assigned by supervisor or the Head of Department.

2. Interns shall adhere to the KAIPTC’s rules and regulations governing internship and CPMRD work schedule.

3. Interns shall not take part directly or indirectly in any business which will create a conflict of interest between intern and KAIPTC.

4. Whilst undertaking internship at the CPMRD, interns shall endeavour to promote the interest of the KAIPTC and keep confidential all information they may obtain with regard to the business affairs of KAIPTC.

5. Interns shall conform to normal working hours of the KAIPTC or as amended any time, but must be prepared to stay beyond these hours when it becomes necessary.

6. Interns shall not give lectures or speak at a meeting with regard to the KAIPTC’s affairs or on a subject which may affect the Centre, whether technical or otherwise without prior approval or authorization from the Head of Department. 

7. Interns shall not, without approval of Head of CPMRD, publish any such matters in any newspapers, periodicals, circulars, magazines or any other issue.

8. Interns shall complete a monthly progress report on their performance to be submitted to the Head of Department. Failure to submit monthly progress report will lead to termination of the internship programme.

9. Interns shall follow KAIPTC’s existing grievance and disciplinary procedures where challenges are experienced. The internship shall come to an end six months from the day of inception and shall not be extended upon completion.

12. Interns will not be provided with recommendation letters and  certificates if  they fail to complete their work schedule.

This document constitutes the sole contract of both parties and any amendments; alterations and/or deletion shall be mutually agreed upon and put in writing. Either party may terminate this agreement unilaterally, by giving two weeks written notice to this effect. Interns shall sign internship placement agreement document to indicate their comprehension and acceptance of the conditions of placement.

Objectives of the GTZ-sponsored Graduate Internship Programme

The objectives of this programme are three-fold:

1. To provide outstanding young West African graduates with the opportunity to gain relevant work experience, whilst enhancing their professional skills and acquiring practical expertise in the realm of applied policy research on peace and security matters ;
2. To attract to KAIPTC motivated, talented and capable  candidates who, after completing the graduate internship programme, will join a pool of KAIPTC research collaborators and potential training facilitators in the ECOWAS region;
3. To reinforce the institutional network and partnership between GTZ, KAIPTC, and regional universities.

Application Procedure

Applications should be sent via e-mail to aissatou.fall@kaiptc.org . The letter of application should be accompanied by a CV or resume, letter of motivation and 2 writing samples, proposed dates for the internship, as well as specific research interests to be pursued during this period.  Note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.