The Remote Control Project examines changes in military engagement, bringing together those who are looking at different aspects of new military trends. Our focus is on remote warfare – the Western shift away from large boots on the ground deployments to counter groups like ISIS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and al-Shabaab.

We analyse light-footprint forms of engagement involving special forces, airpower, intelligence-sharing and partnering with local forces who are fighting on the frontlines of the war on terror. We have a small research and policy team focussed on generating a deeper understanding of these topics, acting as an information resource for policy and decision-makers.

Our current research and policy work focusses on the British defence and security environment, but we also look at the UK in its international context. The main theme that the post-holder will be working on will be transparency and accountability, specifically through our work-streams on special forces oversight and defence spending.

The Role: The job-holder will support our research and policy work on transparency and accountability by conducting original research, writing case studies for a policy audience, analysing and visualising data, and contributing to our blog site. Their work will support our engagement with Parliament, Whitehall, and the academic and expert communities.

About us: Remote Control is a project of the Network for Social Change, a group of individuals providing funding for progressive social change, particularly in the areas of justice, peace and the environment. The Remote Control Project is hosted in London by Oxford Research Group (ORG), a leading independent ‘think-and-action-tank’ which has been influential for more than 30 years in pioneering sustainable approaches to security.

Location: The post will be based at our office in London, which is currently near Old Street tube station (Oxford Research Group, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, EC2A 4LT).

Hours: 2-3 days a week. Can be flexible to fit around studying or other commitments. (7.5 hours is equivalent to one working day).

Duration: Fixed-term contract for one year with the possibility of extension and increase in hours.