Historian
Description
SNA International, the Global Leader in Forensics, Biometrics, and Identity Intelligence, is currently looking for a detailed-oriented Historian with a strong work ethic to support the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) mission to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing US service members from past conflicts.
DPAA Indo-Pacific Directorate has over 54,000 missing Service Members from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Nearly 20,000 of these are associated with what were historically the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA) and China-Burma-India (CBI) theaters during World War II. Two of the countries in this area—Papua New Guinea and the Philippines—represent significant operational priorities for the Indo-Pacific Directorate and Partnerships and Innovations Directorate and account for a significant number of identifications each year. Additionally, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, China, Myanmar, and Australia are integral countries in this portfolio. China, in particular, has recently opened to DPAA field work and requires a sizeable commitment of resources. As a result, the SWPA/CBI draws a disproportionate number of inquiries from families and elected representatives that require manpower to write responses. In order to continue a high operational tempo throughout the SWPA/CBI, DPAA requires comprehensive historical research and analysis to produce Case Narratives, Historical Reports, Case Summaries, and inquiry responses for cases in this region.
Critical Work Responsibilities may include but not limited to:
- Perform complex historical research into locating and identifying missing service members from World War II.
- Write historical reports, documentary research, interpreting oral histories, secondary source readings, geographically bounded studies, case narratives, reports of findings, and briefings to Agency leadership.
- Conduct research and analysis for cases that leads to comprehensive and accurate case development and investigations and case narratives.
- Conduct archival research and collect archival materials as needed.
- Assists with communications with foreign representatives/embassies and casualty/mortuary offices.
- Update, refine, and enhance the DPAA’s Case Management Data and visualization tools.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
- 5 years of professional historical research experience (includes educational experience)
- Master’s degree in history or related field with a strong understanding of US Military History, History of Science and/or World War II.
- Specialist knowledge of the Indo-Pacific Theater (working toward PhD preferred)
- Possess a broad knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of historical research and analysis as gained through graduate education in history and relevant job experience.
- Possess the ability to conduct research on a diverse array of cases with scattered and scant source material.
- Possess the ability to apply flexible approaches and versatility to conducting research.
- Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills evidenced by publication and conference presentation record.
- Possess ability to provide written products quickly and in formats tailored for varied audiences.
- Demonstrated history of writing for a wide, non-specialist audience.
- Knowledge of professional writing styles based on professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience with archival research.
- Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with excellent time management skills
- Able to work well independently as well as in a team environment.
- Possess strong attention to detail and excellent recordkeeping skills.
- Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Possess a broad knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of historical research and analysis as gained through graduate education in history and relevant job experience.
- Ability to conduct research on a diverse array of cases with scattered and scant source material.
- Ability to apply flexible approaches and versatility to conducting research.
- Knowledge of professional writing styles based on experience.
- Exceptional abilities in oral and written communication, and the ability to provide written products quickly and in formats tailored for varied audiences.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel).
- A demonstrated history of initiative and achievement.
- A demonstrated history of working independently with client staff.
- Experience working independently with minimal direction or supervision.
- Experience supporting and anticipating client needs and demonstrating problem-solving skills.
- Experience performing tasks under tight deadlines and managing shifting priorities.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- This work is primarily sedentary, although some physical effort may be required, particularly if traveling to assist with field investigations.
- Office work may include the transfer of archival boxes.
- Individuals must be capable of working under high stress and pressure of short deadlines.
Please submit a cover letter along with your CV. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered.
SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.