For the research project Colonial Contract Laborers and Collective Action in the Dutch Empire, the International Institute for Social History (IISH, KNAW) is looking for a Community Manager for 12 hours for 2.5 years.
The project focuses on the collection of new event datasets on collective action and forms of resistance by indentured laborers working in Dutch colonies after the abolition of slavery. In line with the global labor history research agenda, it aims to complement current scholarly attention to the history of slavery with the study of the coercive labor regime of contract labor that became even more widespread after abolition.The goal is to gather new knowledge and to make visible the various ways in which Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian indentured laborers resisted the conditions of the appropriation of their labor power in the Dutch Empire.
This project builds on ongoing research into the history of workers’ collective action around the world as part of the Hub Global Labor Conflicts data platform project at IISH. Embracing the idea of citizen science, we aim to actively involve descendants of former contract laborers or members of the different affected communities in guiding this project, including developing research questions, identifying sources, and collecting data. The project is embedded in a citizen science project of the Humanities Cluster of the KNAW. With this collaboration, the IISH, Meertens and the Huygens Institute aim to promote the democratization of historical research and cultural heritage projects.

WHAT YOU WILL BE CONTRIBUTING

• We are looking for a candidate with a degree in the humanities or social sciences or a related field.
• You have an interest in the history of collective labor action and colonialism. More importantly, you have contact with communities, organisations, activists and/or artists with connections to former Dutch colonies (Surinam, Caribbean, India or Indonesia) where contract laborers were recruited or employed.
• You have good communication skills and enjoy adapting and translating research findings for a wider audience. Previous experience of project management, community management or citizen science projects would be ideal, but is not essential.
• You are independent, a good communicator and enjoy working with others.
• You are fluent in Dutch and English, and we value other relevant language skills
  Please also contact us if you are enthusiastic and think that you have the necessary skills and interest in the topic, even if you do not fully fit the profile above!

As a Community Manager, you will work closely with two researchers at the IISH, as well as with two similar teams at the partner institutions. Your responsibilities will include helping to build engagement with relevant communities, organizing community spaces and events, and helping to organize and communicate research.