HISTORICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT
14 – 18 Project
Job Description
Job Band
2A
(eventually Global Grade)
Reporting to
Research Historian
Employees
reporting to role
Financial
Responsibilities
Purpose of Job
None
N/A
As the centenaries of the major events of the First World War approach, the
CWGC aims to increase its level of engagement with the public by providing them
with details of the historical context of individual sites and informing them of the
ongoing work of the Commission. In order to meet this objective, several hundred
visitor information panels will be installed at cemeteries and memorials across the
former battlefields of the conflict.
The post-holder will work as part of a specially appointed 14-18 team and play an
important role in the Commission’s preparations for the forthcoming centenaries.
The core of the workload will consist of writing and researching the military
historical background to cemeteries and memorials at which the Commission
intends to install visitor information panels.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities
General
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To research the specific military/historical background to groups of war dead buried in CWGC
cemeteries or commemorated on CWGC memorials
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To write brief but well researched texts for visitor information panels and web pages under the
guidance and supervision of the Commission’s Historian
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To report to the Commission Historian regarding all aspects of text production
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To edit and upload detailed texts to relevant pages on the CWGC website
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To actively contribute to the development of Commission strategy regarding the 14-18 programme
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To suggest innovative ways of engaging with the public
Key contacts and relationships
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Reports to the Research Historian
All members of the 14-18 Team
Members of staff both at Head Office and in Areas
General Public
Researchers and Historians
Date of Preparation
June 2012
1
Knowledge & qualifications/experience required
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First class history degree completed or near completion
Good knowledge and understanding of the military dynamics of the First World War, especially the
British war effort on the Western Front
Ability to handle multiple projects at once, meet deadlines and be organised
Possession of a drivers licence is desirable
Competencies & Key Skills (functional/technical)
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Excellent writing skills
Excellent communication skills
A passion for history
A strong interest in engaging with members of the public
Planning & Organising
Team player with the confidence to take the lead and guide other colleagues and departments where
necessary
Personal effectiveness
Ability to travel in the UK and overseas
Date of Preparation
June 2012
2