Research Assistant for UN Security Council related project, temp position

About the Nordic Africa Institute

The Nordic Africa Institute is a Swedish government agency and has a unique mandate to produce research and inform policy which is relevant to support development in Africa. The Institute has since its establishment in 1962 been an important research, documentation and information centre on modern Africa in the Nordic countries. NAI is jointly financed by the governments of Sweden, Finland and Iceland, and promotes research on and knowledge of contemporary Africa in the Nordic countries, as well as cooperation between mainly African and Nordic researchers. The Institute also disseminates information on current African issues, through publications, seminars, conferences and various policy-related activities.

The Swedish Research Council-funded project of the Nordic Africa Institute, Shattering glass: How elected members of the UN Security Council fight for women, peace and security, (project leader Angela Muvumba Sellström, Senior Researcher, Conflict and Security) is recruiting a research assistant.

Job Description
This research assistant position’s role is to support the research theme “The UN Security Council’s elected members and conflict and security in Africa”, with a focus on women, peace and security. Together with other research participants and partners in Norway and South Africa, the assistant shall participate in research, events and publication processes and assist in outreach to Nordic and African decision-makers. 

Key duties
Under the direction of the project leader, the research assistant shall contribute to the study of the repertoire and outcomes of the United Nations Security Council and the behavior of elected members to the Council, with a focus on African conflicts and women, peace and security. The assistant shall


• Collect documentation and original source information on UN Security Council resolutions, mandates, mission reporting and voting patterns of African and Nordic elected member states.
• Prepare research guides and transcribe interviews.
• Carry-out administrative tasks within the project, including coordinating the submission of project proposals and ethics review applications and data management policies; archiving documentation; liaise with and schedule participating researchers, partner organizations and study participants; take minutes of project meetings; schedule and contribute to periodical reporting on activities and finances.
• Co-author and author external and internal case studies on UN peacekeeping and political missions in Africa, and prepare literature summaries and background material for academic publications and relevant events.
• Coordinate research exchanges with African researchers and institutions.
• Fulfill other duties as may be assigned by the project leader.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Peace and Conflict studies or an education deemed equivalent
• Knowledge of the UN and international peace and security literature
• Knowledge of political violence and theories of peace and conflict
• Knowledge of empirical research principles
• Excellent English in speech and writing
• Knowledge of research centres, networks and universities in the Nordic countries
• Proven ability for independent work, reliability, flexibility and being pro-active
• Ability to handle and carry-out multiple time-sensitive and complex tasks
• Knowledge of policy processes and policy environments
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Previous experience in similar research activities and data collection

Desirable/merit

• Master's degree in Peace and Conflict Research or equivalent topic (or ongoing degree to be finished before the start of the employment)
• Knowledge of parties and politics in conflicts in Africa, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Libya, the Sahel and Somalia
• Good knowledge of data science software for quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Some knowledge of African research centres, networks and universitities
• Academic or policy research publication record

The application should contain

• A cover letter providing motivation for the application, including any particular interest in working for the Nordic Africa Institute and on the research theme.
• A complete CV with a list of 1) work experience, 2) research (including any study assignments, scientific papers or publications that are relevant to this position), 3) academic training and courses and conferences or events attended and/or organized. Emphasis should be placed on Africa or UN-focused peace and security.
• One writing sample by the applicant that relates to the thematic area of research. (list the publication in your cover letter with an online link, and/or attach a PDF file copy to your email).
• The name, professional title and addresses (phone, e-mail) of one reference.

As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and submit a writing sample.

Apply through our online recruitment system, link below. 

Salary: Individual salary.
Placement: Uppsala, Sweden.
Starting date: 1 June 2021, or as otherwise agreed.
Type of employment: Temporary position ending 31 May 2022 (possible extension for a second year).
Scope of employment: 100 %.
Please submit your application by 2 May 2021.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.