Researcher, Sahel-West Africa Programme

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)  is seeking a Researcher for its Sahel and West Africa programme. The SIPRI Sahel-West Africa programme is a part of SIPRI’s Conflict, Peace and Security research area. The programme conducts analyses of the key conflicts, security and peace-building issues affecting the contemporary Sahel and West Africa region.

 

Context

SIPRI is an independent international institute whose core mission is to undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. SIPRI provides excellent opportunities for scientific and personal development. SIPRI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

 

The Researcher will be responsible for:


• Implementing projects aimed at monitoring and analyzing human security developments at a local/national/regional level and to contribute to stabilisation policies’ effectiveness, in collaboration with Programme staff, other SIPRI Researchers and the partner organizations;


• Designing, conducting, writing and disseminating her/his own high-quality research in collaboration with other Senior colleagues;


• Further developing a methodology combining quantitative and qualitative research in coordination with other SIPRI staff;
• Disseminating the research results, in coordination with other SIPRI Senior staff;


• Contributing to capacity-building training courses for civil society actors and research institutions involved in the projects;


• Direct engagement with African partner organizations and civil society organizations involved in research and outreach activities;
• Proactive contributing to the programme’s fund-raising plan (identifying coherent themes, possible partnerships, funding opportunities, grant and proposal writing, including complex multi-lateral institutions applications);
• Mentoring of junior staff and interns, in coordination with other SIPRI Senior staff.

 

The roll requires fluency in written and spoken French and English. The position is based in Stockholm and involves travel to West Africa and the Sahel region.

 

Requirements

The Researcher should be a top-class researcher, with an experience with mixed-method research (qualitative and quantitative methodologies), a specialisation on Sub-Saharan Africa, and proven past experiences in the West Africa/Sahel region. It is an asset also to have a good understanding of civil society organizations and international players in the region, a track record in publications and a talent for communication. Previous fundraising experience and/or management of people/budgets is a further asset.

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications:


• A university degree or degrees, in disciplines and topics relevant to this post, at preferably a Doctoral level, or publications to Doctoral degree standard.
• The Researcher should have a work experience of more than 3 years in a relevant field.
• Proven skills in quantitative/qualitative research;
• A record of publications that is commensurate with the length of time worked in research;
• Knowledge of peace, conflict, stability and fragility issues in the region;
• Proven experience in planning and executing (high-level) events in Europe and in Africa.

 

Contract period

Starting from 1 April 2021, or as soon as possible. The appointment will be, initially, for a two-year period, and renewable. The post is full-time, and the successful applicant will be expected to reside in Stockholm with travel to Central and West Africa. The salary package will be negotiated individually.

 

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit:


• A one-page cover letter in English and French, detailing your qualifications and interests in the subject area;
• A full CV in English with information about your educational background, relevant experience, skills, acquisition record, major publications;
• Two writing samples (article, book chapter or substantial piece of writing up to 8 000 words), preferably one in French.

 

We welcome international applications. 

In order to be considered in the recruitment process, the application must be made via the form that is reached on SIPRI's website under vacancies and not through any other external job sites.

Please observe that you apply via our electronic application system. Please access the form via the "apply" button at the very end of this page.

The initial closing date for applications is 10 January 2021

 

For further information about the SIPRI Sahel-West Africa programme or enquiries regarding the vacant position, please contact Dr Virginie Baudais, Deputy Programme Director, Sahel and West Africa programme. (virginie.baudais@sipri.org).

The trade union contact persons at SIPRI are Pieter Wezeman for ST (pwezeman@sipri.org) and Jiayi Zhou for SACO (Jiayi.zhou@sipri.org