Senior Researcher and Programme Director, WMDProgramme

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is seeking a Senior Researcher and Programme Director for its Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Programme.

Context

SIPRI is an independent international institute whose core mission is to undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace. SIPRI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.


Main tasks and responsibilities

The successful candidate will manage and develop the SIPRI WMD Programme.S/he will oversee the SIPRI nuclear forces data launch. The candidate will also conduct cutting-edge research on related topics, and disseminate research analysis, findings and recommendations in a variety of forms to SIPRI’s diverse audiences.


The main areas of responsibility are the following:

▪ Ensure overall SIPRI WMD programme design and strategy including the research direction, budget, fundraising strategy, staffing targets and outreach;
▪ Develop and implement externally funded projects that support the goals and objectives of the programme;
▪ Ensure the programme strategy is implemented, including its adequate resourcing;
▪ Manage and mentor staff in line with the programme’s strategy and SIPRI policy;
▪ Maintain a steady pace of high-quality publications and other forms of outreach;
▪ Disseminate research results in a variety of ways;
▪ Foster a positive team spirit and create an engaging work environment;
▪ Be productive in a variety of ways—by writing regularly, through seminar presentations and panel discussions, and by being available for interviews whether to the news media or through social media.
 
Requirements

The Senior Researcher and Programme Director should be a world-class researcher on WMD issues, possess a strong track record of publications and maintain a high performance as a fundraiser. They should have the ability to respect deadlines and work within budgets. The post also requires a talent for communication and collaboration combined with the ability to manage staff. Further qualities are intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial spirit that can transform initial ideas into fully fledged research projects.
 
The successful candidate should have the following qualifications:
▪ A university degree or degrees, in disciplines and topics relevant to this post, at Master’s or Doctoral level, or publications to a Doctoral degree standard;
▪ At least 7–8 years of experience as a researcher initiating, fundraising for and carrying out her/his own research projects;
▪ Oral and written proficiency in English;
▪ Additional languages are highly desirable.
 
Current Swedish or EU residency is not required, but the successful applicant will be expected to reside in Stockholm. SIPRI will provide support with the application process for residence permit.
 
Travel

The position is based in Stockholm and requires willingness and availability to travel for the purposes of, inter alia, research, fundraising and disseminating research findings.
 
Contract period

Starting from 1 January 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. The appointment will initially be for two years, renewable. The post is full-time and the successful applicant will be expected to reside in Stockholm. The salary package will be negotiated individually.

 
How to apply

Interested candidates should submit:

▪ A one-page cover letter in English, 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).
 
In order to be considered in the recruitment process, the application must be made via the form in the vacancies section of SIPRI’s website and not through any other external job sites. Please access the form via the ‘apply’ button at the end of this page.

The initial closing date for applications is 25 November 2021. Interviews will be held virtually during the second half of November.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information about the SIPRI WMD Programme or enquiries regarding the vacant position, please contact Dr Sibylle Bauer, Director of Studies, Armament and disarmament (bauer@sipri.org).

The trade union contacts at SIPRI are Shannen Young for ST (shannen.young@sipri.org) and Frederic Daudon for SACO (frederic.daudon@sipri.org).