Senior Researcher Conflict and Security

About the Nordic Africa Institute
The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) is a Swedish government agency and has a unique mandate to produce research and inform policy which is relevant to support development in Africa. We intend to develop our role further as the Nordic hub for Africa focused research, documentation and policy advice and we are therefore looking for an experienced researcher who is enthusiastic about contributing to NAI’s research and policy work in the coming years.
Read the full advert at:
https://nai.uu.se/about-us/vacancies/2020-06-22-senior-researcher----conflict-and-security.html

Job Description
Senior researchers at the Institute are expected to initiate new research projects and lead the execution of research projects/programmes. They are expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment and systematically share analyses with colleagues and stakeholders. Researchers are also expected to engage in other activities of the institute such as policy dialogues, media engagements, dissemination activities, planning and organising research seminars and conferences, scholarship programmes etc. within their areas of specialization and expertise. Researchers should be able to participate actively in the preparation of research projects/programmes, review of different applications within the area of research. Other tasks and assignments may include planning, facilitating academic networking and dissemination of research findings. In addition, senior researchers will carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Research.

Qualifications
Must
A PhD degree in relevant discipline within social sciences or humanities.
A minimum of at least 5 years of post-doctoral working experience from Africa focused research and publishing on conflict and security with special focus on the influence of external powers and/or growth of terrorism.
Proven experience in policy advice and media engagements.
Ability to present complex issues in a readable form for both academic and non-academic audiences.
Strong analytical skills including the use of quantitative and/or qualitative research techniques.
Excellent knowledge of the English language, and competences and skills in effective communication.

Merits
Strong networks within African studies and with other relevant stakeholders in the above mentioned research field especially on the African continent.
Good knowledge of research centres, networks, and universities in the Nordic countries and in Africa.
Proven knowledge of policy processes and policy environments.
Proven capacity to attract external funding for research programmes and projects.
Knowledge of French or Portuguese.

The application should contain:
A. Proposal for a research project not exceeding 5 pages which should include:
Research problem, methodology and conceptual & theoretical framework;
Potential sources of external funding for proposed research activities;
Strategies for disseminating research findings (including platforms for policy engagements and media activities).

B. A complete CV with a list of scientific publications (including books, articles, research reports, policy notes, etc), research projects conducted/participated (with indication of those dealing with conflict and security), and most recent papers presented at conferences.
C. Three sample publications by applicant that relate to the thematic area of research. (Preferably through links to online sources, and in two copies each if print copies are sent).
D. The names, professional titles and addresses (phone, e-mail) of two references.
As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their proposed research projects for the Nordic Africa Institute.


Condition of Service
This is a permanent position, with a probationary period of 6 months[1]. Salary is negotiable within the Institute’s current salary levels and remuneration packages. The position includes attractive benefits and conditions offered for employees of Swedish civil service.
Starting date is as soon as possible.

Contact persons:
Therese Sjömander Magnusson, Director, or Tania Berger, Head of Administration/HR. Trade Union representatives: Johan Sävström (OFR/ST) and Henrik Alfredsson (Saco-S). All can be reached at +46 18 471 52 00 or nai@nai.uu.se.
More information about the institute’s research focal areas and themes, on-going research activities, strategy/values, scholarship programmes, library services and publications is available on the website: www.nai.uu.se.

The application should be sent:
by email to nai-applications@nai.uu.se. (Including publications to the extent possible or by indication of internet addresses when available).
Closing Date for applications: 2020-08-14
The Institute promotes equal opportunities for all, and good representation of African regions. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.


[1] Should the new NAI strategy 2022-2026 not focus on conflict and security, the position will not be extended after January 2022.