Senior Researcher on Food and security

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is seeking a Senior Researcher for its research area on food and security, currently focusing on the SIPRI-World Food Programme (WFP) knowledge partnership.

SIPRI’s research area “Peace and Development” explores the conditions conducive to sustainable development and positive peace, focusing on how good development and security policy and practice can contribute to creating the enabling conditions that promote a lasting peace.  The research pursued within the SIPRI-WFP partnership aims to identify the WFP’s contribution to improving the prospects for peace in the countries where it works, to see how risks of negative impact could be minimised, and what steps the WFP could take to enhance its positive contribution.

 

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.

 

Main tasks and responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Senior Researcher is delivery of high-quality research on food security issues. In the near term, this focusses on the WFP’s work as outlined below, together with appropriate recommendations on WFP policy and actions.

Besides conducting own research, this post involves an active engagement with the WFP in Rome and with its various regional and country offices.

In light of these responsibilities, the main tasks of the Senior Researcher on Food and Security are:


• Designing, conducting, and writing high-quality research in fulfilment of the terms of SIPRI’s knowledge partnership with the WFP;
• Communicating research findings by contributing to the deliverables agreed with the WFP – country case study reports, thematic reports, and a final synthesis report;
• Communicating research findings in other ways if time is available;
• Mentoring junior staff, including promoting dissemination of their research;
• Taking part in the collective life of the Institute.

 

Requirements

The successful candidate will have as a minimum the following experience:


• 5 years of experience as a researcher initiating and carrying out her/his own research projects;
• A record of publications that is commensurate with the length of time worked in research;
• Strong knowledge of the broad issues relating to food security risks with particular expertise in one area such as gender or measurement/assessment of impact;
• Proven ability to work and deliver in small teams;
• Mastery of oral and written English, with further language proficiency a useful advantage
• Experience from working in multilateral organisations is not essential but is advantageous.

 

Knowledge and skills

When starting the position, the Senior Researcher on Food and Security should have as a minimum:


• A profound knowledge of the relationship between food and security and a demonstrated interest in policy relevant analysis.
• Ability to work well with others, including mentoring junior staff.
• A talent for writing and communication to various audiences.
• All SIPRI staff are expected to have a commitment to SIPRI’s values and mission.

 

Contract period 

Starting 1 June 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter.  The appointment will be for two years initially with a possible extension of up to 6 years. 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

Please observe that we only accept applications through our electronic application system. Please access the form via the "apply" button at the very end of this page.

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;
• The names of two potential referees and their contact information.

 

The closing date for applications is 15 March 2020.

For information about the vacant position, please contact Dr Caroline Delgado, Senior Researcher and Programme Director on Food and Security (caroline.delgado@sipri.org).

The trade union contact persons at SIPRI are Frank Esparraga for ST (frank.esparraga@sipri.org) and Jiayi Zhou for Saco-S (zhou@sipri.org).