The Nordic Africa Institute is seeking to recruit an experienced researcher on Democratic Governance and Accountability in Africa. As an integral part of the cluster on Conflict, Displacement and Transformation, the incumbent will conduct research on a broad portfolio which includes governance, political competition and consensus building, transparency and accountability, state-civil society relations, and the rule of law, and work under the management of the Cluster leader.
The researcher will also participate in the activities pertaining to NAI´s scholarship programmes, planning seminars, networking and information dissemination. The researcher is also expected to participate in the mobilization of additional external resources when needed.
The institute’s research has been organized around 4 distinct research clusters in order to deepen intellectual interaction and collaboration between researchers.
As a researcher on Democratic Governance and Accountability in Africa you will conduct research within the cluster on:
- Conflict, Displacement and Transformation
Principal Qualifications
- A PhD degree in political science/international relations/sociology, with several years of experience of work on Africa-related issues
- Strong writing ability and capacity to present complex issues in a readable form for both academic and non-academic audiences
- Strong analytical background
- Familiarity with the goals and strategies of key Nordic and international organizations and institutions
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
- Knowledge of Nordic and African institutions and civil society organizations, and contacts with researchers, policy makers and other relevant actors
- Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.
The application
The application should contain:
A. A proposal not exceeding 5 pages. It should include the applicant’s
1. Research questions, problems, methodology and theory situated in relation to the research cluster on Conflict, Displacement and Transformation;
2. Network strategies (with particular reference to Africa and the Nordic countries); and
3. Strategy for dissemination of research results (including contribution to policy advice).
B. A complete CV with a list of publications.
C. Three of the applicant’s own publications (in three copies each) relating to the research.
D. The names and addresses (phone, fax, e-mail) of at least two referees.
As part of the interview, shortlisted candidates will be required to make a presentation to staff before the actual interview.
Contract period will be for two years with the possibility of a two year extension on the basis of an interim assessment. Salary is negotiable within the current levels at the Institute.
Contact persons:
Cyril Obi, Cluster Leader, +46 18 56 22 36
Eva-Lena Svensson, Human Resources Manager, +46 18 56 22 12. Trade Union representatives: Gunnar Lindbom (ST-ATF) and Ingela Dahlin (SACO). All can be reached at +46 18 56 22 00.
For more information about NAI’s ongoing research activities, grants, library services and publications is available on the Institute’s website: www.nai.uu.se
The application should be sent:
a) preferably by email to nai@nai.uu.se. (Including publications to the extent possible or by indication of internet addresses where they might be available).
b) in hard copy by regular post to The Nordic Africa Institute, P. O. Box 1703, SE–751 47 Uppsala, Sweden
Closing Date for applications: 28 February 2010
NAI is committed to an Equal Opportunities Policy in employment and since the institute strives for a balanced proportion of men and women, women are particularly encouraged to apply for the position.
