About the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI)
The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) was founded in 1962 and since then has provided knowledge in the form of high-quality research, timely information and extensive documentation on Africa. Over a period of half a century, NAI has remained committed to academic and policy research, information dissemination and documentation on African issues. NAI has followed the trends and development of Africa studies in the Nordic region and in African continent, and also actively initiated new ideas and forms of engagement to fulfil its mission as the main Centre for African knowledge in the Nordic countries and to serve its stakeholders in the Nordic countries and globally.
The Nordic Africa Institute(NAI) is currently implementing a Five Year Strategy, 2017-2021, which has promoting academic and policy-oriented research programmes on Africa in the Nordic countries as one of its strategic goals. It is in pursuit of this goal that NAI is looking for a senior academic with considerable experience in research and writing on Africa for the position of a Senior Researcher on climate change and sustainable development.
NAI offers a stimulating intellectual environment, an interdisciplinary research orientation, a team of researchers from different social and scientific backgrounds, and a library with modern facilities. In addition, the institute is linked to an extensive networks of research institutions in Africa and the Nordic countries.
Job Description
The Senior Researcher on climate change and sustainable development is expected to lead academic activities and other intellectual engagements including proposal writing, seminar, workshops, and policy dialogues within the climate change and sustainable development research thematic area. In addition, the Senior Researcher will participate in other activities as may be assigned by the Head of Research such as review of proposals for NAI's scholarship programmes, planning and organizing seminars & conferences, facilitating academic networking, dissemination of research findings and media engagements. The Senior Researcher is expected to have professional relationship with researchers and research institutions working on African issues around the world, particularly in Africa and the Nordic countries.
The Institute will prioritize research proposals that ensure that the Institute’s Strategy 2017-2021 is achieved.
Qualifications
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A PhD degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, Geography, or any social science. disciplinewith focus on natural resources management and environmental change. The applicant should have a working knowledge of Africa and Africa-related development issues.
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Demonstrated experience in the research and policy engagements on natural resource management, sustainable development and environmental change.
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Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
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Strong writing ability and capacity to present complex issues in a readable form for both academic and non-academic audiences.
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Strong analytical skills including the use of quantitative and qualitative research techniques.
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Knowledge of African and Nordic research institutions and policy environment, and networks of researchers, policy makers, advocacy groups, and other relevant actors.
- Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.
- Working knowledge of research centers, networks, and universities in the Nordic countries and in Africa will be an added advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to apply and attract external funding for research programmes and projects.
Application Process
The application should contain:
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A proposal for research project not exceeding 5 pages. It should include:
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Research questions, problems, methodology and theory; - Possible sources of external funding for the proposed research project;
- Strategies for disseminating research findings (including platforms for policy engagements and media activities).
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- A complete CV with a list of scientific publications including books, monographs, research reports, policy notes etc.)
- Three sample publications by applicant that relate to the thematic area of research. (in three copies each if print copies are sent).
- The names and addresses (phone, fax, e-mail) of two referees.
As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to make presentation based on their proposed research projects for the Nordic Africa Institute.
Condition of Service
Contract period will be until the end of the current NAI Strategy 2017-2021. Salary is negotiable within the Institute’s current salary levels and remuneration packages. Starting date of the employment is negotiable.
Contact Persons
Victor Adetula, Head of Research, Eva-Lena Svensson, Human Resources Manager.Trade Union representatives: Johan Sävström (OFR/ST) and Henrik Alfredsson (Saco-S). All can be reached at +46 18 471 52 00.
Victor Adetula, Head of Research, Eva-Lena Svensson, Human Resources Manager.Trade Union representatives: Johan Sävström (OFR/ST) and Henrik Alfredsson (Saco-S). All can be reached at +46 18 471 52 00.
More information about NAI’s research focal areas and themes, on-going research activities, grants, library services and publications is available on the Institute’s website.
The application should be sent:
a) preferably by email to nai-applications@nai.uu.se. (Including publications to the extent possible or by indication of internet addresses where they might be available).
a) preferably by email to nai-applications@nai.uu.se. (Including publications to the extent possible or by indication of internet addresses where they might be available).
b) or in hard copy by regular post to The Nordic Africa Institute, P. O. Box 1703, SE–751 47 Uppsala, Sweden.
Application Deadeline: August 13, 2018
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.