The Nordic Africa Institute is a center for research, knowledge, policy advice, and information on Africa. Based in Uppsala, Sweden, the institute is a government agency, funded jointly by Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
The NAI African Scholar Program invites applications for two positions:
Position 1: Senior Researcher in Economy & Employment
Position 2: Senior Researcher in Gender Equality & Inclusion
Closing date for applications: 20 Aug 2021
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 the African continent, and also actively initiated new ideas and forms of engagement to fulfill its mission as the main center for African knowledge in the Nordic countries and to serve its stakeholders in the Nordic countries and globally.
NAI is a Swedish government agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (not a university) and research staff combines a commitment to high-quality scholarly outputs with science-policy outreach to decision-makers based in the Nordics and Africa. NAI is currently developing a new institutional strategy for the 2022-2026 period whose mission is to ensure Nordic decision-makers and associated change makers have a deeper understanding of modern African perspectives and societal dynamics.
NAI is a value-based organization. We have a joint foundation in the national common values for all Swedish governmental agencies and add our own core values of involvement, communication, trust, and transparency. We sustain a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Everyone has the right to equality in the workplace, to balance his or her career and family life, and to work in a respectful fashion with others without fear of discrimination.
NAI offers a stimulating intellectual environment, an interdisciplinary research orientation, a team of researchers from different social and natural scientific backgrounds, a professional communications unit, and a library with modern facilities. In addition, the institute is linked to an extensive network of research institutions in Africa and the Nordic countries.
Job Description
The Nordic Africa Institute’s African Scholar Program is targeted at researchers based in Africa who
need time and a conducive environment for finishing and writing up their ongoing research. Two Senior Researcher positions are offered at the Nordic Africa Institute for the duration of 12 months. The Nordic Africa Institute is looking for two qualified senior researchers from African universities or research institutions with a demonstrable record of accomplishment.
Successful candidates might use the period of employment at NAI to complete ongoing research, develop a new research project, or complete articles, a book, or a monograph manuscript. A scholar-researcher should take advantage of the intellectual and logistical resources of the Nordic Africa Institute and expect to contribute meaningfully towards actualizing NAI’s vision and mandate and its policy outreach activities in return.
Position 1: Senior Researcher in Economy and Employment. This position falls under the Institute’s African Scholar Program. The main aim will be to execute a research project that is oriented towards understanding the implications of Covid-19 for the economy and employment on the African continent.
We welcome critical reflection on the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impacts on the African continent, including the interface with other developmental concerns. The research may take a comparative view or present an in-depth analysis of a specific geographical region. Within a focus on African development economics, there is scope for flexibility on the topic area, particularly when a proposal is made for time writing up a predefined area of research. Nevertheless, it is an advantage if research connects to one or more of the following priorities: youth employment and decent work; digital inclusion in the marketplace; migration and employment; and, fiscal sustainability and investment in human capital.
Position 2: Senior Researcher in Gender Equality and Inclusion. This position falls under the Institute’s African Scholar Program. The main aim will be to execute a research project that is oriented towards understanding the societal implications of Covid-19 for society on the African continent. Priority will be given to a proposal focusing on one of the following priorities: societal impacts of the pandemic with a focus on gender relations; the impact of Covid-19 on women’s productive, reproductive, and/or caring roles; women’s leadership roles and the Covid-19 pandemic. The research may take a comparative view or present in-depth analysis on a specific geographical region.
Qualifications
- Position 1: A Ph.D. degree in economics, development economics, international development, or a related subject.
- Position 2: A Ph.D. degree in sociology, gender studies, international development, or a related subject.
- It is essential the applicant has 7 or more years’ experience post-PhD conducting academic research.
- A current research/teaching position in a university or research institution in Africa.
- Strong writing ability and capacity to present complex issues in a readable form for both academic and non-academic audiences.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Demonstrated track record in science communication and policy/practice engagement with non-academic stakeholders.
- Knowledge of African scientific communities, and policy environments, and other stakeholders and actors relevant to the research topic.
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
- Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.
The application
The application should contain:
A) Proposal not exceeding 5 pages presenting:
(i) A work plan for the length of stay at the institute – detailing proposed intellectual activities, expected outputs (such as publications, dissemination activities, participation at seminar/workshop/conference activities, and policy engagements);
(ii) Presentation of the ongoing research project(s) – objective, questions, theory, and method;
B) A complete CV with a list of scientific publications where it is clearly indicated which publications are formally considered as peer-reviewed.
C) Indication of internet addresses to the applicant’s own publications relating to his/her research (a maximum of three publications)
D)Evidence of policy engagement / science-policy communication to non-academic audiences (a 1-page summary, or up to three non-academic outputs)
E) Names and contact details of at least two references.
As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their proposed research projects for the Nordic Africa Institute via Zoom.
Condition of Service
The contract period will be 12 months and expected start of date is as early as possible in 2021.
Salary is negotiable within the Institute’s current salary levels and remuneration packages. The position includes attractive benefits and conditions offered for employees of the Swedish civil service.
The duty station is Uppsala.
Contact persons
Eleanor Fisher, Head of Research NAI, Dan Åkhagen, Human Resources Officer, Trade Union representatives: Johan Sävström (OFR/ST) and Henrik Alfredsson (Saco-S). All can be reached at +46 18 471 52 00. Please note that due to the fact this is a vacation period in Sweden there may be a delay in response to questions.
More information about NAI’s research focal areas and themes, ongoing research activities, grants, library services, and publications is available on the Institute’s website: www.nai.uu.se.
How to apply:
Apply through our online recruitment system, link below.
Closing Date for applications: 20 August 2021
The Institute promotes equal opportunities for all and good representation of African regions. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
The Nordic Africa Institute
Box 1703
SE-751 47 Uppsala
Sweden