Job Description and duties
Applications are welcome for a one-year post-doctoral position in Economics at the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), Uppsala (Sweden). The job role is within a 3-year (2023-2025) project funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR), entitled ‘Climate Hazards and Migration in Madagascar: Towards an Integrated Monitoring and Modeling for Mitigation and Adaptation’ (CHAIN). The initial duration of the position is one year.
The postdoc will work under the leadership of Senior Researcher Assem Abu Hatab and join several other team members in the project to apply and develop appropriate modelling tools to i) assess the vulnerability of specific demographic groups to climate change impacts; quantify the relationships underlying migration as adaptive responses to socio-environmental change; ii) and investigate anticipated dynamic migration patterns accounting for adaptation and policy responses and their associated feedbacks. Results from the project are expected to appear in reputable academic journals and to be communicated to key stakeholders in the wider society.
In addition to the research tasks, the postdoc is also expected to contribute to the research environment at the Nordic Africa Institute, including but not limited to participation in the seminar series; engaging in scientific discussions with other researchers; participation in public outreach activities like policy briefs, social media communication; and taking part in the day-to-day related activities as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements
The successful candidate should have obtained a PhD degree in economics (including development economics, and agricultural economics), or another quantitative social science discipline within three years to the application date. The successful applicant must demonstrate:
- Strong analytical skills in core economic theory and quantitative methods;
- Advanced analytical skills in data manipulation and quantitative analysis of large datasets; and experience in the use of R, STATA, or another econometrics software;
- Ability to conduct relevant research of high international quality, and experience of execution and write-up of independent research projects;
- Effective interpersonal skills including the ability to contribute effectively as part of a team;
- Excellent English skills in writing and speaking is required. Speaking Swedish is not a requirement but would be an asset;
Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities, such as the ability to work independently as well as being collaborative, flexibility, the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines, curiosity and willingness to learn.
Application
The application should contain:
- Resumé/CV including scientific publications, and personal details
- Educational certificates and/or diplomas
- A declaration of intent on a maximum of two pages in which the applicant explains why she/he fits the listed requirements
- Evidence of research activity, including examples of scientific peer-reviewed publications (maximum of three)
- Up to two letters of recommendation
- Optional: up to three examples of policy engagement (e.g. policy brief, event, blog).
- Optional: Research statement
About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of one year, with the possibility of a one year extension. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date is September 1st 2023. Placement: Uppsala. Salary range 35,000 – 37,000 SEK monthly, subject to skills and experience.
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 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 combine 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 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.
Contact persons:
Assem Abu Hatab, Senior Researcher (for inquiries about the position); Dan Åkhagen, Human Resources Officer. Trade Union representative: Henrik Alfredsson (Saco-S). All can be reached at +46 18 471 52 00 or through nai@nai.uu.se. More information about the institute’s 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: 2 April 2023
The Institute promotes equal opportunities for all, and good representation of African regions. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
