Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) invites applications for a 3-year position as Postdoc Researcher, starting on 1 March 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. The researcher will be part of the collaborative research project ‘Diaspora Humanitarianism in Complex Crises’, focusing on Somalia.

The Project

The D-Hum research project explores how Somali diaspora groups mobilize, channel and deliver humanitarian assistance to Somalia during complex humanitarian crises. Based on multi-sited and simultaneous fieldwork in Somalia, Kenya and Europe, the project examines movements of goods, people and ideas, from crisis-affected areas, hubs for humanitarian agencies and diaspora activities, to settlement countries. Theoretically, D-Hum will develop the concept of humanitarian infrastructures to analyze material forms of transport, communication systems and technologies as well as the institutions and social networks that facilitate the support. The project thereby aims at producing theoretically informed and empirically based research as well as enhancing policy development and collaboration between international humanitarian agencies and diaspora actors.

The postdoc is encouraged to conduct approx. five months fieldwork and participate in D-Hum project activities, including joint case studies, co-authored publications and dissemination. Applicants are invited to develop a concept note that takes its point of departure in the following research question, with a focus on Somali transnational diaspora humanitarianism that links Somalia, Kenya and Europe:

1. How do Somali diaspora groups respond to humanitarian crises in Somalia by mobilizing and delivering humanitarian assistance?
2. What types of assistance are sent to Somalia and what are their effects?
3. What structures of power surround mobilization and delivery of humanitarian assistance, both state and non-state?

We welcome a broad range of interpretations and suggestions of how the project may be approached.

The position is aimed at applicants who have obtained their PhD degree in the past three years (due to the eligibility requirements of DIIS) – an older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave or similar. We are particularly looking for candidates with research experience in humanitarianism and/or diaspora studies. Fieldwork experience in Somalia as well as Somali language skills are desirable.

Furthermore, the applicant must have demonstrated an ability to publish and communicate research in accordance with the Danish Code of Conduct for Research Integrity.

General Information

D-Hum is organized in a consortium that comprises DIIS; International Development Studies, University of Nairobi; Rako Research and Communication Centre in Hargeisa; and Rift Valley Institute in Nairobi. The project runs between July 2019 and June 2024, with joint project activities in all sites. The postdoc will be employed with and based at DIIS in Nordhavn, Copenhagen.

DIIS is a leading public institute for independent research and analysis of international affairs. We conduct and communicate multidisciplinary research on globalisation, security, development and foreign policy. Within these areas, we aim to be agenda setting in research, policy and public debate.

DIIS offers a dynamic and innovative international research environment with a focus on professionalism, flexibility and mutual respect amongst all colleagues. It is important that all employees play a proactive and constructive role in the DIIS community through a high level of attendance and involvement in the workplace. At the same time, we show consideration for each other as colleagues and value different perspectives.

DIIS is a bilingual Danish-English workplace where we attach great importance to skills in written communication and dissemination of knowledge in both languages with equal weighting. Proficiency in written and oral English is required for the position, while it is possible to apply without prior knowledge of Danish – however, the successful candidate is expected to learn Danish within the duration of the contract.

All qualified applicants – regardless of national, ethnic or religious background, gender, age or sexual orientation – are encouraged to apply.

Terms of employment

The expected start date for the position is 1 March 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. The employment is limited to three years and expires automatically at the end of the period. Out of the three-year contract, the equivalent to a full year’s workload is to be spent on DIIS assignments other than the project itself, e.g. on other externally funded projects at DIIS.

Remuneration and other job conditions follow the general agreement between AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) and the Danish Ministry of Finance as well as local collective agreements at DIIS. Depending on seniority, the starting yearly basis salary ranges between 375,724 DKK and 398,578 DKK, including pension contributions. Furthermore, a yearly research supplement of 53,486 DKK will be added. Depending on your personal qualifications, a qualification supplement may also be negotiated.

Candidates from abroad may under certain conditions be eligible for a special researcher tax scheme, when working as a postdoc researcher in Denmark.

The application

The application must include all of the following items in order be considered:

• A cover letter with your motivation for applying for the position
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including a complete list of publications
• Documentation of academic qualifications, including Master and PhD diplomas
• Up to five central scholarly works can be enclosed and must be uploaded electronically
• A statement of max. 2,000 words describing your research idea, theoretical framework, methodology, proposed study site in Somalia, practical considerations, including access to the field site and security, ethical considerations and a time plan.

The application, including all the above-mentioned documents, must be uploaded in DIIS’ electronic recruitment system (HR Manager) no later than 1 January 2020 at 12.00 noon (CET). The position can only be applied for electronically.

Assessment

Before the selection for interviews, an assessment committee will assess qualified applicants, who meet the requirements listed above and the general expectations for the position. The applicants selected for assessment will be notified about the composition of the assessment committee. When DIIS receives the assessment results, selected candidates will be invited for an interview as soon as possible thereafter.

Further information

For more information about this project, please contact the PI of the project Senior Researcher Nauja Kleist [email protected], or Senior Researcher Peter Alexander Albrecht [email protected].

For further information about the general terms of employment at DIIS, please contact HR at [email protected].

Photo: Rajo Organisation, Wada Biris, 2017

Kilde: Jobnet.dk