Sweden: Senior Researcher, Climate Change and Risk Programme

Jan 23, 2024 | Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
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The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is seeking a experienced Senior Researcher with a specific focus on conflict and peacebuilding for its Climate Change and Risk (CCR) Programme.

The Senior Researcher leads and develops high-quality research to better understand the security implications of climate change and opportunities for peace in regions highly exposed to climate change. This includes research on how climate-related security risks emerge, evolve, and how they interlink with different social, political, and economic processes, including violent conflict. You produce cutting edge, policy-relevant research that is geared to supporting organisations’ responses to climate-related security risks.

The Senior Researcher position

The Senior Researcher designs, leads and delivers high-quality research on climate-related security risks. Within the Climate Change and Risk programme, the Senior Researcher will have a critical role in maintaining the high quality and relevance of SIPRI research. The Senior Researcher is expected to develop their own research agenda oriented towards:

• when, why and for whom climate-related security risks arise (in a specific geography or geographies),
• and how organizations are able to efficiently respond to those risks and proactively promote peace,

While working independently, the Senior Research will collaborate closely with the Programme Director and other researchers in the programme, which includes, but is not limited to, research on climate security risk assessments, environmental peacebuilding, ecological security, food insecurity and conflict prevention. 

Tasks and responsibilities

In their work, the Senior Researcher will collaborate with others to fulfil these responsibilities:

• Research, Analysis advising: With the Programme Director of CCR as well as other programmes and researchers at SIPRI, as appropriate,
• Fundraising: With Senior Researchers, the Programme Director of CCR and the Director of Studies in Peace and Development, and in collaboration with the Grants Manager;
• Outreach: with the Head of Communications and the Head of Editorial.

In light of these responsibilities, the main tasks of the Researcher on Climate Change and Risk are:

• Leading the design and successful implementation of high-quality research;
• Communicating research findings through peer-reviewed journal articles, research reports, policy briefs and other outlets – both written and orally;
• Preparing well presented, effectively argued and properly budgeted research proposals to secure future funding both for their own research and for other research carried out within the CCR Programme team and the Peace and Development research area;
• Collaborating with the Programme Director on budgeting and financial management for the research within the CCR Programme;
• Collaborating on issues related to climate-related security risks with other authors within SIPRI and external researchers when relevant;
• Networking with relevant researchers, policy makers and civil society actors in Sweden and internationally, in close collaboration with the Programme Director;
• Mentoring junior staff, including promoting and disseminating their research;
• Taking part in, and contributing to, the collective life of the Institute by participating in seminars, Research Staff Collegium meetings and other collective activities.

Requirements

The post-holder will have profound knowledge of climate-related security risks and a commitment to policy relevant analysis. They can work both independently and in teams and are born communicators. They contribute to a positive work environment. and are committed to SIPRI’s values and mission.

The Senior Researcher should have as a minimum the following experience:

• A Doctoral level degree in peace and conflict research, international relations/studies, political science or similar fields, or publications to a Doctoral degree standard.
• At least 5 years of experience as a researcher initiating and carrying out their own research projects;
• A record of publications that is commensurate with the length of time worked in research;
• Strong knowledge of issues relating to climate-related security risks, with a specific focus on armed conflict and peacebuilding, either more broadly or in-depth in a specific sub-area (e.g. development, migration, or organisational responses);
• Strong knowledge of qualitative research methods;
• Proven ability to work and deliver in small teams;
• Proven mastery of oral and written English, with further language proficiency a useful advantage.

The following qualifications are of advantage:

• Strong knowledge of the multilateral system, preferably United Nations, EU, NATO, or African Union;
• Good knowledge of quantitative methods;
• Good knowledge of Ecological Security and/or Food Security.

Contract period

Starting April 2024, or as soon as possible, the contract period will initially last for 2 years with possibility of extension. The post is full-time.

The post is open to all applicants globally that fit the requirements for the position. It should be noted that the post requires that the candidate becomes a resident in Stockholm, Sweden by the time of employment.

The salary package will be negotiated individually.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A one-page cover letter in English detailing your qualification and specifying why you are applying for this position (1 page);
• A CV in English including your degrees, work experience, publications, language skills and contact details for two referees; and
• Two single authored writing samples in English (articles, book chapters or substantial pieces of writing up to 10 000 words).

The application must be made via our electronic application system in the vacancies section of SIPRI’s website. Please access the form via the ‘apply’ button at the end of this page. Applications through any other external job sites are not accepted.

The closing date for applications is 19 February 2024 (CET).

Interviews are expected to be held virtually during March. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. 

For enquiries regarding the position, please contact: Dr Florian Krampe, Programme Director, Climate Change and Risk Programme, SIPRI, 

The trade union contact persons at SIPRI are Pieter Wezeman for ST and Annika Salisbury for Saco-S