Sweden: Research Assistant, Food, Peace and Security

Jan 23, 2024 | Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
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The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international institute whose core mission is to undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. SIPRI provides excellent opportunities for scientific and personal development. SIPRI is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages women and non-European candidates to apply.

  The Research Assistant position The SIPRI Food, Peace and Security Programme conducts research on food systems in fragile settings, specifically the intersection between food security, conflict and peace. It explores this intersection from various perspectives, including gender and climate change, as well as in different conflict settings. The programme also investigates the role of humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors and donors in breaking the vicious cycle of food security and violent conflict and guides these actors on how to strengthen food systems' resilience and contribute to the prospect of peace. Current research projects include enhancing the effectiveness in fragile contexts with a particular emphasis on the nexus between climate, food security, and peace; investigating the role of major humanitarian agencies in contributing to an environment conducive to peace and crisis prevention by designing conflict-sensitive, preventative humanitarian action that addresses food insecurity; and rural land rights and food security in a changing climate.  Tasks and responsibilities The Research Assistant in Food, Peace and Security will, as directed by the Director of the Food, Peace and Security Programme:   
  • Assist with research projects and tasks related to topics that are part of the programme’s research agenda, which could include field-based research;
  • Conduct literature reviews and data collection in support of the programme’s research agenda;
  • Support the development of new and ongoing projects;
  • Support the communication of research findings through research papers, reports, policy briefs, conferences, and other outlets;
  • Support the fundraising efforts of the Food, Peace and Security Programme and the Peace and Development cluster;
  • Contribute to a pleasant and stimulating intellectual and work environment; and
  • Collaborate with others, including on research, fundraising and outreach.
  Requirements The person we are looking for should have familiarity with food systems and security, as well as peacebuilding, conflict and security-related topics. 
  • A Master’s degree focused on peace and conflict research, human security, development studies, political science, international relations or similar;
  • Proactive and self-motivated;
  • Proven ability to work and deliver in teams;
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English;
  • Working level proficiency in another language, with a strong preference for French language skills; and
  • Experience working with research institutes, policy think tanks, or international organizations, is an advantage.
  Contract period  The contract period will initially last for up to two years with the possibility of an extension up to six years. The post is full-time. The post requires that the candidate becomes a resident in Stockholm, Sweden, when employment starts. The salary package will be negotiated individually. How to apply  Interested candidates should submit: 
  • A one-page cover letter in English detailing your qualifications and specifying why you are applying for this position;
  • A CV in English including your degrees, work experience, publications, language skills and contact details for two referees;
  • One single-authored writing sample in English (articles, book chapters or substantial pieces of writing up to 10 000 words).
 In order to be considered in the recruitment process, the application must be made via the form in the vacancies section of SIPRI’s website and not through any other external job sites. Please observe that you must apply via SIPRI’s electronic application system. Please access the form via the ‘apply’ button at the end of this page.

The closing date for applications is 31 January.

Interviews are expected to take place in February.

 For enquiries regarding the position, please contact: Dr Caroline Delgado, Senior Researcher and Director of the Food, Peace and Security Programme. The trade union contacts at SIPRI are Pieter Wezeman for ST (pwezeman@sipri.org) and Annika Salisbury for SACO (salisbury@sipri.org).