Research Assistant, Climate Change and Risk

Mar 28, 2019 | Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
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Stockholm International Peace Research Institute is an international institute based in Sweden, dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is seeking a talented Research Assistant (RA) in the study area of Climate Change and Risk (CCR). We are looking for an RA who will contribute to the CCR team’s research on the linkages between climate change, violent conflict and peacebuilding.

Context

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 and is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all over the world.

In recent years, SIPRI has broadened its focus to a wider understanding of security, exploring the linkages between peace, security and development. In 2016 SIPRI established its CCR Programme. The CCR Programme—which is situated in the Peace and Development study area—pursues research to identify and assess climate-related security risks, and policy actors’ responses to those risks. The overarching goal of the CCR Programme is: to identify and understand sources of insecurity linked to a changing climate; prevent and resolve conflicts; and contribute to sustaining peace.

The Research Assistant position

The primary responsibility of the RA is to contribute to high-quality research, primarily with a focus on the linkages between climate change, violent conflict and peacebuilding. The RA is expected to: (a) contribute to conceptually oriented work that relates to climate and environmental peacebuilding and the UN’s Sustaining Peace agenda; and (b) collect empirical data on peace operations and post-conflict peacebuilding. The RA should also take part in the collective life of the Institute and contribute to a pleasant and intellectually stimulating work environment.  

Tasks and responsibilities

The Research Assistant is responsible for:

  • Contributing to high-quality research;
  • Disseminating research findings through research reports, social media and existing networks;
  • Reviewing and contributing to proposals prepared within the Peace and Development study area;
  • Collaborating on issues related to Peace and Development with other staff in SIPRI; and
  • Taking part in the collective life of the Institute.

To fulfill these responsibilities, the RA will collaborate with others including:

  • Researchers, and the Director of the CCR Programme on research, analysis and dissemination; and
  • The Director of the CCR Programme and the Grant Manager on administrative tasks.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have the following experience and skills:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree is required, competitive applicants will have attained a Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g. peace and conflict studies, political science, social sciences, geography, environmental studies);
  • Solid knowledge of climate-related security risks as well as the peace, development and security agenda; and
  • Ease of working in oral and written English, with further language proficiency a useful advantage.

The following qualifications are of advantage:

  • Sound knowledge of the United Nations and multilateral peacebuilding architecture; and
  • Good knowledge of qualitative research methodologies.

Contract period

Starting 1 September 2019, the contract period will initially last two years; with the possibility of extension. The post is full-time. The post requires residence in Stockholm, Sweden. The salary package will be negotiated individually.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit:

  • A letter of intent specifying why you are applying for this position (1 page);
  • A CV including contact details for two referees;
  • Copies of diplomas for university degree(s); and
  • Two writing samples (in English and at least one single-authored sample) 

The application should be emailed to: ra.climate@sipri.org. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 22 April 2019. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews are expected to be held in May.