Somalia: Research Associate

Feb 23, 2015 | One Earth Future Foundation
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Primary Role: 

The primary role of the Research Associate: Somalia will be to develop an active empirical research program supporting OEF’s core mission and the work that we do in Somalia.  The Research Associate will be expected to develop novel research projects culminating in policy, popular, and academic outputs and respond to requests to develop applied research projects supporting OEF’s work in maritime security, development and conflict, or other areas.   The specific research program should fit with and be in support of OEF’s long-term goal of supporting state, regional, and local institutions within Somalia in the interest of peace and stability.  Specific expertise of interest to OEF includes maritime security in Somalia, economic development and peace, local and sub-state institutions and stability in Somalia, and international institutions Somalia is interacting with such as the G7++ and the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and State-building.  The Research Associate will be expected to work with other R&D and implementation program staff to develop and conduct research, and to aggressively promote his or her work to the media and policy audiences.

Reports to: 

Job Description: 

The primary role of the Research Associate: Somalia will be to develop an active empirical research program supporting OEF’s core mission and the work that we do in Somalia.  The Research Associate will be expected to develop novel research projects culminating in policy, popular, and academic outputs and respond to requests to develop applied research projects supporting OEF’s work in maritime security, development and conflict, or other areas.   

Location: 

This position is located at the OEF central office in Broomfield, CO.

Organization Summary: 

OEF is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization with a vision of developing effective systems of global governance to achieve a world beyond war, leading to our tagline “Peace Through Governance.” Central to OEF’s mission is partnering closely with the business community. As an operating foundation, OEF focuses on both researching and developing ideas, and implementing those ideas in practical projects. On the research side, OEF has a mandate to develop expertise in global governance and its relationship to armed conflict, with the goal of contributing both to academic understanding and practical implementations designed to reduce conflict.   While OEF works internationally, currently we have a particular focus on Somalia, and we are interested in developing research and practice to support stabilization and peacebuilding in this region. OEF is a well-funded organization that is interested in attracting best in class employees who show exemplary commitment and work ethic.

Primary Responsibilities: 

1.Develop a research agenda to build OEF’s expertise in areas related to our work in Somalia.

2.Develop budgets and staffing plans consistent with the overall research agenda and hire and manage staff sufficient to execute the research agenda.

3.Present the results of research to policy figures, academics, and other interested audiences in an accessible way that emphasizes practical lessons that can be drawn from the research and publish research in academic and professional outlets as well as OEF publications.  

4.Write materials for popular or non-academic audiences to popularize OEF’s arguments.

5.Work with implementation projects and other departments at OEF to contribute expertise when relevant.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills and Competencies: 

This role requires a significant level of international research experience in areas related to OEF’s work in Somalia.  Specific requirements include:

•A PhD in Political Science, History, Anthropology, Sociology, or another relevant discipline with a focus on Somalia or the Horn of Africa region;or a comparable history of 5+ years of demonstrated expertise and a significant body of published empirical research on topics related to OEF interests.

•A track record of publishing in non-academic outlets is a strong plus.

•Superb organization skills.

•Superb oral and written communication skills in English.

•Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.

•Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule.

•Commitment to OEF’s vision (www.oneearthfuture.org) 

Please send a cover letter detailing your experience and salary requirements, a CV, and at least one re- or pre-print of representative research to Kelly Webb.

To Apply: 

Please send a resume or CV and cover letter, detailing your specific experience and salary requirements, to jobs@oneearthfuture.org. Please reference the job title in the subject line of your email. OEF will only review completed applications.