Researchers in conflict or humanitarian studies, Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI)

Researchers in conflict or humanitarian studies

At Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), we are currently seeking up to 2 senior researchers with a background in conflict/war, humanitarian issues, peacebuilding, violence, or security. We are also open to applications from researchers at the Post Doc. level. The candidates should have a PhD in relevant discipline such as anthropology; development, conflict, or humanitarian studies; Middle East, Asian or African studies; international relations; sociology; geography; economics or political science. 

The researcher(s) will play a key role in expanding CMI’s research in conflict and humanitarian issues. We are looking for candidates with strong records in academic research and publishing or applied and commissioned work, or a combination of both. 

Relevant thematic competencies could be, but are not limited to:

• Humanitarian and peacebuilding aid and responses in a shifting world order
• Conflict dynamics /the humanitarian situation in countries or areas with long standing CMI engagement such as Afghanistan, Mozambique, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lebanon
• The migration-conflict nexus
• Climate and conflict
• Gender, peace, and security
• Human rights and accountability during and after conflict

The positions require working at CMI's office in Bergen, Norway.

Start date is flexible but late 2025 or 2026 is preferred. 

Research for a just and equal world

CMI's vision is to generate research for a just and equal world. Our mission is to address global challenges by providing research-based knowledge that inspires and shapes policy and practice. For more information regarding CMI's values and vision, see the CMI Strategy (2023-2028). As a researcher at CMI, you must identify with CMI’s visions and strategies.

At CMI we have organized our research in different research themes; and our research groups are organized around themes. These groups are comprised of researchers from different disciplines, as our research projects are often multi-disciplinary.

CMI is an independent research institute, which means that we are funded through research grants and by successfully winning research projects. This entails that researchers at CMI are expected to actively apply for and acquire research funds. As a researcher at CMI, you must identify with CMI’s vision to generate and communicate research for a just and equal world. This includes willingness and ability to conduct high quality academic and commissioned research.

Who we are looking for: 

For this position, we are seeking excellent researchers with:

• PhD in a relevant discipline such as anthropology; development, conflict, or humanitarian studies; Middle East, Asian or African studies; international relations; sociology; geography; economics or political science
• Publications on conflict/ war, humanitarian issues, peacebuilding, violence, or security 
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Understanding of and interest in fundraising / grant proposal writing

Additionally, it would be an advantage to also have:

• A track record of commissioned work or evaluations in this field
• In depth country / regional knowledge or field work experience related to conflict-affected areas in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East
• Relevant language skills
• Project and team leadership experience
• Practical knowledge of the humanitarian/conflict sector

Information regarding the criteria for a permanent position

Please note that to be considered for a permanent senior researcher position, candidates must have published at least 3-6 articles of high quality in peer-reviewed journals (or equivalent). 

Tenure-track post-doctoral researchers (similar to an assistant professor position in academia) are eligible to apply for promotion to senior researcher within a 4-year period after having fulfilled a set of criteria (including publishing at least 3-6 articles of high quality in peer-reviewed journals or the equivalent).

Personal qualities and qualifications: 

Personal qualities

• Self-leadership: High level of independence and self-leadership.
• Curious and bold: Curiosity for other disciplines, open-minded and willing to push boundaries.
• Respectful: Respectful and willing to understand the contributions of others. 
• Collaborative: willingness to collaborate and establish mutual understanding and trust.
• Inclusive and empathetic: see, listen to and value colleagues and partners for who they are. Support colleagues and embrace differences.

To thrive and develop at CMI, it is important to have a set of qualifications beyond being a strong academic.

We value:

• Project development skills and entrepreneurship. All research positions at CMI require fundraising, and our researchers are the driving force in project development. Fundraising entails writing proposals and communicating with potential funders. An entrepreneurial attitude is essential. Skills, experience, and a track record of project development and fundraising are valuable.

• Engagement with policy and practice. CMI aims to provide research-based knowledge that informs and inspires policy and practice. This entails interaction with user groups, policy- makers and practitioners.
• Field experience. Field experience is important for gaining deep insights into research settings, as is a background from such settings. 
• Language skills. Operational knowledge of languages spoken in areas where CMI work is a great asset. 
• Versatility. Working at CMI, it is an advantage to be interested in various themes and geographical areas and open to different methodological and disciplinary approaches.
• Project leadership. Researchers at CMI often manage their own projects, with the support of a professional administration.
• Research collaboration. Research at CMI involves collaboration with leading international research institutions, including partners in Africa and Asia. 
• Popular dissemination. The impact of CMI's research comes partly through popular dissemination and engagement in public debates of relevance to our research.

Location and home office

This position is located in Bergen, Norway. CMI is not in a position to offer remote working arrangements for new staff members. We offer home office agreements, allowing all staff to work up to two days a week from home office in Norway.

CMI can offer you:

• The opportunity to be part of the leading multidisciplinary development research institute in Scandinavia and to shape our research agenda and communication outreach.
• Remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience. 
• A vibrant and international working environment.
• Work-life balance and home office opportunities.
• Opportunity to work in Norway, with English as the working language.
• A conducive environment for families with children.

Bergen is a picturesque city situated between fjords and mountains, with excellent opportunities for cultural experiences and an active lifestyle. 

Relevant staff benefits:

• In addition to the annual 5 weeks holiday leave, CMI offers staff additional paid leave from the 24th of December to the 1st of January, and during the Easter week each year.
• Subsidized gym membership.
• Financial assistance to move from abroad to join CMI (terms apply).
• Norwegian language classes for employees moving to Norway from abroad.
• Excellent travel insurance that covers both work and private travel (terms apply).
• Defined contribution pension (innskuddspensjon). Contributions are paid with 7% of the salary up to 7.1 G and 25.1% of the salary between 7.1-12 G (2% are deducted from the employee, terms apply).

How to apply

Please submit the following:

• A brief cover letter (maximum 1 page).
• Completed application template addressing all the relevant sections (part of the application process in JobbNorge)
• CV
• Copies of a maximum of three academic pieces for evaluation
• Proof of highest degree received (i.e., copy of diploma or transcript)
• A minimum of three references, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses

The application deadline is set to the: 30th of September. 

Please note that CMI only accepts applications through the JobbNorge recruitment system.

DIVERSE INFO

Kilde: NAV stillingsannonser
https://arbeidsplassen.nav.no/stillinger/stilling/ed389935-2543-48ff-9350-28b562ee8c84
IMPORTAPI
https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/265314