Founded over 25 years ago, BICC (Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies) is a non-university research institute with international staff. The Institute deals with a variety of global topics in peace and conflict research
in international projects and, on this basis, provides policy advice and contributes to public debates.

We are looking for a

                                                             Researcher (m/f/d)

Full- or part-time / pay scale 13 TV-L / as early as possible / time-limited until 14 November 2024

The joint BICC, African Union (AU) and UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO) project supports the development of regional as well as the reflection of existing approaches to dealing with armed groups in the Sahel. Geographically, the project focuses on two border regions: 1) the border region of Chad (north), Libya (south), Niger (north-east), and Sudan (north-west); and 2) the Lake Chad Basin (covering Nigeria’s north-east, Niger’s south-east, western Chad and northern Cameroon). The project has two phases. While the first project phase aims to produce in-depth research on the cross-border and regional dynamics of armed conflict and the implications of these dynamics for potential future and ongoing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) processes, the second phase will disseminate and discuss the research findings through, for example, workshops with relevant national, regional and international actors. Based on the outcomes of these knowledge dissemination activities, the project will explore, with the AU, the DPO and other relevant stakeholders, possible innovative ways to support the effective development of regional approaches targeting armed groups in the focus regions and to innovatively shape the links between research, policy and practice.

In this position, you will ensure the effective delivery of the project’s key results and produce high-quality research outputs in various publication formats, as well as effectively contribute to the dissemination of research findings at various events.

Your tasks in particular:

• Conduct empirical field research in the project region (Lake Chad basin and border areas of Chad/Niger/Sudan/Libya) on cross-border dynamics and regional dynamics of armed conflict and the implications of these dynamics for future and ongoing DDR processes;
• Write scientific publications (policy briefs, working papers, peer-reviewed journal articles and other publication formats);
• at various events (conferences, workshops) that address differentPresent the research results target groups (e.g. practitioners, researchers, policymakers);
• Cooperate on and coordinate research and project-related matters with international, regional and national partners;
• Assist in setting up a research network (fellowship/exchange programme) with Sahelian research institutions, close collaboration with partners of the network;
• Prepare and implement events (conferences, workshops) that aim at disseminating the research findings gathered in the context of the project;
• Assist in the production of a podcast series.

Your profile:

• A post-graduate degree (PhD would be an advantage) in one of the following fields relevant to the position, such as Social Sciences (Peace and/or Conflict Studies, Law, Development Studies, Political Sciences, Ethnology or other related fields.
• Considerable experience in conducting empirical research, good knowledge of various empirical research methods; extensive knowledge of the Sahel region.
• Relevant experience in international relations, including, but not limited to, peacebuilding, peace support (operations), humanitarian affairs and/or development support and other related areas, preferably in the Sahel.
• Expertise in and/or good knowledge and understanding of DDR concepts and approaches and related processes.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English and French.
• Knowledge of other languages, such as Arabic, is desirable.
• Willingness to travel to the project regions for longer periods of time
• Good communication and presentation skills and a strong intercultural competence complete your profile.

We offer:

We offer you the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research and advisory institute that works across academic disciplines and is positioned at the nexus between research and policy advice. It provides staff the chance to establish/hone contacts and networks in policy as well as national and international research contexts. We attach great importance to the further qualification of our staff. Therefore, various paths of further education are offered at our institute.

The position is remunerated in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L) with pay scale 13 and includes the option of a company pension scheme (VBLU).

The position is initially to be filled for a limited period until 14 November 2024 with the possibility of a longer-term perspective. It is a full-time or, optionally, a part-time position. The place of employment is Bonn.

We support the compatibility of family and career through very flexible working hours.

Applications from women are expressly encouraged. In those areas where women are still underrepresented, they will be given preferential consideration in accordance with legal requirements if they have the same qualification, skills and professional performance as their male competitors unless reasons relating to the person of a competitor outweigh this.

We welcome applications from severely disabled persons. We also encourage candidates with a migration background to apply.

Please send your application with a complete set of documents (motivation letter, CV, proof of qualifications, job references, academic publications, etc.) solely by email to Ms Susanna Balkenhol (application@bicc.de) by 16 January 2023. She will also be your contact person for the application process.

Please combine your documents into one pdf document and state 17_22 as the reference. Application files in any other formats or applications received after the deadline cannot be taken into consideration. Applications are screened immediately after they are received. Interviews can therefore be scheduled at any time.

By sending in your application, you agree that the required data will be stored as part of the application process.

Publication: 20 December 2022