PRIO invites applications for a 50% position as a Research Assistant
The project DISARM: How post-accord disarmament affects peace and conflict dynamics is looking for a Research Assistant (RA), 50 % for 10 months starting 3 January 2022.
The project is led by Senior Researcher Júlia Palik and focuses on identifying the impact of disarmament processes on conflict recurrence and the conditions under which disarmament can be the most effective. DISARM applies a strong gender focus throughout the project. The project will apply a mixed-method research design which combines large, medium, and small-N research. In the large-N component, we collect data on disarmament provisions in all intra-state peace agreements between 1975 and 2020 and examine the relationship between disarmament and conflict recurrence. Based on the results of the large-N component, we select and qualitatively compare 25 cases of disarmament focusing on the negotiation as well as implementation phases of disarmament, and the gendered dimensions of these processes. To identify causal pathways through which disarmament can impact conflict recurrence, we also conduct four in-depth qualitative case studies on disarmament in Namibia, Mozambique, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Taken together, the findings will allow DISARM to develop a novel set of propositions on disarmament that integrates a gender lens.
Research Assistant work description
The successful candidate will be based at PRIO as part of a team of researchers and work closely with the project leader, Júlia Palik, and Senior Researchers Nicholas Marsh and Mauricio Rivera. The research assistant is expected to contribute actively to the different stages of the research process and carry out administrative tasks as listed below.
The DISARM project will be the first to develop a global dataset on disarmament provisions in peace agreements. The RA’s main task will be the coding of disarmament provisions based on the DISARM codebook. The RA role therefore requires the careful reading, understanding, and coding of textual information from peace agreements. The RA will work in close collaboration with the project leader and other researchers in the data collection and validation process. The RA will also be involved in the writing of different project outputs, such as Policy Briefs and op-eds, and will assist in organizing various project meetings and dissemination events.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences and Humanities (or other equivalent)
- Use of Microsoft Word and Excel and other common office software packages.
- Independent administrative and analytical skills
- Fluency in spoken English, and excellent writing skills in English.
- Great emphasis will be placed on good collaborative ability, as well as accuracy
Desirable skills include
- Knowledge of international peace processes
- Interest in disarmament processes
- Previous experience coding textual data
- Fluency in French, Spanish
Applications should be written in English and include:
- Letter of application, detailing motivation, competence and past experience, addressing the expected qualifications listed above
- Curriculum vitae
- Transcripts of academic degrees
- The masters’ thesis or other relevant academic writing
- Names and contact details of three references
PRIO has an international research staff of approximately 100 persons in full and part-time positions, in addition to administrative and support staff. The working language at the institute is English. PRIO is an equal opportunity employer and values staff diversity.
The institute is located in attractive premises in central Oslo, Europe’s fastest-growing capital city. Employee benefits include access to the PRIO cabin in the mountains, a subsidized canteen, weekly physiotherapy exercise, weekly running group, subsidized gym membership and various social events.
The starting salary for a full-time Research Assistant at PRIO is NOK 475,400 per year (equivalent to step 52 in the Norwegian State salary system). Employees are offered a defined benefit pension plan membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension fund.
The candidate should have an interest in PRIO’s broader mission of conducting high-quality academic research on questions relevant to the promotion of a more peaceful world. For more information about PRIO’s research, see www.prio.org.
Interviews are expected to take place between 1-3 December 2021.
The position would start in January 2022 for a fixed term of ten months.
Applications must be submitted by way of an online form.
For further information about the position please contact Senior Researcher Júlia Palik (julpal@prio.org) or Senior Researcher Nicholas Marsh (nic@prio.org). For further information about the recruitment process or the submission of your application, please contact Institute AdviserCathrine Bye (cathrine@prio.org), tel. +47 22 54 77 00.
