Research Fellow - Governance and Social Development Resource Centre

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE CENTRE (GSDRC)

1. Research Fellow (Grade 7): economics and governance
   (full-time, fixed-term to 15 July 2016 with continuation dependent on external funding)
2. Research Fellow (Grade 7): governance or social development
   (60% of full-time, maternity leave cover to March 2016)

Do you have a talent for clearly and concisely communicating complex social science research to policy-makers and practitioners? Can you work to short deadlines with excellent attention to detail? Do you seek responsibility for helping to ensure that international development policy and practice is informed by the best available research and evidence?

The position of GSDRC researcher is exciting and unusual, offering experience in and exposure to development policy and research at the highest level. The GSDRC provides a bridge between academic experts and people working in donor agencies and government policy departments. Our researchers are constantly engaged with current development issues, work closely with major international development agencies, and are directly involved in informing and influencing international policy and practice.

GSDRC researchers carry out desk-based research and analysis in response to requests from the UK government (DFID), Australian government (DFAT), the European Commission, and other clients. Requests can cover a wide range of governance, social development, conflict, and humanitarian topics, and researchers must have the flexibility and willingness to engage rapidly with a variety of subjects. Researchers must quickly understand and clarify clients' needs, consult with a wide range of experts, carry out online research, and prepare clear, comprehensive, and policy-relevant reports. Research outputs can range from short literature reviews to in-depth analytical papers – examples are available at www.gsdrc.org.

We are currently recruiting to fill two posts: (1) a full-time researcher with experience linking economic development with governance and/or social development; and (2) a part-time (60%) researcher with experience in governance or social development. Successful candidates will have a postgraduate degree related to governance, social development, conflict, humanitarian assistance, or economics in an international development context; an understanding of current debates in various aspects of these subjects; and prior experience working in an information service, communications or research role. You will also need excellent analytical skills, time management, flexibility, the ability to work on your own initiative, attention to detail and negotiation skills.

Please visit www.gsdrc.org to learn more about the centre. To apply, please visithttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/jobs before 1 February 2015.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please visit www.gsdrc.org to learn more about the centre. To apply, please visithttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/jobs before 1 February 2015