Researcher (m/f/d) with a focus on ‘German engagement in peacebuilding and conflict resolution’

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) is an interdisciplinary foundation and research organisation at the University of Hamburg, which is institutionally funded by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The research activities of the IFSH concentrate on analysing current developments and challenges for peace and security with a focus on the European region. The transfer of knowledge from research to politics and society is a fundamental part of the Institute's work.

Subject to the availability of funds, we are looking for a full-time (100%) research associate (m/f/d) in the project ‘Impact Hub - Integrated Effectiveness of Integrated Peace Engagement’ at IFSH as of 15 November 2024 (or later). The salary group corresponds to EG 14 TV-AVH. The project will run until 15 November 2026 and will be based in Berlin or Hamburg; a secondment to the Federal Foreign Office during the project period is possible.

The aim of the project is to research and develop approaches to improve the impact and interplay of integrated peacebuilding instruments. To this end, the project team is analysing and supporting ongoing commitments by the Federal Foreign Office in four regional contexts. The project is being carried out jointly by IFSH, the European University Viadrina and the Free University of Berlin and is funded by the Federal Foreign Office and the Robert Bosch Stiftung.

To join the project team, we are looking for a researcher with profound expertise in German and international engagement in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, with communicative talent as well as a strong interest and resilient skills in combining science and political practice through scientifically sound policy support.

• As part of the project team, you will be responsible for analysing and supporting relevant foreign policy instruments in the field of security, in particular security sector reforms, police/military strengthening and institution building. You will accompany and support actors in political practice to optimise the impact of specific German commitments, particularly in the priority regions of the Western Balkans and Ukraine, and possibly West Africa (including the Sahel and the Lake Chad region).
• As part of a small team, you will be responsible for the further development and implementation of an interdepartmental curriculum for measures in the field of security sector reform. To this end, you will design and implement appropriate education and training programmes for different target groups. 
• You will contribute independently to research in the field of international peacebuilding and conflict resolution and publish your research findings in peer-reviewed publications and in relevant policy formats.
• As part of a project team focussed on agile working, you will take on additional tasks as required.

• You have a degree in political science or another degree relevant to the position. Your doctorate in a relevant field has been completed or is currently being finalised. Alternatively, you have several years of comparable work experience.
• You demonstrate your expertise in research or knowledge transfer in the fields of peacebuilding and conflict resolution through high-quality publications in academic or transfer-oriented publication formats.
• You have in-depth knowledge of security sector reform, police/military strengthening and/or institution building in conflict-affected regions and countries. Experience in and knowledge of the focus regions Western Balkans, Ukraine or possibly West Africa is an advantage.
• You have excellent written and oral skills in German and English. Other language skills relevant to the work are an advantage.
• Communication skills, team-orientation, initiative and a willingness to travel to partner countries of the Federal Government are required.
• Experience in direct cooperation with political actors (e.g. ministries, international organisations, non-governmental organisations) is an advantage.
• Knowledge of social science conflict analyses or experience with practical approaches to conflict mediation, decision-making and process design are an advantage.
• Experience in the conceptualisation of events in the above-mentioned areas, whether in the university or non-university sector, is an advantage. 

IFSH has set itself the goal of promoting the careers of women and is therefore particularly interested in applications from women in areas in which they are underrepresented. In accordance with the Hamburg Equal Opportunities Act, women with equivalent qualifications will be given priority in these areas. Severely disabled persons are also expressly encouraged to apply.
 
Your application in the context of the advertised position should consist of a cover letter (including a brief profile of your research interests), two previously published writing samples and a current CV with a list of publications. Please apply via our career portal https://ifsh.de/en/institute/vacancies. We encourage you to use the DFG template for your CV. You can find it, including some explanations, here: www.dfg.de/de/curriculum-vitae.

The application deadline is 27.10.2024.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ursula Schröder (https://ifsh.de/en/staff/schroeder).