ISDC – International Security and Development Center is a non-profit academic institute based in Berlin, Germany. We conduct research to improve lives and livelihoods shaped by violent conflict, fragility, and humanitarian emergencies. We believe in the power of data and evidence for understanding and alleviating suffering around the world. You can find out more about us and our work by visiting www.isdc.org.
We are looking for a
Senior Researcher (f/m/d)
(full-time – 40 hours per week)
to join our Welfare Research Program, to lead the design and implementation of research projects studying the impacts of humanitarian and development interventions in crises-affected areas including in the Sahel and the MENA regions.
The Welfare Research Program at ISDC focuses on the intersection between humanitarian emergencies, fragility, and conflict on one hand and economic and social well-being on the other. We expand the state of the art by designing and conducting experimental and quasi-experimental studies to understand how households live and cope with shocks. This informs our understanding of how humanitarian and development programs can help alleviate vulnerable households from poverty and strengthen their resilience and food and nutritional security.
Your responsibilities:
- Designing and implementing rigorous research projects focused on crisis-affected settings, including but not limited to the areas of food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and disasters;
- Collaborating with diverse international partners, stakeholders and organisations throughout the research process;
- Producing high-quality publications, including research reports, academic articles in leading journals, and policy / evidence briefs;
- Designing new research projects, proposal writing, and actively contributing to securing funding;
- Contributing to project management and dissemination including presenting findings in conferences, workshops and stakeholder meetings; and
- Supervising (junior) researchers and research assistants.
You are an ideal match if you have:
- A PhD in any relevant discipline in the social sciences; applicants who have submitted their dissertation by the date of the application and have not defended it yet are welcome to apply;
- Strong quantitative skills, including high proficiency in statistical / econometric analysis using R or similar software;
- Demonstrated ability to conduct research in and on fragile and conflict-affected settings;
- Experience conducting research in the Sahel or MENA regions;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with experience working with diverse international partners and engaging with multiple stakeholders;
- A proactive attitude and approach to conducting research across several projects;
- Excellent written and spoken English-language communication skills; and
- French-language communications skills would be a strong plus.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to develop your research agenda in line with ISDC’s mission, working with an interesting set of international donors, partners, and networks;
- Support to publish in leading academic journals;
- Being part of (and learning from) a diverse, international team of excellent researchers;
- An exciting, creative and collaborative working environment with start-up flair;
- Engaging with ISDC’s extensive networks of researchers, policy makers and practitioners;
- A two-year contract with remuneration starting at a monthly gross salary of 4,630 EUR;
- Hybrid work model combining work at our office in Berlin-Mitte and work from home;
- The opportunity to work from abroad for up to 3 weeks per year; and
- 30 days of annual leave and additional days off on 24 and 31 of December.
Does this sound interesting to you?
Then we encourage you to apply! Please upload the following via the respective fields on our careers site.
- A detailed CV, including a list of publications.
- Contact details of two academic or professional referees. Please upload the reference letters directly if they are available.
- A cover letter (up to two pages) outlining why you think you are the right candidate for this job, what your research interests are, and how these interests align with the research conducted at the Welfare Research Program and at ISDC.
The deadline for applications is 5 January 2025. We may conduct interviews before the closing date. In case you have any questions, please write to us via hello@isdc.org.
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
