Research Officer (Ref:704)

Transcription

1 VACANCY PARTICULARS Research Officer (Ref:704) Hours per week: 25 (0.71FTE) Contract type: Fixed term (12 months) Grade: 6 Salary: 24,788-37,024 per annum, pro rata Closing date: Monday 8th February 2016, 10 am UK time Interview date: TBC Reporting to: Rural Futures Cluster Leader Who We Are The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a leading global institution for research, teaching and learning, and impact and communications, based at the University of Sussex. Our Vision Our vision is of equal and sustainable societies, locally and globally, where everyone can live secure, fulfilling lives free from poverty and injustice. What We Do The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a leading global institution for development research, teaching and learning, and impact and communications, based at the University of Sussex. Our vision is of equal and sustainable societies, locally and globally, where everyone can live secure, fulfilling lives free from poverty and injustice. We believe passionately that cutting-edge research, knowledge and evidence are crucial in shaping the changes needed for our broader vision to be realised, and to support people, societies and institutions to navigate the challenges ahead. Through our commitment to engaged excellence we work towards transformations that reduce inequalities, accelerate sustainability and build more inclusive and secure societies. We do this neither as a university organisation nor a thinktank, but by combining elements of both in a unique mix that is articulated in our engaged excellence approach. Since 1966 IDS has been working with partners to tackle complex development challenges and contribute the evidence, analysis, theory and facilitated learning that can help communities, practitioners and decision-makers at all levels work together for practical, positive change. Our partnership with the University of Sussex supports and accredits our teaching and learning programmes, where in PhD studies and a range of high-level Masters courses we aim to produce a new generation of development thought, policy and practice leaders. The Institute is home to approximately 100 researchers affiliated to thematic research clusters, 70 knowledge professionals, 65 professional staff and about 200 students at any one time. But the IDS community extends far beyond, encompassing an extensive network of over over 360 partners, 3,000 alumni and hundreds of former staff.

2 Job Description Overall purpose of the role Predominantly working on two projects as follows: First, the individual will play a central role in delivering a project to develop a framework that can help agricultural research programmes to strategize around their engagement with young people and youth-related issues. At the heart of the framework will be a detailed exploration of the distinction between, on the one hand, structural issues and interventions (i.e. that affect or have the potential to affect multiple social groups), and on the other hand, what might be considered youth-specific issues and interventions. Structural issues within the agricultural sector include those affecting productivity, and access to land, credit, technology and markets. In developing the framework the project team will draw from relevant research literatures, including: literature on the structural transformation of agriculture in the developing world; literature on youth transition, youth employment and young people s imagined futures; and literature on the new entrant problem in developed country agriculture and the use of social protection programs to facilitate the intergenerational transfer of key assets like land. Second, the individual will support the implementation of a new participatory research initiative funded by the Carasso Foundation and the New Field Foundation. This project will examine opportunities and constraints for scaling up agroecological food systems through engaging a diversity of farmers and relevant stakeholders (e.g. related to markets, policy, extension, etc.) in analysing and debating the key factors which contribute to sustainable food systems across economic, ecological, nutritional and social dimensions. Under the direction of the principle investigator, the individual will be responsible for the implementation of this research initiative in Nicaragua. This will entail liaising with farmer-led organisations, including the lead Nicaraguan partner for the initiative, Programa Campesino a Campesino (PCAC), managing systems mapping workshops, leading and supporting primary and secondary social science research, facilitating a deliberative panel with farmers and facilitating a national-level workshop with key stakeholders. With support from the PI, the individual will also be responsible for writing high quality academic research reports for Nicaragua and related non-academic publications and contribute to overall project reports. The individual will contribute to parallel work undertaken in Senegal and the UK and contribute to the overall direction of the project. The work of the Rural Futures cluster is firmly aligned with the core IDS strategic themes of curbing inequalities, accelerating sustainability, and building inclusive and secure societies. Main Duties and Responsibilities Research Play a key role in the project: Collaborative framing paper on young people and the MAIZE and WHEAT CRPs (approx. 46% effort in Yr 1) Contribute to the project: Transitions to Agroecological Food Systems: Pathways to Sustainability (approx. 54% of effort in Yr 1) Contribute to other research activities as appropriate Liaison and networking Participate in and develop external networks, for example to identify sources of funding, build relationships for current and future activities, and enhance research impact Develop links with external contacts to foster collaboration and partnerships Promote the work of the Institute both nationally and internationally.

3 Communications Contribute to the production of academic publications, research reports and IDS Bulletins Contribute to IDS blogs, and social media, produce opinion pieces, and participate in media interviews. Collegiality Participate in cluster and Institute activities as required Liaise with colleagues and students Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration Act as a responsible group member and develop productive working relationships with others Funding This post will funded through grants from CIMMYT, the Carasso Foundation and the New Field Foundation. Equalities You must be prepared to implement the Institute s Equal Opportunities Policy at a level appropriate to the job and must at all times carry out your duties with due regard to the Institute s Equal Opportunities Policy. Health and Safety You must be prepared to be responsible for the implementation of, and compliance with, the provisions of legislation relating to the health and safety of such employees and areas of the workplace as fall under your direct control and for complying with legislation relating to such works and contracts as are within your direct responsibility. General You will be required to undertake such other duties appropriate to the grade and character of the work as may reasonably be required of you. Therefore, the list of duties in this job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. Your duties will be set out in this job description but please note that the Institute reserves the right to update your job description, from time to time, to reflect changes in, or to, your job. Significant permanent changes in duties and responsibilities will require agreed revisions to be made to this job description. You will be consulted about any proposed changes.

4 Person Specification Skills and experience Requirement Essential Desirable Assessment Qualifications A postgraduate degree in the economics and/or social science of international development, or equivalent work experience Knowledge Excellent knowledge and understanding of current issues and debates in international development Excellent knowledge and understanding of current issues and debated in agricultural and rural development in low and middle income countries, including food security, agroecology and food sovereignty Familiarity with current issues and debates around young people and agriculture in low and middle income countries Familiarity with issues and debates related to agroecological food systems including market and policy issues Familiarity with the Consultative Group for International Agriculture (CGIAR) system and centres Skills Excellent analytical and synthesis skills Excellent English writing and editing skills, including the ability to tailor material for different formats (web, , etc) and communicate specialist knowledge in non-technical language. Ability to assimilate complex research or other relevant material quickly, assess its merits, and draw out key messages and implications for policy and practice Strong all-round communication skills Proficiency in the use of search and reference software such as Web of Science, Scopus, Endnote and Nvivo Proficiency at using the Internet for research Professional fluency in Spanish Ability to work across disciplinary boundaries (natural and social sciences)

5 Experience Experience undertaking research in a developing country Experience of working in an development or humanitarian research role Experience of undertaking literature reviews, evidence syntheses, semi-structured interviews, and data analysis involving multiple data sources and types Experience with qualitative and / or quantitative research methods Experience of undertaking research on food systems, agriculture and food security. Experience of undertaking research in Nicaragua Attributes, Health, other Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet frequent strict deadlines Ability to prioritise, manage and deliver a range of conflicting immediate and longer term priorities Flexibility Ability to plan and work on your own initiative, taking responsibility for areas of work in a proactive and independent manner Attention to detail and pride in presentation and communication Demonstrable ability to thrive on team-working Negotiation skills and the ability to manage client expectations Excellent interpersonal skills Excellent presentation skills Ability to travel to meetings and other events within the UK Ability to travel for workshops and research in Nicaragua Capacity to work across cultural / institutional barriers Established linkages with relevant stakeholders for sustainable agriculture in Nicaragua

6 Information to Candidates Benefits At IDS we offer a number of additional benefits to staff. These include: a competitive salary, including cost of living awards and incremental increases on an annual basis as per policy and the option to join our pension scheme. Please see for more details interest free travel loans, following successful completion of a probationary period support in attainment of a relevant professional qualification in line with the Professional Development Policy childcare voucher scheme and childcare fund competitive maternity and paternity policies that offer compensation above the statutory minimum 24 days annual leave per year (pro-rata for part-time), plus public holidays and up to 6 nonnegotiable closure days enhanced sickness pay entitlements support with relocation costs for staff joining us from outside the EU eligibility to use the University of Sussex gym and sporting facilities at staff rates Location The successful candidate will be based at the Institute of Development Studies on the University of Sussex campus. The University of Sussex is located 10 minutes away from the lively and cosmopolitan seaside city of Brighton on the UK South Coast, 60 minutes away from central London, 30 minutes away from London Gatwick Airport and is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Sussex South Downs. Situated between the sea and the South Downs, Brighton is one of the most vibrant and unique cities on the South Coast, for more information please go to How to apply Applications on official form only (CVs are not accepted): Human Resources Institute of Development Studies Brighton BN1 9RE, UK Alternatively please your application to hr@ids.ac.uk please insert the job title and reference number into the subject line of the . We would recommend that electronic applications are sent 24 hours in advance of the deadline, to ensure there are no technical difficulties. Owing to the large number of enquiries received and consequential processing/postage costs, regretfully, it is not possible to enter into further correspondence with all applicants. Therefore, if you do not receive any communications by the interview date, please assume that, on this occasion, your application has not been successful.

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