Arbetsbeskrivning

About the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) The Nordic Africa Institute, a Swedish government agency founded in 1962, stands at the forefront of advancing research and informing policy for sustainable development in Africa. We are a knowledge hub for collaborative research, library services and communication that supports a deeper understanding of contemporary African perspectives, challenges and opportunities. As a Swedish research-led public agency and as a beneficiary of several Nordic governments, we are uniquely positioned to play a strategic role in analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing Africa. We believe that credible, legitimate and relevant knowledge can help inform the decision-making that affects people’s lives. Serving as a vital knowledge hub for a deeper understanding of contemporary Africa in the Nordics, our institute fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange between African and Nordic researchers and policymakers and contributes to sharing African perspectives. Our mission is to generate insights that contribute to informed decision-making and policy development, with a commitment to fostering cooperation, building capacity, and enhancing the visibility and understanding of African issues both regionally and globally. NAI regards co-creation and dialogue as key tools in knowledge building. NAI’s library services provide an excellent repository on contemporary Africa, while its communications unit is constantly developing and tailoring formats that facilitate learning and understanding. NAI strives to communicate in ways that are practical, useful and attractive to its main target groups. The Nordic Africa Institute adheres to key values associated with the Swedish civil service: democracy, legality, objectivity, freedom of opinion, respect, efficiency and service. The leadership at NAI is trust-based, and the Institute upholds a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. Three C’s are embedded within this: Culture, Competence and Capacity. NAI recognizes the shared values of involvement, communication, trust and transparency. Position Overview We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced academic scholar with strong management skills for the position of Head of Research. This is a permanent position, but the appointment as Head of Unit is time-limited to five years. This crucial leadership role involves overseeing the institute's research agenda, contributing to the implementation of the institute’s strategy, and ensuring the production of high-quality, impactful research that informs Nordic and African policy-makers and indirectly contributes to sustainable development. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background, strong experience in policy engagement, demonstrated leadership skills, and a commitment to the institute's mission of fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across diverse perspectives and between science and policy.  Key Responsibilities • Strategically and operationally lead the research unit in a professional, social, and compliant manner, and by Swedish labor laws • Develop and implement the institute’s overarching research agenda, ensuring its alignment with and contribution to the institute’s organizational strategy • Provide leadership and direction to the research unit and scholarship holders, ensuring the highest research quality standards of • Active participation in and contribution to the work of the Management Group, contributing to the Institute’s strategic decision-making • Promote cross-unit collaboration within the institute • Cultivate and manage partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders • Contribute to policy dialogues in the Nordics and in Africa. Oversee the dissemination of research findings from the institute to inform policymakers • Contribute to enhancing the institute’s impact and evidencing the contribution through NAI´s monitoring, evaluation and learning framework • Engage in active fundraising to support research initiatives and attract external research grants • Promote interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration among African and Nordic researchers • Represent the institute in national and international forums, advocating for evidence-based policy development Qualifications • Professor level within a social sciences discipline • Extensive experience in research leadership and management positions within an academic or policy institution • Proven track record of publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals • Demonstrated ability to secure external research funding • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a transdisciplinary and multi-cultural environment • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English • Demonstrated and proven commitment to the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and mutual respect Merits • Experience of engaging with Nordic decision-makers • Working knowledge in additional languages spoken in the Nordic and/or African regions is a merit Benefits • Competitive individual salary based on qualifications and experience. • Opportunity to contribute significantly to meaningful research projects and policy dialogue with decision-makers. • Flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work. • Generous wellness allowance. • Access to professional development opportunities and the experience of working in a high-caliber research institution. • Access to academic resources and networking opportunities within the Nordic academic community. • Attractive benefits typical of the Swedish public sector. Application Process Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a cover letter and curriculum vitae, through our online portal by Friday 7 February 2025. If you have questions regarding this position, please send an email to [email protected] or contact our HR specialist Hanna Björk [email protected]. The Nordic Africa Institute is committed to promoting equality and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or differing abilities. Join us in making a significant impact through research and collaboration. Apply today to become part of the Nordic Africa Institute's mission to provide deeper understanding amongst Nordic decision-makers and associated change-makers of contemporary African perspectives and societal dynamics.