Job opening: Research Fellow

Job Title:                 Research Fellow

Department:            Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research – FAAR

Reports to:              Director/Dean

 

Job Purpose

The appointment holder will contribute to the Faculty’s vision of building a world-class institution of higher learning that projects KAIPTC as the leading provider of tertiary education in African peace and security through excellent teaching, cutting edge research and demand-driven policy support.

 

Role Description

 

Research Fellow is a career-grade research position. Post-holders are expected to serve as key investigators on pure and applied research projects, demonstrate the capacity for independent research, possess pedagogical competences relevant for college and university teaching; and provide academic mentorship to postgraduate students. They are also expected to contribute to the objectives of KAIPTC through training, policy research and policy support.

 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  1. Research and Publications, Scholarship and Enterprise

 

  1. Contribute to knowledge generation on African peace and security through the conduct of basic and policy research;

 

  1. Carry out independent research and act as a Principal Investigator or project leader on major research projects;

 

  1. Generate at least three knowledge products annually in the form of journal articles, book chapters, occasional papers or books;

 

  1. Write grant proposals and seek funding for research projects;

 

  1. Develop proposals for major research projects that contributes to the generation of new knowledge, theory, or concept, and produce high-quality research outputs that have policy relevance;

 

  1. Make presentations, deliver lectures and seminars at national or international for a;

 

  1. Develop and maintain a good reputation for independent research;

 

  1. Provide expert support to the academic community by, for example, serving on peer review committees and acting as a referee for journal articles and research grant applications;

 

  1. Provide academic leadership and mentorship to both students and junior colleagues; and
  2. Build effective networks with external contacts such as educational and research organisations, corporate entities, the public sector, professional bodies and funding agencies.

 

  1. Teaching and Learning Support

 

  1. Required to teach at least three KAIPTC academic course per year;
  2. Required to teach on KAIPTC core courses as required;
  3. Required to design and develop KAIPTC core training and academic courses;
  4. Demonstrate competence in area of expertise in the classroom and public presentations, including seminars, colloquia, conferences;
  5. Supervise and mark student dissertations;
  6. Demonstrate competence in the development and use of innovative methods of teaching, guidance and mentorship to students; and
  7. Participate in curriculum development that lead to the development of, new courses or programmes or training manuals.

 

  1. Contribution to KAIPTC

 

  1. Provide to relevant KAIPTC project as may be required;

 

  1. Contribute to Programme activities and objectives through research, training and policy support;

 

  1. Participate in department-level strategic planning, and contribute to Faculty strategic planning processes; and

 

  1. Undertake additional duties, as may be required by the Dean/Director of the Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research.

 

 

  1. Indicative Performance Criteria

 

  1. Consistent publication of original research in refereed or peer reviewed outlets;

 

  1. Demonstrate evidence of successful teaching and facilitation in reputable universities or colleges;

 

  1. Demonstrate significant contribution to knowledge creation through publication; and

 

  1. Show evidence of public service, such as membership of professional body, editorial board or similar.

 

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Educational Qualification

The ideal candidate should possess a minimum of a PhD degree in political science/international relations/strategic studies, peace and security studies; or equivalent qualification. At least 5 years’ relevant work experience with sound research and publication records. Must have a minimum of 5 peer reviewed publications with computer literacy and demonstrable knowledge of research-related software packages.

COMPETENCIES

Managerial Competencies

  • Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and creatively and to apply problem-solving skills; and
  • Capacity to adapt, ability to act quickly and take initiatives, to learn new disciplines and skills relevant in an academic and policy environment.

Technical Competencies

  • Effective analytical and communication skills, including ability to link evidence to specific conclusions and to communicate technical and complex issues clearly and concisely in written texts and to a wide audience;
  • Effective understanding of major theories, concepts and themes in conflict, peace, and security, with a particular focus on Africa;
  • Strong conceptual and analytical capabilities with proven capacity to produce high-quality research products;
  • Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and creatively and apply problem-solving skills; and
  • Demonstrate effective capacity for attracting research grant and other project funding.

Personal Attributes

  • Effective team player;
  • Effective capacity for networking and joint working;
  • High energy and commitment, with a proven ability to formulate and advance initiatives and produce high quality results on a timely basis;
  • Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment and to establish effective and harmonious working relations with international organisations and relevant stakeholders;

 

  • Ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision; and

 

  • Morally dependable with sound work ethics.

 

 

Interested applicants are kindly requested to send their CV together with 3 references and a professional work portfolio by e-mail to hr@kaiptc.org not later than 25 January, 2022.

Please indicate the job tile clearly in the cover letter; otherwise your application may not be considered. Applicants will be short-listed on the basis of their qualifications and relevant work experience. Only short-listed candidate will be invited for an interview.

 

KAIPTC is an equal opportunity employer.