JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP AT CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH (CSR)

Background

The Centre for Social Research (CSR) seeks to recruit young, energetic, dynamic and ambitious Malawians with passion to develop a career in research for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). The JRF is a non-established position that the CSR is introducing to offer successful candidates the opportunity to hone their expertise, skills and competence in research. The JRFs will be employed on rolling yearly contracts subject to satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities

The JRFs are expected to undertake the following during the tenure of their engagement at CSR:

• Develop a variety of proposals for collaborative activity with their mentors or other researchers as a means of advancing their research skills and mobilizing resources for CSR.

• Participate in CSR’s research, consultancy, and outreach activities under the guidance of the deputy director, or their mentors or other researchers.

• Plan and manage their own research activities (including training of research assistants, field supervision, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, report writing and dissemination of results) in close collaboration with the mentors or other researchers.

• Present papers or talks on their research at conferences and/or workshops including writing research reports, policy briefs on their own or in collaboration with their mentors or other researchers.

• Write up the results of research projects for publication in forms that are appropriate for internationally leading research in their academic field in collaboration with their mentors or other researchers.

• Liaise with research colleagues and make internal and/or external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and to form relationships for future research collaboration.

Qualifications and Key Attributes

Applicants must either have an MA or PhD in any of the following fields: statistics, social science, anthropology, development studies, or related fields with the following desired attributes:

• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently as well as the skills to work effectively in a cooperative research environment.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to take a creative approach to complex problems.

• Highly developed communication skills including the ability to network and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and partner organizations as well as hold workshops and seminars.

• Ability to be a team player and comfortable with working in a collaborative environment.

• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to clearly analyze and explain a complex topic verbally and in writing.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should address their applications to the address stated below and it should include the following: a typed motivational letter not exceeding two pages, a comprehensive CV and at least two traceable referees one of whom should be able to speak to the candidate’s research potential.

The Director

Centre for Social Research (CSR)

Chancellor College, University of Malawi

P.O Box 280, Zomba

E-mail: csr@unima.ac.mw

The closing date for receiving applications is 15th December 2021 Only shortlisted applicants shall be acknowledged.