Post-doc: Manifesting Mandates: Navigating

Vacancy number

15263

Job type

Academic staff

Hours (in fte)

1,0

External/ internal

External

Location

Den Haag

Placed on

14 November 2024

Closing date

6 December 2024 22 more days to apply

Post-Doc: Manifesting Mandates: Navigating Ambiguity in UN Special Political Missions (1.0fte)

The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) wishes to appoint a full-time Post-Doctoral researcher to carry out research activities related to the United Nations’ Special Political Missions. The PostDoc’s research is part of the project Manifesting Mandates: Navigating Ambiguity in UN Special Political Missions, which investigates how the UN’s Special Political Missions (SPMs) operate in the context of uncertainty and fluctuating conflict management norms. The project asks: How are top-down directives from the UN Security Council translated and implemented at mission level in UN peacekeeping? Specifically: How do SPM staff interpret and action UN mandates at mission level? To answer this question, we use a comparative case study across different types of SPMs in three continents.

**What you will do**
- Create, plan, and execute a research project on a UN Special Political Mission in Latin America in line with the objectives of the funded project and in close collaboration with the Project Investigators.
- Collaborate closely with the Project investigators on the team in all research output and project administration.
- Conduct at least one field trip to a Special Political Mission in Latin America.
- Author at least one international peer-reviewed journal article on the project’s research findings.
- Co-author at least one international peer-reviewed journal article with the project investigators on the project’s research findings.
- Teach, grade and administer a course at the undergraduate level.
- Conduct other tasks related to the project as requested by the project investigators.
- Assist in dissemination of project findings through conferences and social media.

**Where you will work**
The mission of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA)? Contributing to society. The faculty does this through high-quality interdisciplinary education and (new) scientific knowledge. Whether it is terrorism, security, artificial intelligence or a governance solution to the housing crisis, contemporary issues are comprehensively addressed at FGGA.

In the heart of The Hague, where important decisions are made, students and professionals come together to gain knowledge and skills. There is much collaboration with academic and societal partners, which ensures that students leave university with a smile and one foot in the future, ready to make a substantial contribution to society.

FGGA is one of the seven faculties of Leiden University. This young, entrepreneurial, innovative organization has three scientific institutes, two centers, over 3,700 students and 425 staff members. For more information about the faculty, click here.
The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) is a scientific institute specializing in security issues. ISGA is part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs of Leiden University.

ISGA analyses and studies security issues with local, national, transnational and global impact. These include crises, intelligence, terrorism, war, violence and cybercrime. The institute is characterized by a multidisciplinary research approach.

ISGA is based in the residential city of The Hague, the international city of peace, justice and security. Inspiring interactions are maintained with other knowledge institutions, regional, national and international governments, the private sector and NGOs.

**What you bring**
In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:
Selection Criteria: Essential
- PhD degree completed by the time of the appointment, ideally in political science, international relations, security studies, or peace and conflict studies. The PhD topic should be related to peace and conflict/mediation/conflict resolution.
- Demonstrated experience of conducting field research and interviews.
- Demonstrated experience of using qualitative research methods and a willingness to develop expertise in further methodological work.
- Ability to travel for field trips to Latin America.
- Demonstrated experience of working both independently and as part of a team in an organized and results-oriented fashion.
- Excellent command of English and Spanish (CEFR Level C1 or above).

Selection Criteria: Preferred
- Additional language skills, preferably one or more of the official UN languages (specifically French, Chinese, Arabic).
- Expertise in, or familiarity with sociology, anth