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Fully Funded Research Role at the Nordic Africa Institute HQ in Uppsala, Sweden (2025-2026)

The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) welcomes established scholars from African universities and research institutes to apply for a fully funded, one-year position at its headquarters in Uppsala, Sweden. This opportunity enables scholars to connect directly with Nordic decision-makers while making significant contributions to education, science, and cultural discussions centered on Africa.

Job Description for the Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala, Sweden (2025-2026)

In this position, the Senior Researcher will spend one academic year at NAI. Throughout this period, you will conduct research, engage in policy outreach, and advance the Institute’s mission. This role is particularly well-suited for scholars on sabbatical from their home institutions, as it offers a unique chance to collaborate with Nordic policymakers and undertake impactful research on contemporary Africa.

Research Areas available at the Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala, Sweden

You have the flexibility to focus your research on thematic areas, conduct comparative studies, or perform in-depth analyses of specific countries. Importantly, your work should emphasize contextual, field-based qualitative research within the social sciences or economics.

Qualifications

To be eligible to work at the the Nordic Africa Institute

, you should possess:

  • A PhD degree in anthropology, geography, sociology, gender studies, international development, development economics or related subject.
  • A senior scholar with 7 or more years’ experience post-PhD conducting academic research.
  • A current research/teaching position in a university or research institution in Africa.
  • Record of high-quality scholarly research.
  • Record of science communication and policy/practice engagement with non-academic stakeholders.
  • Strong ability to present complex issues to non-academic audiences.
  • Knowledge of African scientific communities, and policy environments, and other stakeholders and actors relevant to the research topic.
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.

Application Requirements for the the Nordic Africa Institute Research Role

When applying, please prepare the following documents:

  • Submit a proposal of no more than 5 pages outlining a realistic work plan for your one-year stay at the Institute. This should include proposed intellectual activities and research projects, as well as expected outputs like publications, dissemination activities, and participation in seminars, workshops, conferences, and policy engagements.
  • Provide a complete CV that lists your scientific publications, clearly indicating which ones are peer-reviewed.
  • Include links to a maximum of three of your own publications related to your research.
  • Submit evidence of policy engagement or science-policy communication aimed at non-academic audiences, in the form of a one-page summary or up to three non-academic outputs.
  • List the names and contact details of at least two references.
  • Apply through our online recruitment system.
  • The closing date for applications is January 19, 2025.
  • Be aware that we may conduct background checks on selected candidates for security purposes.

Application Deadline for the Nordic Africa Institute Fellowship Opportunity

Be sure to submit your application by January 19, 2025.

Conditions of Service

  • The contract lasts for 12 months and is set to begin at the end of August 2025.
  • The position is fixed term, with no option to extend beyond 12 months.
  • Salary is negotiable within the Institute’s existing salary levels and remuneration packages.
  • The position offers attractive benefits and conditions typical for employees of the Swedish civil service.
  • NAI covers return airfare for the senior researcher and expenses for obtaining a visa.
  • As this is a temporary position, travel and related costs for family members are not covered.
  • NAI assists with liaising with the Swedish Migration Agency for visa purposes.
  • The senior researcher must secure their own accommodation, with support provided during this process.
  • The duty station is Uppsala, with potential travel within the Nordic region and to Africa, including the researcher’s home country, for official duties and research.
  • The senior researcher is expected to obtain a one-year leave of absence from their home institution.

About NAI

The Nordic Africa Institute recruits an established scholar from an African university or research institute for a one-year position, typically during their sabbatical. This program specifically targets scholars with a strong record of academic achievement. These scholars wish to engage with Nordic decision-makers in government and other influential figures. Thus, the aim is to communicate insights from their research and share perspectives on contemporary Africa.

We also invite applications from scholars conducting innovative research that aligns with the impact areas outlined in the NAI 2022-2026 strategy, which you can find here.

Successful candidates can use their time at NAI to connect with Nordic decision-makers. They may also advance ongoing research, develop new projects, or finalize articles and policy-relevant outputs. Scholars should utilize the intellectual and logistical resources available at the Nordic Africa Institute. In return, they are expected to contribute meaningfully to achieving NAI’s vision, mandate, and policy outreach initiatives.

Additionally, the research can adopt a comparative perspective or explore thematic areas. It can also provide an in-depth analysis focused on specific countries. Importantly, NAI emphasizes contextually informed, nuanced, and field-based research within the qualitative social sciences or economics.

Apply Now

To apply, please utilize NAI’s online recruitment system, ensuring that you include your proposal and all required documents.

APPLICATION LINK AND FORM

You are welcome to visit the official website by clicking HERE.

Also Apply for the Fully Funded McCain Global Leaders Program 2025 HERE.

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