Research Fellow - Politics and Security

Background

Bussola Institute is an independent and not-for-profit, non-governmental organization established in Brussels in 2017 as a world-class Research Institute and Think-and-Do-Tank, which is committed to forging multicultural interconnections between the Gulf Countries and the European Union. The Mission of Bussola Institute is to generate and share knowledge that will foster a better understanding of, and seek solutions to, the political, social, economic, security and cultural issues that affect policy making in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) regions. The Bussola Institute operates under the direction and guidance of a distinguished Honorary Board and is directed by a Board of Directors. The day-to-day activates of the Institute are managed by a Secretary General who reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Senior Research Fellow

The Research Fellow - Politics and Security - is one of three research fellow positions that together form an integral part of the research team in the Bussola Institute. Together, they are responsible for delivering a programme of research activities advised by the Honorary Board and directed by the Board of Directors.

The Research Fellow - Politics and Security - is a recognized expert in his/her field. The person must produce regular high-quality, written analyses on the key political and security related developments and its geopolitical implications that impact on the relationship between Europe and the Gulf region. The position requires that the Research Fellow be methodical, organised and detail-oriented, have a pro-active approach and can-do attitude and be comfortable working in project-based settings. The Research Fellow will be a team player and have strong skills in planning, organising, oversight and communication. Research Fellows are supported by Bussola Research Officers.

Skills and Qualifications

• Applicants should hold a PhD and have 5 to 7 years of research and/or academic experience with an emphasis on the politics, security, international relations of the Middle East with a particular focus on the Gulf region. The qualified applicant must be able to display an in-depth knowledge of the key political and strategic issues that define the current Gulf region as well as be familiar with the debate on such issues within the European landscape.
• The ideal candidate must have exceptional oral and written communication skills and be able to display a track record of writing, publishing, and public speaking.
• Excellent language skills in English are essential while a working knowledge of Arabic and French is desireable.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Fellow will report to the Senior Advisor of Bussola Institute and will be involved in a range of research and related activities. Key responsibilities of the job include:

• Authoring timely and relevant analyses of important trends in the Gulf region and Europe. This includes regular policy papers, research reports, shorter analysis and commentary pieces, blog posts,as well as contibutions to other Bussola publications as required.
• Ensure that all research work is carried out in line with the highest standards of intellectual honesty, research ethics and academic conventions.
• Work closely and work collaboratively with the Senior Advisor and colleagues at the Bussola Institute in planning and organising events, programmes, outreach activities and media engagements to ensure that the Institute's research agenda is optimally articulated and disseminated.
• Participate in all of the Institute's event activities including as moderator or panelist as well as assisting in recruiting guest panelists as required.
• Contribute on a regular and timely basis to Bussola's outreach work including but not limited to website content, social media contributions, multimedia content as well as interviews for videos and podcasts.
• Promote the Bussola brand, and his/her own professional reputation, by contributing to scholarly publications and regional and international media outlets, and participating in conferences and seminars on relevant issues, both in Europe and elsewhere.
• Participate actively and regularly in Bussola's strategic-planning process.
• Identify potential contributors to Bussola's research publications program.
• Identify, recruit, and supervise research assistants as well as mentoring interns.

Application

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter that explains their interest in joining the Bussola Institute and how they anticipate contributing to its mission to jobs@bussolainstitute.org . The Bussola Institute is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.