Research Assistant, MIGRADAPT Project
Posted: 1/30/2018 (Employment)
About The Hugo Observatory
The Hugo Observatory is a new research structure devoted to the study of the interactions between environmental changes and human migration. The Observatory is hosted at the SPHERES Research Unit of the Faculty of Sciences. It is a young and dynamic structure, involved in different international research projects and policy processes. It conducts both theoretical and empirical, field research and puts a high value on collective work.
About the MIGRADAPT Project
MIGRADAPT stands for ‘La migration au service de l’adaptation aux changements environnementaux. Analyse en Belgique’ and is a collaborative project funded by the Belgian Federal Scientific Policy (BELSPO). It associates the University of Liège (coordinator), the Free University of Brussels (ULB), the University of Antwerp and Royal Museum of Central Africa (MRAC). The project seeks to document the role played by migration for the adaptation to climate impacts and environmental degradation in the migrants’ communities of origin, with a specific on the transnational ties that exist between Belgium, Senegal, Morocco and DR Congo.
Position Advertised
The Hugo Observatory is seeking an outstanding candidate for a position of Research Assistant to assist with the development and management of the MIGRADAPT project. The successful candidate will be responsible for:
• Conducting interviews with migrants residing in Belgium;
• Assisting in the day-to-day management of the project;
• Drafting research reports based on the project’s results;
• Facilitating the interactions between researchers from the four project partners;
• Assisting in the preparation of a portal of databases on environmental migration;
• Disseminating the project’s results through conferences, seminars and social media;
• Supporting the overall development of the project and of the Observatory (assistance to the drafting of research proposals, liaison with partners, etc.)
• Assisting the team of the Observatory with administrative and communication tasks.
Requirements
The successful candidate must:
• Hold at least a Master’s Degree in social sciences (political science / sociology / anthropology /international relations preferred), with an interest for environmental issues;
• Demonstrate a keen interest for environmental issues and interdisciplinary work;
• Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team, in a highly inter-disciplinary environment, under limited supervision;
• Be fluent in English and French, the command of Dutch being an asset;
• Be enthusiastic about the development of a new research project, and committed to its advancement.
In addition to these tasks, the candidate will be encouraged to develop his/her own research agenda.
Location and Type of Contract
The position is a 1-year contract, full-time, and will be based at the University of Liège. The successful candidate will make frequent travels within Belgium to conduct interviews. The successful candidate is expected to travel abroad occasionally for conferences and missions.
The position should be filled as soon as possible. The salary shall be commensurate with experience. The University of Liège is an equal opportunity employer.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter by noon on January 31st, 2018. They should also indicate the names of two referees who can be contacted upon request. Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday February 6th, 2018, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a feedback on their application.
Applications should be sent by email to the project’s coordinator, F.Gemenne@ulg.ac.be, and copied to sara.vigil@uliege.be and caroline.zickgraf@ulg.ac.be.
Deadline: 01/31/2018
Location: The Hugo Observatory