Two Junior Researchers on Low-Skilled Migrant Worker Policies (RIGHTS Project)

The UvA department of political science is looking for two junior researchers to conduct qualitative fieldwork - in particular, interviews- in the RIGHTS project led by Dr. Evelyn Ersanilli.

The RIGHTS project examines how the rights of low-skilled migrant workers are shaped by origin and destination states, interstate dialogues, and the involvement of civil society and international organisations. The aim is to understand why and how origin states intervene on behalf of their low-skilled migrant workers and the responses by destination countries to these activities.

The RIGHTS project (2018-2024) is funded by a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). It is based in the Transnational Configurations, Conflict and Governance group of the Department of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. More information can be found on the project website.

What are you going to do

Working closely together with the PI and the other RIGHTS team members, each junior researcher will be responsible for fieldwork in two of the country cases. The core of the fieldwork will be recruiting and interviewing respondents involved in the development and execution of low-skilled migration policies, most importantly policy makers (politicians and civil servants) and diplomats. The junior researchers will also contribute to the analyses of and reporting on the data collected in these cases.

Each junior researcher will work in at least one of the following countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda

You will:

• Work on two country cases;
• Conduct online and in-person interviews with policy makers, embassy staff, NGO representatives, and other stakeholders in low-skilled migration in the case countries;
• Obtain relevant documents (e.g. laws, transcripts of parliamentary debates, policy documents, bilateral agreements) from the cases;
• Transcribe interviews;
• Analyse interview transcripts and documents;
• Contribute to the drafting of research papers, project reports, project updates, and policy briefs;
• Contribute to the organisation of project events such as workshops.

We are looking for candidates who enjoy doing fieldwork and have a keen interest in migration governance. Ideal applicants are resourceful and have strong organisational, interpersonal and analytical skills. Applicants are reflective of their own work and are able to give and take constructive feedback.

Your experience and profile:

• A Master degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology or related discipline;
• Working knowledge of migration governance (migration policies, diaspora policies);
• Experience conducting qualitative interviews, in particular elite interviews;
• Expertise - gained through research or living/working in - on at least one of the following countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda;
• Willingness to spend several months abroad for project fieldwork;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Ability to work in a team and independently.

Desirable are:

• Experience with analysing qualitative data;
• Experience with archival research.

The position concerns (temporary) employment of 38 hours (1.0fte) for a maximum term of 18 months. The preferred starting date is 1 February 2023 or shortly afterwards.

For this position the University Job Classification profile junior researcher (researcher 4) applies. Depending on your experience, the salary ranges from € 2960 to € 4670 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, in keeping with salary scale 10, as per the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities.

We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• an opportunity to investigate a topic of enormous societal relevance;
• a position in a research team and department where initiative and input are highly valued;
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in Amsterdam.
  

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.