Research project

The project aims to understand how foreign direct investment (FDI) generated employment is affecting the well-being of workers, and women in particular, in Africa where FDI is becoming one of the main sources of new employment opportunities and economic growth on the continent. This project will study this question through the case of Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, with unprecedented rates of female wage labour. It asks whether the rapid influx of foreign direct investment (FDI) from different types of investors into various sectors of the Ethiopian economy is creating decent work (SDG8) and how it impacts the well-being (SDG3) of the women employed in these industries. Achieving gender equality (SDG5) among workers remains a key challenge in rapidly-industrializing Ethiopia, which is currently ranked one of the lowest countries for the Gender Development Index.  The 3WE project consists of four interlinked sub-projects. The post-doctoral project involves developing qualitative methodological tools and conducting ethnographic fieldwork amongst female workers in FDI employment in Ethiopia, as well as analysing this data. The post-doctoral researcher is expected to collaborate closely with qualitative and quantitative researchers in the other sub-projects. 

Job description 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a research team working on cutting-edge research on the well-being of female workers in one of the fastest growing developing countries in the Global South.  The post-doctoral researcher will: 

• Together with other researchers develop qualitative ethnographic methods and liaise with factories/farms in which the research will be conducted.

• Carry out data collection through interviews and observations among female workers in Ethiopia.

• Analyse qualitative interview and ethnographic data.

• Play a crucial role in the conceptual and methodological innovations required by the project, in collaboration with the other researchers on team.

• Help to co-ordinate and administer the overall project, including the organization of workshops and conferences.

• Dedicate some of her/his time to teaching and supervision in the Faculty’s BA and MA programs.

• Write and co-author academic publications together with other members of the team

• Plan and participate in team meetings.

We are looking for candidates who have:

• A PhD in Anthropology, International Development Studies, Political Economy, Geography, Political Science, African Studies or a related field.

• Experience with conducting qualitative interviews and ethnographic field work in developing countries, and preferably in Ethiopia.

• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary and multicultural research teams.  

• Experience with organizing workshops, lecture series, and/or similar events.

• Excellent written and spoken command of English, as demonstrated by publications in English-language journals and presentations at international conferences.

• A willingness to contribute proactively to the development of the 3WE project.

• Good organizational skills.

• Experience in teaching at the BA or MA level.

• Knowledge of Amharic or at least one of the languages of the case study country (desirable).

Dienstverband voor bepaalde tijd: 44 months.

We offer a dynamic and challenging job in an internationally-oriented organisation where young people receive an advanced education and scholars conduct exciting research. The postdoctoral researcher will have the unique opportunity to carry out research within the Globalisation, Transnationalism and Development research programme. They will be part of an international network of top universities and renowned scholars within the field.

We offer a 1.0 fte appointment for 44 months (with 0.6 fte devoted to research and 0.4 fte to teaching). The first year will be a probationary period and, after a positive assessment, the position will be extended for the remaining 32 months. Your position is that of post-doctoral researcher (Onderzoeker 3). The position is also negotiable to 0.8 fte (with 0.6 fte research and 0.2 fte teaching).

Remuneration will be according to standard salary levels, depending on education and relevant work experience. This implies a gross monthly salary of about € 3.255,00 per month, scale level 10 (based on a full-time appointment). Each year the standard salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. After a positive assessment a promotion to scale 11 is possible in the 2nd year.

We facilitate your move to Maastricht if you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings) by providing an allowance for moving costs. If you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings) you might be eligible for an allowance for alternative housing. Other secondary conditions include e.g. a pension scheme and partially paid parental leave. You will be provided with shared office space and a PC.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees. 

Starting date: 15 August 2019.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,300 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) has about 250 staff members, and about 1,600 students. More than 76% of the students are non-Dutch (64 different nationalities). All programmes are in English and some in Dutch as well. FASoS offers two Bachelor’s programmes: the BA Arts and Culture and the BA European Studies. It also offers eight Master’s programmes and two Research Master’s programmes. Research is organised around four programmes: Politics and Culture in Europe; Science, Technology and Society Studies; Arts, Media and Culture; and Globalisation, Transnationalism and Development. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences situates in the historic city centre of Maastricht.

https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/about-um/faculties/faculty-arts-and-social-sciences