Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Legal Aid (University of Oslo)

Job description

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Legal Aid (duration 2 years) is available at the Norwegian Centre of Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Oslo.

The researcher will take part in the Research Council of Norway-funded project Refugees and the Arab Middle East: Protection in States Not Party to the Refugee Convention (REF-ARAB), led by Professor Maja Janmyr.
The REF-ARAB project is concerned with refugee protection in states not party to the key international legal instruments providing for the protection of the world’s refugees. It takes both a broader perspective that historically and politically situates these non-party states within the international refugee regime, and a more focused perspective that grounds refugee protection in lived experiences and local initiatives.

More specifically, the REF-ARAB project will 1) study the historical and political circumstances related to why so many states in the Arab Middle East (AME) have remained non-parties to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees (the Refugee Convention);
2) explore how the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) executes its mandate to provide international protection to refugees in these same states; and 3) examine the avenues available for refugees in these countries by means of non-governmental legal aid organizations in securing legal protection on the basis of human rights instruments and other domestic legislation.

Qualification requirements

  • PhD or equivalent academic qualifications in law or other relevant social science background, such as sociology of law, sociolegal studies and legal anthropology. Experience from the Middle East and/or refugee studies is strongly desirable.
  • The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
  • The candidate’s research project must be closely connected to the main project, and this must be clearly elaborated in the project description. We particularly welcome projects that focus on AME states other than those already extensively covered in the REF-ARAB project (i.e. Lebanon and Jordan).
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Knowledge of Arabic is strongly desirable.
  • Personal suitability and motivation for the position.

Offer

  • Salary 532 300 to 594 400  NOK per annum depending on qualifications
  • Academically stimulating working environment
  • Pension arrangements in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
  • Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
  • The tentative starting date is spring 2020

How to apply?

  • Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position.
  • Curriculum Vitae with grades listed (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities).
  • List of publications.
  • Up to five previous academic works (e.g. published journal articles and/or monographs) that the applicant wishes to be considered.
  • Project description (3 – 5 pages). The project description must present a feasible progress plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment.
  • Copies of educational certificates (PhD and MA).
  • Names and contact details for at least two reference persons.
  • Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Applicants with education from a foreign university must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.
  • The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”.
  • The short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.
  • The position is available for a period of 2 years. The tentative starting date is spring 2020.

Application deadline: 6 January 2020

For more information, see: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/179069/post-doctoral-research-fellowship-in-legal-aid