Research Fellow

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,924

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to December 2025

Role Summary

This role will support the implementation of the UKRI funded research initiative “Making aid work for displaced women: Integrating Islamic philanthropy and the international humanitarian system to improve outcomes for women”. The post holder will contribute to the initiative’s work package 1: “Understanding (dis)connections between Islamic philanthropy and international humanitarian sector, and faith ethics”. Specifically, the post holder will work on the Islamic law/ethical analysis and will organise an international seminar to improve understanding of the relationship between Islamic philanthropy and displaced women’s protection by drawing on Islamic humanitarian law and Islamic ethics of displaced women’s protection. 

An ideal candidate will have an excellent knowledge of Islamic social finance with a focus on Islamic philanthropy principles, and gender and theological analysis. They will have outstanding analytical skills, a proven experience in developing new frameworks, producing high-quality publications, organising events and public engagement. Proficiency in Arabic is a valuable asset.

The School of Government is intellectually vibrant with an excellent record in both research and teaching. It provides a supportive environment, enabling colleagues to engage internationally, build networks and deliver excellent teaching and research. Resources are available to facilitate research, grant capture, and impact and engagement activities. Staff are encouraged and supported to be innovative in their teaching, enabling students to thrive and build firm foundations in the discipline. 

The School of Government comprises the Department of Political Science and International Studies, the Department of Public Administration and Policy (formerly Institute of Local Government Studies), and the International Development Department. We are one of the largest Schools of Government in the United Kingdom – home to more than 90 full-time academic staff, more than 1,500 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and more than 70 doctoral researchers.  

Person Specification

• Excellent knowledge of Islamic social finance with a focus on philanthropy principles, women’s inclusion and empowerment, theological and gender analysis
• A higher degree relevant to the research area or equivalent qualifications, first degree in area of specialism 
• High-level analytical capabilities
• Proven experience in producing high-quality reports and briefings
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to difference audiences
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Proficiency in Arabic is a valuable asset

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Sandra Pertek: s.m.pertek.1@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 11/12/2024 

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