Department: The Center for Policy Research and Outreach (CPRO)
Reports to: Director of CPRO
Duty station: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Opening date: 06.05.2024
Deadline: 30.06.2024
WIUT Background
Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) is the first international university in Uzbekistan to offer a Western-style education with UK qualifications. WIUT was established in 2002 and was voted the number one University in Uzbekistan which produced the top social sciences research by Scopus in 2023. WIUT is still a young university with more than 5,200 students and more than 140 full-time faculty with an established presence and a growing international reputation. WIUT has blended the traditions and standards of British education with the culture and environment of Central Asia.
WIUT’s development strategy is based on three strategic affairs of the University: Student Experience, Staff Experience, and Society Engagement. Our Strategic Priorities are focused on enhancing these three pillars by Strengthening, Smartening and Sustaining them. For more information: https://www.wiut.uz/
Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities
This Senior Research Fellow/Research Fellow (SRF/RF) will engage stakeholders in applied high-quality research, policy analysis, public outreach and capacity building. The Fellow will help CPRO influence public policy as a leading think tank in the greater Central Asia region to strengthen WIUT as an international research university, and grow its portfolio of research. Individuals with a strong commitment to applied research and outreach in public policy are encouraged to apply.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: INDIVIDUAL
- As a CPRO team member, increase its ‘think-tank’ footprint connecting research with practice to inform policy and policy implementation, through interdisciplinary research. Include WIUT lecturers extensively in this process.
- Design, plan and perform research on human capital and productivity in areas such as labor, education, health, related social sectors and future scenarios.
- Strengthen and develop new research streams and enabling CPRO to impact research, policy and outreach based on internationally rigorous standards.
- Leverage existing links with the CAREC Institute, the UN-Sustainable Development Solutions Network, CPRO’s International Advisory Group, and the Central Asian Futures and Foresight Association.
- Develop complementary products, (a) short rapidly responding policy research and outreach with (b) rigorous, internationally recognized and peer-reviewed publications
- Research should have local, regional, and international relevance; using quantitative and qualitative approaches as appropriate, collecting primary or using secondary data.
- Strengthen and form relationships with different stakeholders. Generate external sponsorship for research and outreach activities.
PRINCIPAL TEAM ACCOUNTABILITIES:
TARGETS
From September to June 2024 year the CPRO team will produce:
- 18 briefs to rapidly respond to specific current questions of policy leaders and development partners, involve them to verify questions and results are useful
- 6 peer-reviewed research products submitted to international publications / outlets.
- A majority of products, work with WIUT researchers to develop research questions and seek sponsors to support diverse research—across each school and department.
- Half of peer-reviewed research products, work with international co-authors.
- The team generates research sponsorship toward off-setting CPRO’s operating costs.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Earned international doctorate (or nearing completion of degree) in a relevant discipline such as development economics, public policy, labor, education, or health sector specialist;
- Five years of relevant professional and research experience on Central Asia;
- Writing to inform decision making and develop practical policy, in addition to academic publications;
- Capacity in public policy research and analysis. Including interdisciplinary and regional research to influence policy leaders and development partners;
- A publication record in international peer-reviewed publications in English;
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders within and outside Central Asia;
- Excellent verbal and written communication and representational skills including fluency in English and Russian;
- Strong experience revising, editing, and correcting their own work ready for submission to international publications;
- Extensive quantitative methods experience including surveys, and with qualitative data methods and analysis;
- Capacity to raise external funding using a network of academic, foundations and development partner contacts.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Flexible and able to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced work environment;
- Entrepreneurial disposition, innovative mindset and drive for results;
- ICT and project management skills;
- A positive mindset encouraging performance and constructively criticizing outputs.
Appointments are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding.
How to Apply
To apply please complete the application form online.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Review other job vacancies at http://www.wiut.uz/job-wiut
