Summary description of the position
As part of the core objectives of a UMPIRE, you will contribute to the generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge in the human and social sciences, foster collaboration between French and local researchers, mentor emerging scholars, and enhance the international reach of French research. Additionally, you will engage in intellectual discourse aligned with the French diplomatic and cultural network, while actively participating in the scientific and institutional activities of the research center.
You will design and implement research initiatives in the human and social sciences, aligned with the strategic priorities of the Nigeria African Research Institute—a center jointly supervised by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAN), the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and Space (MERE), and the CNRS.
Main activities
As delegated by the Director of UMPIRE, the researcher will undertake the following duties:
Engage in the Institute’s scientific by leading field-based research initiatives in collaboration with national and international partners, while also contributing to the dissemination of findings through presentations and publications in both French and English.
As part of the scientific mandate of IRA-Nigeria, you will operate across Nigeria’s 36 states while also overseeing research initiatives in neighboring countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Chad, and Togo.
Participate in cutting-edge research initiatives, with a particular focus on coordinating scientific gatherings that convene both national and international scholars and students within the scientific domains of IRA-Nigeria.
Foster strategic collaborations between scientific entities in Nigeria and academic institutions, the French network operating within Nigeria—including the French Institute, Alliances franchises, and the Embassy—as well as international academic bodies such as research laboratories, universities, grand Eccles, and foundations.
Engage in various research training initiatives, including methodological workshops, Masterclasses, and summer schools.
The researcher will pursue supplemental external funding to support targeted research initiatives, with fundraising responsibilities extending beyond their own projects to encompass other IRA-Nigeria research efforts. This includes preparing and submitting proposals to potential public and private donors, as well as applying for competitive grants such as ANR calls and European Union funding opportunities.
Supervise and coordinate individual and group research projects in alignment with IRA-Nigeria’s research initiatives, as well as oversee student research activities hosted by the institution.
Collaborate with the Director of IRA to ensure the Institute operates effectively and achieves its objectives.
Contribute to the planning and execution of scientific conferences and symposia to enhance research visibility and collaboration.
In the Director’s absence, the Research Project Manager may be tasked with assuming certain responsibilities on his behalf. Additionally, the role involves overseeing and coordinating individual or collective research initiatives, whether within the scope of IRA-Nigeria’s research programs or in relation to the work of students hosted by the institution.
In partnership with the Director of IRA, oversee the operations and effectiveness of the Institute to ensure its smooth and efficient functioning.
Engage in the planning and execution of scientific conferences and symposia to enhance the visibility and impact of research initiatives.
In the Director’s absence, the Research Project Manager may be tasked with assuming certain responsibilities on his behalf. Additionally, the role involves overseeing and coordinating individual or collective research initiatives, whether within IRA-Nigeria’s established research programs or in connection with student projects hosted by the organization.
In partnership with the Director of IRA, oversee the operational effectiveness of the Institute.
Contribute to the planning and execution of scientific events aimed at advancing research dissemination and engagement.
In the Director’s absence, the Research Project Manager may be tasked with assuming certain responsibilities on his behalf. Additionally, the role involves contributing to the planning and execution of scientific events aimed at advancing and showcasing research initiatives.
In the Director’s absence, the research project manager may be tasked with assuming certain responsibilities on their behalf. Additionally, this role involves contributing to the planning and execution of scientific events aimed at advancing and showcasing research initiatives.
In cases where the Director is unavailable, the researcher project manager might be tasked with standing in for them on certain assignments.
A relevant diploma or equivalent professional experience is highly recommended to fulfill the job responsibilities effectively.
Applicants must hold a doctorate awarded by a higher education institution in France or another European Union member state at the time of application. Prior professional engagement in sub-Saharan Africa is considered advantageous. Proficiency in French is mandatory, evidenced by a C2-level certification from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for candidates whose native language is not French. Familiarity with or fluency in a local language is highly desirable, as is a comprehensive understanding of the region.
Qualifications
PhD/Fellowship
