Do you want to contribute to increasing the impact of research-based knowledge in Nordic policymaking and public debate? Do you believe that African perspectives deserve a stronger voice in global discussions? Do you have a sharp pen and the ability to identify and convey the core of complex social science research? Then you may be the person the Nordic Africa Institute is looking for.
The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) is seeking a Research Communications Officer with a background in writing and editing, and experience in journalism or media liaison work. The ideal candidate seeks to build creative collaborations with researchers and other colleagues, and thrives in translating academic knowledge into accessible, engaging, and policy-relevant stories.
This is a permanent position with a probationary period. NAI offer a stimulating work environment in Uppsala, with the possibility of partial remote work and generous employee benefits.
About the position
You will play a central role in making research-based knowledge accessible and relevant to external audiences, especially within the Nordic policy and media landscapes.
NAI are looking for someone who can process complex research-based knowledge and transform it into relevant and compelling pieces for our newsletter, website and other digital channels. This work includes some editing of texts, such as policy notes, written by researchers and intended for policymaking audiences.
This role also includes shared responsibility for their press work; therefore, NAI expect you to have previous experience from this area – ideally through work as a communicator or journalist in a Nordic country – and to be familiar with the media landscape in that country.
The working language at the Institute is English. Some travel is included in this job.
Examples of tasks
- Monitor Nordic and African policy debates and developments, and keep up to date with ongoing research at the Institute, in order to identify communication opportunities.
- Write articles based on research conducted at the Institute. Occasionally, travel with a researcher to cover their work in the field.
- Edit research-based, policy-oriented texts written by researchers for non-academic audiences.
- Serve as press liaison for the Institute, maintaining and developing relationships with key journalists in the Nordic countries and internationally.
- Write and edit shorter texts for social media channels.
- Collaborate with fellow communicators and researchers to define key messages from ongoing and concluded research.
- Support other members of the Communications team, for example, before and during events.
Qualifications
Required:
- University education in communication, journalism or equivalent
- At least seven years of documented experience in journalism or communications, including writing and editing complex texts in English.
- Experience in press liaison work, or knowledge of the Nordic and European and/or African media landscape that the employer deems equivalent.
- Proven ability to communicate complex issues to non-expert audiences
- Knowledge of the Nordic foreign policy landscape.
- Strategic communication skills
- Proven teamwork skills.
- Excellent command of English, written and spoken.
Merits:
- Experience in policy-oriented science communication and/or popular science writing
- Work experience in international settings
- Experience in audiovisual storytelling
- Knowledge of contemporary African social and political developments
- Working knowledge of French, Arabic, Swahili, or Portuguese
- Working-level knowledge of at least one major Nordic language, written and spoken
- Experience working in academic environments
NAI offer
- A permanent position (probationary period applies)
- Possibility to work remotely part of the week
- Generous wellness allowance
- Offices located in the heart of Uppsala’s Botanical Garden
- Social activities that promote well-being and community
- An international and friendly workplace climate, characterised by collaboration
How to apply
Read more about the position and how to apply here.