Post Doctoral Research Associate - Empowering Refugee Women

The Empowering Refugee Women in Wales initiative is led by Athina Summerbell at the Cardiff office of the Welsh Refugee Council (WRC) while the research is led by The Open University (OU). The researcher will work closely with the WRC to recruit participants for the research and conduct in-person focus groups in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, as well as online focus groups. They will also co-design a survey for employers and FE and HE professionals. They will identify problems and solutions and, deliver an evidence-based research report independently, in collaboration with OU academics and partners. The post holder will require strong interpersonal, stakeholder management and communication skills, in addition to research experience and skills.

The post holder will report to Marie Gillespie (Professor of Sociology) with whom they will co-design and deliver the research. They will be supported by Helen Thomas (Partnerships Manager at OUinWales. They will be contractually based at the OU’s Cardiff office. The post holder can work remotely for most of the time, however there will be a requirement to attend the Cardiff office on occasions. We expect this to be about once per month currently. Some travel will be expected to conduct the focus group and survey research and attend meetings, requiring travel to other locations within Wales. Expenses for this travel will be reimbursed, but not for travel to the Cardiff office.

Flexible working

We are also open to discussions about flexible working. Please reach out to discuss what works for you.

Identifying, managing, and delivering research

• Design, deliver, and disseminate research that responds to the needs of refugee women, stakeholders in the employment and education sectors, and policy makers.
• Manage the research and knowledge exchange projects in a sensitive and secure way
• Collaborate with colleagues in partner organisations and institutions, research groups and support capability building within the project.

Collaborative and partnership working

• Use initiative and creativity to deliver the research and share insight and ideas with partners.
• Manage and quality assure that all research is conducted in line with OU ethical policy and practices
• Establish and build strong, sustainable connections between the OU, the WRC, professionals in relevant sectors and the policymaking and research communities across Wales.

Building

• Support the awareness raising of WRC and OU’s research among policy makers, academics, policy organisations and research networks.
• Contribute to, and engage with, activities that enhance research impact, such as engaging with local and national media and policy organisations.

• A PhD in a related subject area.
• Knowledge of current migration policy issues in Wales.
• A strong record of research and/or knowledge exchange and experience conducting research, including evidence of design, implementation, and dissemination, in a policy environment/field.
• Experience of qualitative data analysis, including how to contextualise the findings of the research within relevant academic and policy debates
• A proven ability of engaging, developing and maintaining excellent realtionships with vulnerable groups (women, asylum-seekers, refugees), community organisations, advocacy groups.  civil servants, researchers and public policy.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively – in writing and in person – with a diverse range of expert and non-expert internal and external stakeholders, including working collaboratively with practitioners and/or policy makers.

For more information, please follow this link to the Job Description: Job Description

To apply for this role please submit the following as one document;

• CV
• A personal statement of up to 1000 words you should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the job and person specification.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential.  We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.  We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.