Join us

Areas of work: Social Protection, Social Policy, Worker’s Rights and Informality, International Financial Institutions, Foreign Debt, Social Impact of Covid-19.

Location: Location of project is FES Office in Tunis, Tunisia. Remote work is possible.
Start time: 15 May 2021 (with some flexibility)
Type of Contract: Consultancy contract or fixed term Tunisian work contract (CDD), full time
Duration of Contract: 2 Years (extension possible)
Application end date: 20 April 2021
Salary: Depending on level of experience, publications in relevant fields, etc.
Languages required: English, French, Arabic

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is the oldest political foundation in Germany with a rich tradition in social democracy dating back to its foundation in 1925. Our work focuses on the core ideas and values of social democracy, freedom, justice and solidarity. With more than 100 offices worldwide, FES has built a vast network of international partners, contacts and friends.

FES MENA is searching for a committed and dynamic team member to become a new Research Manager / Researcher for the working line on “Economic Policies for Social Justice”.

This working line includes different projects such as:

• IMF policies and conditions and their impact on social protection in Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan;
• foreign debt structure in Tunisia; - social spending (with focus on healthcare) post-Covid-19 in Tunisia;
• informal work and the social impact of Covid-19 on informal workers in the MENA region;
• trade unions and the future of work in the MENA region.

The project focuses on the production of knowledge and new evidence on the impact of neoliberal/ Washington Consensus-style social and economic policies in the region since 2011. The results of the research will be used for advocacy and campaigning with partners, as well as educational activities. An important focus of knowledge production is the role of the IMF since 2011 and its impact on social justice. The project also aims to develop progressive policy alternatives in the areas of social protection, inclusion of vulnerable groups in social protection, financing of social spending and healthcare, etc. Additionally, policy alternatives to IMF loans and other loan agreements should be developed.

The working line also integrates with FES’ project on trade unions in the MENA region, working on the creation of new evidence on informality, collaboration of unions and civil society, knowledge production on labor laws, equal access and opportunities, as well as economic policies and social justice in the MENA region.

The Research Manager/ Researcher will oversee studies with independent researchers and consultants as well as partner organizations. The Research Manager/ Researcher will work on developing and reviewing these research activities and assure their originality and quality, as well as conducting own research.

Responsibilities of the position

• Leading on the coordination of research projects and studies in the thematic scope outlined above, taking place in the MENA region, with a special focus on Tunisia, Morocco and Jordan;
• Identification and selection of researchers, follow-up with researchers, drafting ToRs, organizing review, conducting own review and quality control;
• Conducting own research to inform project lines and work on policy papers and project briefs for the project lines;
• Writing of blog posts on research topics for FES MENA’s regional blog;
• Identification of further relevant partners for research and dissemination: economists, researchers, trade unionists and partner organisations in the region;
• Taking an active role in reporting, monitoring and evaluation of research projects;
• Coordination with partner organizations in Tunisia, and other Maghreb and Mashreq countries;
• Contributions to thematic internal reports and briefings; - Supporting the production of social media content (podcasts, infographics, webinars, videos, etc.) with communications team;
• Supporting colleagues working on advocacy and educational/ training activities.

Required Skills

• Previous experience in research on the subjects of social, economic policies or political economy, ideally experience in research-action;
• Experience in academic publication, ideally own publications on subjects relevant for this position;
• Minimum Master’s Degree in the area of economics, political economy, political science, international relations, social sciences/humanities;
• Proven strong and rigorous approach to research and review of research, ability to guide and support junior researchers/ field researchers, oversee research teams in different locations;
• Ability to work in French, English and Arabic. Full working proficiency in Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic, reading, writing and speaking) is a precondition;
• Proven interest in economic policies, social policies and social justice, ideally though work, journalism, academia or activism;
• Ability to demonstrate a critical understanding of the socio-economic order in the MENA region, interest to engage in critical thinking on international power structures, financial policies, debt challenges, etc.;
• Demonstrate team spirit, team responsibility and excellent communication skills;
• Proactive and visionary, ability to work independently and autonomous, eager to develop and implement new ideas;
• Proficient user of the MS office package and ability to quickly understand and adopt to new IT programs and solutions, especially tools for team collaboration;
• Ability to join the project team in Tunis physically or virtually;
• Readiness to travel within the MENA region and internationally.

How to apply

Applicants need to submit the following:

1. Max. one-page cover letter, detailing experience and motivation (English).
2. Max. two-page Curriculum Vitae (English or French accepted).
3. Minimum one reference of relevant previous research engagement/ publication.

NB: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please send the required documents to info.mena(at)fes.de until April 20, 2021.

Interviews with appropriate candidates will take place in early May 2021 in Tunis or via Zoom.

NB: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Download the Job Offer (PDF)