RFAs: XCEPT Conflict and Climate Research Fellow Program

The Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research programme seeks applications from established academics and experts with a track record of journal-quality, policy-relevant publications to lead and develop programme research and outreach. XCEPT Research Fellows will play a central role in drawing out cross-cutting findings and comparative themes arising from XCEPT research on Africa, the Middle East and South and Southeast Asia and will help generate new knowledge on more effective responses to conflict, including through contribution to impactful research outputs.

XCEPT brings together world-leading experts and local researchers to examine conflict-affected borderlands, how conflicts connect across borders, and the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour. Funded by UK International Development, XCEPT offers rigorous, actionable public-good research to inform policies and programmes that support peace. Research on cross-cutting issues, such as gender, equality, and social inclusion, is a programme priority.

Focus Areas

• XCEPT Research Fellows will lead and develop XCEPT research within three broad areas of thematic focus:
  • Conflict and climate across borders
  • Stability and governance in borderlands
  • Enablers of conflict and peace across borders

Benefits

• Research Fellows will be supported under part-time arrangements (20-60% of full-time employment) for a duration of one to two years to serve as thought leaders for XCEPT, with the potential for extension.

Responsibilities

• XCEPT Research Fellow responsibilities will include:
  • Developing the XCEPT research agenda through expert consultation and authorship of relevant research reviews, syntheses, and/or thematic papers.
  • Leading independent research on XCEPT themes, to be published in a relevant journal.
  • Synthesising XCEPT programme research, with the potential to develop an XCEPT special issue volume.
  • Shaping XCEPT Research Fund thematic commissioning and participating in award evaluation and review.
  • Participating in and, as relevant, facilitating discussion among the XCEPT Research Leadership Group to develop cross-cutting XCEPT outputs and engagements that impact policy, practice and academic discourse.
  • Presenting XCEPT research in academic, public and policy spheres, including representing the programme at high-level international conferences.
  • Expanding XCEPT research networks, leveraging professional connections in policy and academia.
  • Advising XCEPT researchers in delivery of rigorous research and quality assurance of outputs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Specialist expertise and ability to provide rapid insight, independent challenge and thought leadership.
• Advanced degree, preferably a doctorate, in a relevant discipline such as international affairs, international development, or political science, with a focus on research in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
• For research under themes of ‘stability and governance in borderlands’ and ‘conflict and peace enablers across borders’, in particular, the priority areas of XCEPT geographic focus are the Middle East and North Africa, the Horn of Africa, West Africa and the Sahel, and/or South and Southeast Asia. Fellows with expertise in other geographies will also be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years progressively responsible professional experience in academia, policy, or international development practice.
• Demonstrated thought leadership across academic, policy, and practitioner communities to achieve actionable outcomes in development and conflict settings.
• A strong track record of academic publications, including in top-tier peer-reviewed journals.
• Track record of delivering actionable research for high-level policy audiences.
• Expertise in mixed-methods research, in particular the design and implementation of research in conflict-affected settings.
• Experience supporting researchers of varied experience and backgrounds, including researchers originating from non-Western contexts, working in unstable areas, or operating with limited institutional support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to review and critically appraise data and empirical literature to an academic standard.
• Familiarity with diverse research methods a plus, including the use of satellite and other open data and AI capabilities.

For more information, visit XCEPT.