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(Senior) Research Fellow - Constitutional Law - Afghanistan

Vacancy Notice: (Senior) **Research Fellow***
The Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law is looking to fill a project-related position for a (Senior) Research Fellow in the Afghanistan projects.
Position: (Senior) Research Fellow
Project: Constitutional Law Afghanistan
Location: Max Planck Foundation Office in Heidelberg, Germany
Term: Fixed term (until the end of 2017), with possibility of extension
Estimated starting date: As early as possible
Closing date for applications: 19 April 2017
*NOTE: All positions are contingent upon funding. Several successful candidates may be appointed, depending on the availability of funding and project needs.
Background
The Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law is based in Heidelberg. It continues the consulting, training and research projects of the “Global Knowledge Transfer” working group, which existed from 2002 to 2012 at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law (MPIL). Within the framework of its research activities, the Max Planck Foundation carries out several “Global Knowledge Transfer Projects” in various countries (see: http://www.mpfpr.de). The Foundation’s projects focus on consultancy, capacity-building and academic research in the fields of public international law, comparative constitutional law and the rule of law in post-conflict countries and countries in transition.
Job Summary
The (Senior) Research Fellow will be involved in consultancies for Afghan state institutions and in preparing and implementing seminars for the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. Further activities could include developing training materials, contributing to the drafting of new laws and field research in Afghanistan in the area of constitutional law.
Staff members holding a doctorate/Ph.D. degree are considered Senior Research Fellows.
Key Responsibilities
Under the supervision of a Managing Director and/or the Head of Projects, successful candidates shall:
  • draft training materials (including manuals on constitutional law) that satisfy highest academic standards;
  • undertake advanced legal research;
  • provide technical legal advice and assistance to project partners;
  • organise legal training workshops for state actors, legal personnel and other target groups in project countries;
  • travel to the project country and liaise with local partners;
  • contribute to the drafting of new laws;
  • handle the administrative supervision of projects or project components;
  • carry out project reporting, monitoring and evaluation duties;
  • develop new project ideas.
Selection Criteria
Education and Professional Experience
  • Advanced degree (M.A.) or Ph.D. in law is required;
  • Extensive knowledge of (comparative) constitutional law is required;
  • A body of high-quality legal research in constitutional or public law demonstrated in e.g. academic publications or seminar papers is of advantage;
  • Applicants with an understanding of and practical experience in the Foundation’s practice areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
Language Proficiency
Fluency (written and oral) in English is required.
Fluency (written or oral) in Dari or Farsi is desirable.
Other Skills & Competencies
  • Strong interpersonal skills in a multi-cultural environment, including cultural awareness, excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team setting;
  • Flexibility, including demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to adapt to changing work and project circumstances and to respond to unforeseen developments;
  • Excellent organisational skills, i.e. skilled in setting priorities and meeting deadlines, and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously;
  • Ability to present high-level academic work to non-experts in a service-oriented manner;
  • Willingness to travel frequently to Afghanistan for workshops and related activities;
  • Computer literacy skills with standard software.
Assessment Method
Assessment of qualified candidates will include a competency-based test and interview.
The Max Planck Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified men and women, including those with disabilities, to apply.
Only candidates eligible for a valid residence and work permit in Germany will be taken into consideration.
Miscellaneous
All Positions are contingent upon funding.
Research Fellows are based in Heidelberg, Germany, with frequent travels to the region.
Remuneration will be based on the Collective Agreement on Public Service Wages under German Law (Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst – TVöD).

HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a resume and cover letter to application@mpfpr.de (Subject ‘Research Fellow Constitutional Law Afghanistan’). Kindly indicate how you learnt of this vacancy.