Postdoc Reimagining Religion, Security and Social Transformation (0.5 FTE)

Postdoc Reimagining Religion, Security and Social Transformation (0.5 FTE)

Functie The successful candidate will work on the research project "Reimagining Religion, Security and Social Transformation". The project is part of the "Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action" (JISRA) which aims to co-create a strategy to advance the Right to Freedom of Religion or Belief in seven countries. JISRA is an international interfaith consortium consisting of Mensen met een Missie, Faith to Action Network, Tearfund (UK and the Netherlands), and Search for Common Ground. JISRA is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (within the policy framework "Power of Voices").
As part of the JISRA Knowledge Agenda, this research project aims to provide input for the study of religion, security and social transformation. Furthermore, it aims to contribute insights for policy and practitioners' efforts to more comprehensively address the complex, nuanced role of religion in conflict, violence and (post-conflict) social transformation processes. The overall research question of the project is: "What discourses, practices and behaviours do religious communities narrate and perform in relation to conflict and (post-conflict) social transformation processes?"
Working in collaboration with the JISRA Consortium members and local partner organisations in the country, the project will be carried out utilising an intersectional, interdisciplinary framework, drawing on theoretical and methodological insights from history, international relations, religious studies, social-psychology, sociology and anthropology, and on practical insights from practitioners within the JISRA programme. The project aims to identify and analyse the different ways religious actors of various kinds engage within, across and outside their communities, focusing specifically on the role of women and youth.
Two interrelated sub-projects operationalise this research focus. The research team will be based at Utrecht University and University of Groningen.
For this Postdoc position linked to sub-project 1 you will be based at Utrecht University at the Department of History and Art History, Section of History of International Relations. This sub-project focuses on the (religious) narratives employed by diverse religious actors related to the phenomenon of violent extremism - including the perpetrators, but also the governmental factions, the victim communities and within the broader society. The project will, second, concentrate on CVE- processes, and will identify, map and analyse the strategies utilised by religious leaders for intra and interreligious engagement to navigate the consequences of violent extremism and exclusion in their communities.
The Postdoc will develop a synthesis, and an overarching response to the question formulated for sub-project 1, based on fieldwork that will be carried out in Kenya and Nigeria and possibly Indonesia. The Postdoc will oversee and monitor the in-country fieldwork, including archival research, interviews and ethnography in the countries. The fieldwork will be carried out by in-country assistants, whereas the Postdoctoral researcher will train and supervise them, visiting the assistants when necessary, and provide the comparative analysis of the fieldwork reports. Furthermore, the Postdoc will work with the other members of research team to develop syntheses on the interconnections between CVE and Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) in conflict and post-conflict transformation, alongside building recommendations for the policy and civil society community.
This project explicitly links with insights gathered from implementing organisations in the focus areas, also to make sure the research project is conflict sensitive in the target communities and will rely on insider knowledge from the implementing partners.
These two sub-projects will produce a wealth of insights regarding the intra-, inter- and extra-religious strategies. Drawing these insights together will enable religious actors, CSOs and policymakers to have a clearer understanding of how FoRB could be promoted in policy and practice. This research will generate insights on how religious actors could positively engage with divisive (violent) forces, how they can build cross-faith bridges and cooperation, and how they can address harmful (gender, age and extremist) norms within religious communities. Thus, they will be put in a better position to more sensitively and effectively partner with these actors in conflict transformation efforts and building inclusive societies.
These insights will be translated, by the Postdoc, via the assistants in:

• synthesising papers/insights and a comprehensive final report;
• a webinar or workshop, including contextualised and actionable recommendations to local CSOs, will be organised with the in-country JISRA team, to ensure the findings reach back to the ground;
• a larger webinar and a fact sheet with actionable tips and tricks;
• presentations or participation in panel discussions in public events in The Netherlands and internationally organised by JISRA members to reach a wider audience (beyond JISRA actors);
• participation, together with PIs, in other peacebuilding networks, such as the Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers and Hidden Peacebuilders, to facilitate connections amongst local level peacebuilders for knowledge sharing and capacity building.

The in-between knowledge products can have different shapes and forms, ranging from case studies, webinars, podcasts, opinion pieces, and presentations to articles and research papers. JISRA will use the findings in its communication (visibility and advocacy related). An edited volume, collecting insights from various authors, and inviting them to react to our approach, could also be part of the package of deliverables tied to this project.
Profiel A successful candidate should preferably have:

• a completed PhD in history of IR, religious studies or other relevant discipline and demonstrable affinity with the project's central themes (religion, diversity, human rights, extremism);
• extensive research or work experience (minimum of one year) in a relevant domain, and in at least one of the research countries;
• experience with archival research;
• training in and/or sensitivity to IR, religion and conflict dynamics is a strong asset;
• the ability to work both as a creative and independent researcher and as part of an academic-civil society team;
• excellent command of English, both written and orally and have excellent communication and writing skills;
• experience working with diverse stakeholders and communicating with non-academic audiences is a strong asset.

Aanbod This is an appointment for 2 years (0.5 FTE) - with a possible extension up to 3 years based on anticipated budget rearrangement. The minimum gross salary is €3,821 and the maximum gross salary is €3,821 (scale 11,0 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities) per month, at full-time employment.
Besides that, you will receive a holiday allowance of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 %. Utrecht University also has an appealing package of terms of employment , including the choice of a good balance between work and private (a good arrangement for leave, among other things), possibilities for development and an excellent pension scheme. More information about working at Utrecht University.
Over de organisatie A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively on major societal themes. Our focus is on the Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
The Faculty of Humanities  has around 6,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.
The History of International Relations (HIR) division at the Department of History and Art History studies the history of international relations and transnational configurations of power and politics from an empirically grounded perspective, and with a keen interest in theoretical innovation. The section is organised in three thematic clusters, i.e. 'Global and Imperial Relations', 'Europe in the World' and 'Conflict and Security'. Increasingly, we are working and teaching at the cross-sections of these fields, on issues such as decolonisation, militarisation, peace and diplomacy, but also environmental governance, war and technology. In both our teaching and our research, we focus on how power and influence are (re)institutionalised and contested globally and how these dynamics play out differently across geographical instantiations and transmute over time. HIR connects the past with present-day issues. We value team science, and research-informed teaching and we jointly run a series of ambitious educational programmes. We intend to be outspoken as well as nuanced in our public engagement activities.
Aanvullende informatie For more information about this position, please contact: Myrthe van Groningen (Project Manager), via [email protected]
Solliciteren

Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation via the ‘apply’ button below.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Reageren uiterlijk 08/06/2022