Research Fellow (CEDAR & WFD) in Democratic Resilience - School of Government - 56376 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Government

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2026

Closing date: 28th April 2025

Background

Since its establishment in 1992, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy’s (WFD) primary aim has been to assist, support and encourage the peaceable establishment and development of pluralistic democratic practice and political institutions. WFD’s initiatives include: helping protect women from violence in the Middle East, making politics more inclusive in Africa, consolidating democratic institutions in Asia and building trust in democracy across the Western Balkans.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides resources to enable the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) to strengthen inclusive, open and accountable political systems to deliver sustainable development outcomes in FCDO priority countries. One of the principal expected outcomes of this programme is stronger evidence about the effectiveness of democracy support in different political contexts to inform adaptation in delivery. This evidence, it is hoped, will contribute to a more strategic approach across the UK government in managing democracy assistance, stimulating increased policy dialogue and more frequent opportunities to agree and implement shared priorities, lessons and approaches.

Previously, WFD formed a partnership with the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) at the University of Birmingham to co-fund a research programme looking at ‘The Political Economy of Democracy Promotion.’ This partnership (2016-2019) resulted in research on parliamentary strengthening, political party support, civil society assistance, elections and women’s political representation and has generated positive attention (both for its findings and as a new model for collaboration between academics and practitioners). More recently, a further iteration of the programme focussed on Leadership for Inclusive and Democratic Politics (2019-2025).

Building on the success of these projects, the WFD and CEDAR are continuing their collaboration in a new phase of work, with a different focus to reflect the shifting trajectory of global democracy, and the debate surrounding it. This new phase will build on the knowledge base already developed with regards to enhancing democratic processes, and use this as a springboard for asking how we can strengthen democratic resilience, i.e. the capacity of political systems to withstand authoritarian threats and adapt to deepen democracy and establish stronger foundations.

As part of this focus, WFD and CEDAR will produce policy-relevant outputs that will be used to inform WFD programming and shared with the democracy assistance and international development community more broadly through the recently formed Community of Practice on Democratic Resilience. The CEDAR & WFD Research Fellow in Democratic Resilience will play an important role within this research-policy nexus, playing a leading role in the drafting of policy papers and publications.

Please attach the following to your application:

• A 2-page cover letter addressing how they meet the desired criteria
• A short (no longer than 3 page) CV
• The names and contact details of two references

Role Summary

The Research Fellow will be physically located within the International Development Department of the University of Birmingham. Within the University, the Research Fellow in Democratic Resilience will be line-managed by Dr Nic Cheeseman, the Professor of Democracy, whose work focusses on the politics of new democracies and who founded the project.

The role of the Research Fellow will be to take a lead in the drafting of policy papers and publications based on engagement with the WFD and original research. The Research Fellow will also provide research and organisational support for the Community of Practice on Democratic Resilience that was recently established by CEDAR and WFD among others, as well as helping to organise events and run CEDAR’s successful podcast.

The Research Fellow will work under the guidance of the project’s Steering Group, which includes Professor Nic Cheeseman, Professor David Hudson, Professor Tim Haughton, Professor Licia Cianetti, and Graeme Ramshaw, Director of Quality and Innovation at WFD. Project outputs will be published in relevant journals or forums and presented to members of the WFD, the FCDO and other stakeholders.

Main Duties

The responsibilities of the role may include the following:

• Conducting policy-relevant research on democratic resilience, including the role of international community in supporting resilience around the world.
• Drafting policy reports and research papers under the guidance of a mentor.
• Establishing and maintaining a database of relevant academic and policy contacts.
• Keeping up to date with emerging research and policy in relevant subject areas.
• Assisting in the organisation of project workshops and seminars.
• Preparing blog posts and website news stories.
• Making presentations at events organised by WFD, CEDAR and others.
• Maintaining consistent communications with key stakeholders.
• Assisting in the drafting of research proposals.
• Assisting in the recording of podcasts on suitable topics.
• Promoting equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

• The potential to develop a world class publication record.
• An interest in and strong understanding of the role of civil society groups, leadership and institutions in political processes and democratic resilience.
• A good record of punctuality.
• A record of producing high quality written material to deadlines.
• The capacity and interest to work as part of a collaborative team.
• Understanding of current and emerging priorities and debates in international development.
• Understanding of research communication and impact in an international development context.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Ability to plan and work independently, taking responsibility for work in a proactive and independent manner.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• A PhD (or close to completion) in political science, international development, international relations or a related area.
• Knowledge of website creation and maintenance.
• A record of producing high quality policy reports.
• Experience of organising and/or facilitating workshops and speaker events.
• Good quality presenting skills and experience.
• Experience of working on policy issues or for a policy organisation or think tank.
• Experience working with bilateral or multilateral development agencies.
• Good networking skills.
• Good IT skills.

Informal enquiries to Nic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy, Director of CEDAR, email: n.cheeseman@bham.ac.uk

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