It’s a daunting task – but do you want to contribute to an Afghanistan free from poverty where everyone enjoys their rights and lives in dignity? The Solidarity Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) is looking for a Policy and Research Advisor to join our team in Stockholm. In this role, you will set up and drive evidence-based advocacy, bridging current research with our strategic initiatives and advocacy. 

About the Solidarity Committee for Afghanistan

The Solidarity Committee for Afghanistan, formerly known as the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, works to empower Afghan women to participate fully in society, enable children to reach their full potential, and ensure that people with disabilities are included in all contexts. We achieve this through policy influence, partnerships for social change and building public commitment. Human rights and gender equality are at the core of our operations.

About the Role

In this role, you will collaborate with research institutions, think tanks and civil society organisations to make research findings accessible and actionable. You will also support SCA’s decision-making by connecting current research with key stakeholders, including management, the board, and our membership organisation. 

You will be part of the secretariat of the Secretary General, to whom you will report. You will work closely with our Partnerships and Communication units. The position requires excellent analytical skills, self-leadership abilities and an established network within academia, civil society and international organisations relevant to Afghanistan. 

Main Responsibilities

• Contribute to establishing SCA as a strong and credible policy actor.
• Establish partnership with relevant research and policy institutions in Sweden, internationally and in Afghanistan.
• Monitor current research related to Afghanistan, the region, and thematic areas of importance. 
• Organise SCA’s biannual international conference, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Present research insights to internal stakeholders through presentations, summaries, and participation in organizational activities. 
• Build connections between relevant research and decision-makers to strengthen evidence-based advocacy. 
• Produce policy briefs tailored to various audiences to advance advocacy initiatives. 

SCA is currently undergoing a change process which requires flexibility in terms of tasks from all its staff.

Qualifications

You should meet the following requirements:

• At least five years’ experience from international development, including working in development programmes, communication, research and policy.
• You have an MSc in political science, political economy, international relations, human rights or similar level of academic capacity gained from experience. PhD and research experience is meriting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Skills in Swedish, Dari or Pashto are meriting.
• A proven ability to present complex research findings in accessible and engaging format, with skills in tailoring content to varying audiences.
• Knowledge of and experience from Afghanistan or the surrounding region is meriting.

You work well in a team while independently organising your tasks and delivering on your responsibilities. You demonstrate high integrity, ethics and values in critical work situations. You are attentive and accommodating in your interactions. You maintain a positive and solution-oriented attitude even under stress, and act in accordance with decisions and plans.

About the position and how to apply

You will join us at the SCA office on Malmgårdsvägen 63 in Stockholm where we currently are 17 colleagues. You are expected to work at the office, but to facilitate work life balance we offer the possibility to partly work from home.

We strive to create a work environment where you can excel as an expert in your field while being entrusted with responsibilities. We aim for approachable leadership, a collaborative culture, and a strong foundation of mutual trust and confidence among colleagues, fostering teamwork and shared success.

Salary and conditions

We apply individual salary setting with a salary level adapted to the non-profit sector.  We offer opportunities for personal development, shorter working hours, wellness benefits in time and money, benefits for medical expenses, and doctor's visits and we offer parental pay in accordance with our collective agreement. We have collective agreements and close collaboration with our local unions. 

Form of employment

This is a permanent position with a six-month probationary period. The start date is 1 of March 2025, or as agreed.

Apply

You apply by uploading a CV (maximum two pages) and a cover letter (maximum one page). The application deadline is 15 January 2025.

SCA is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We embrace diversity of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender orientation or expression, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression.

Contact information for questions about the position

Recruiting manager: Kajsa Johansson, [email protected].

Akademikerförbunden contact: Rebekah Krebs, [email protected].