Research associate for the Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Institute of Sport Sciences is seeking to appoint a research associate in the field of political sciences / sociology / gender studies and sport, in order to support the development of Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport (GO).

Short presentation of the Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport

The Global Observatory is an international NGO with the aim of monitoring progress and influencing policy and practice towards gender equality across Physical Education, Physical Activity, and Sport (PEPAS). The University of Lausanne is its main academic partner.

Job information

• Duration of Contract: 14 months (Fixed term)


• Start of the contract: 01.11.2025 (or to be agreed)


• Rate of working: 80%


• Workplace : University of Lausanne (Switzerland), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Synathlon building & GO’s headquarter

Context of the Role

As part of its commitment to support the Global Observatory’s efforts to establish data and research enabling the measurement of gender inequalities in sport, to identify challenges, and to facilitate changes towards greater equality between women and men in and through sport, the University of Lausanne will provide this Research Associate position to a candidate who can contribute to this mission.

The Research Associate will contribute to UNIL’s support of the GO, particularly in advancing its research and knowledge collation and translation mandate. In this capacity, the position will provide substantial support for achieving research engagement outcomes in the following areas:

• Collating data, knowledge and research on gender equality and PEPAS


• Connecting research expertise with policy and practice communities


• Contributing to the development of research agendas, methods and products


• Convening expertise to exchange and advance learning across sectors

This position is aimed at early or mid-career academics with exciting and innovative qualitative as well as quantitative research expertise in the field of sport for development and gender and/or sport policy.

Job description

This role is designed to reinforce UNIL’s institutional backing to the GO and the responsibilities include:

• Research and knowledge support
  
  
  
  • Collating relevant data, knowledge, and resources on gender equality and PEPAS
  
  
  • Global Monitoring Data – supporting the collation and piloting of indicators
  
  
  • Monitoring research and policy developments to inform the GO’s work and stakeholder engagement
  
  
  • Coordinating and contributing to research documents and products developed in collaboration with the GO
  
  
  • Reviewing and providing inputs on research materials produced by GO stakeholders
  
  
  • Coordinating initiatives such as the Policy Brief Series and Good Practice Series, ensuring quality, timelines, and author engagement
  
  
  
  


• Stakeholder engagement and coordination
  
  
  
  • Facilitating collaboration between GO members, research experts, and policy/practice communities worldwide
  
  
  • Identifying and connecting with potential networks and contributors
  
  
  
  


• Events
  
  
  
  • Supporting the development and delivery of the research-related components of the GO’s annual conference programme
  
  
  • Preparing and delivering research-related presentations at GO-related events or external stakeholder engagements
  
  
  
  


• Other
  
  
  
  • Carrying out ad hoc duties required to ensure UNIL’s effective support to the GO
  
  
  
  

Salary : depends on your experience (gross annual salary at 100% : from CHF 83'450). See Vaud canton salary scale.

See cahier des charges

Your qualifications

• Doctoral degree in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, politics, international development, or a related field.  

• Experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.


• An understanding of various statistical methods for social research


• Ability to identify research priorities, effective methodologies


• A demonstrated commitment to inclusive feminist research


• Proven track record of publication in high impact peer-reviewed journals and presentation of work at national or international conferences.

• Experience in supporting research and policy analysis related to development, inclusion, gender equality, and women’s rights would be considered a strong asset.


• Previous experience on flagship reports and/or intergovernmental processes is an asset; 

• Experience in an NGO, think tank, research network, governmental entity, or interdisciplinary center is an added asset; 

• Experience and strong relationship building skills with respect for diplomacy and intercultural sensitivity. 

Languages

• Excellent command of English (oral and written); 


• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset. 

What the position offers you

The position is based at Lausanne, at the University of Lausanne and in close collaboration with the Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport. We offer a working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Contact for further information

Questions regarding the position can be addressed to Lombe Mwambwa, University of Lausanne and CEO of the GO.

E-mail: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Applications should include (in one single PDF document in the following order):

• a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the qualifications, competencies, skills


• a full CV (including title and year of PhD thesis, list of publications, and conference presentations) ;


• Name, affiliation, email and phone number of three referees who can be contacted if necessary ;


• three representative publications ;

• a copy of university diplomas.

The deadline for applications is 31.08.2025. The successful applicant is expected to start November 1st, 2025.

Please, send your full application in PDF. Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance.

unil.ch/equality
unil.ch/families