The programme will have two to three iterations. The first one will start online on 17 October 2022 until the end of January 2023, with two live masterclasses taking place in mid-November 2022 and mid-December 2022. The second iteration will start in March 2023.
The course aims to provide learners with the opportunity to develop a clear understanding of important economics concepts relating to foreign policy, development, and international engagement; practical skills in the use of evidence, data and secondary research; and experience applying these skills and economic concepts to real- world situations. The teaching on this course will cover topics such as tariffs and trade barriers, poverty reduction, development, climate change, geopolitics and foreign aid. It is particularly of interest to those keen to learn to be more confident interrogators of economic assertions and understand applied economic issues in their job,
The role
- This is an exciting short-term post that provides an opportunity for you to support learning on a stimulating new course, whilst developing your knowledge of economics for foreign policy. The post holders will have responsibility for:
- Using the online learning platform to maximise the participants' learning experience;
- Acting as online learning facilitators and leading forums and discussion boards, and giving clear and constructive feedback online;
- Monitoring learners' participation and engagement;
- Acting as the first point of contact for learners;
- Marking assignments – online essays of around 1200 words.
Selection criteria
Applicants will be judged against their ability to demonstrate the following:
Essential criteria
- Hold a Master’s degree (or be due to complete in 2022) in economics.
- Evidence of the ability to teach at university level and demonstrable dedication to high-quality practical teaching.
- Experience of delivering online learning support.
- Evidence of a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent in-person and online communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly and create enthusiasm for learning among students.
- Ability to deliver work of a very high professional standard, with a high level of motivation and self-discipline.
- Demonstrable interest in economics and foreign policy.
Desirable criteria
- Experience working with civil servants or policy-makers.
We are looking for successful candidates to start in mid-October 2022, and the minimum casual teaching engagement will last until the end of January 2023, with an opportunity for a longer engagement.
The role can be carried out remotely, with optional visits to the Blavatnik School of Government if helpful (e.g. support with masterclasses). You must have the right to work in the UK. Overseas working can be considered but this would need to be discussed in advance. Please contact recruit@bsg.ox.ac.uk should you have any queries.
We estimate a minimum of five hours work per week in the first instance. Hours will vary from week to week depending on project requirements, up to a maximum of 20 hours some weeks and during the assessment months.
Payment will be at the rate of £16.07 per hour, plus hourly holiday pay (12.07%).
How to apply
Please email your application to recruit@bsg.ox.ac.uk with the subject “Application for TA – Economics for Foreign Policy”.
Please include:
- your CV (no more than two pages)
- a brief cover letter/email addressing the selection criteria. Also include any constraints around availability (e.g. term dates, thesis deadlines, future commitments, etc.)
The closing date for applications is 12 noon (UK time) on Monday 10 October. Interviews will be held within the same week or early the following week.