Why a Lecturership in Gender and Development?
There has long been an acknowledged need at the University of Oxford for a Lecturership in gender and development. Expertise in gender analysis makes a distinctive contribution to the teaching of and research into innovative approaches to development, to the critique of established theories and methodologies, and to an evaluation of the varied impact of development policies and practices on marginalised communities and their most vulnerable, impoverished and voiceless members.

Why now?
At its 25th Anniversary, the International Gender Studies Centre has reached a critical platform which requires securing and underpinning by the establishment of a long-anticipated Lecturership.

Qualifications and duties
This Lecturership combines teaching duties and active research in the field of Gender and Development, adding strength to the Centre’s contribution to the Department of International Development’s curriculum. The post will be an exciting challenge for a young scholar with the sufficient depth of knowledge, passion and strength of commitment that is needed to make an effective and critical contribution within the Department as well as to the intellectual life and research profile of IGS, and its overseas outreach. The holder of the post will have a doctorate in gender studies or relevant social science discipline, such as social anthropology, sociology, politics, geography or development studies.

Duties will comprise:

• Contributing to IGS’s overall teaching, supervision, and the examination process
• Convening and teaching a course on Gender and Development for the MPhil degree
• Engaging in research with a focus on gender and relevant disciplinary issues
• As a member of IGS management committee, helping to sustain the academic growth of the Centre.

Funding needed
An endowment of the post would secure its future in perpetuity. A gift of £2.3 million would ensure that this vital role at the Centre can function with full effectiveness, without limitations of time or resources.

The University holds its endowments as individual ‘trusts’ within a pooled investment vehicle, the management of which is overseen by an independent investment committee. Many of these ‘trusts’ are named and, indeed, the University has endowments dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, bearing such historical names as Waynflete and Nuffield and, more recently, Dorothy Hodgkin and Jacqueline du Pré. Our endowments are a wonderful testament to the vision of our benefactors over many centuries.

Currently, the University expects an annual return of approximately 7% to 8% from its endowments. Of this return, approximately half is drawn down as income and the
remainder reinvested to ensure capital growth.

However, gifts that would support the post for shorter time frames would also be welcome. For example, a gift of £500,000 would support the Lecturership for a five-year period, while a gift of £300,000 would ensure the post is supported for a three-year period.

Recognition
The University of Oxford has a long history of public acknowledgement of its benefactors. We would be delighted to discuss with you ways in which we could recognise and celebrate a gift to endow or support the Lecturership in Gender and Development. We would also welcome your own suggestions regarding ongoing involvement with the Centre and the development of a strong and committed partnership with the University.