About the UNU Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNUINRA)
UNUINRA is one of fifteen institutes and programmes established by UNU worldwide. The mission of UNUINRA is to strengthen the capacity of Africa′s universities and research institutions to conduct research and produce well trained, well equipped and motivated individuals, capable of developing, adapting and disseminating technologies that advance food security and promote conservation and efficient use of the
continent’s natural resources for sustainable development .
We are looking for an outstanding individual with strong commitment and the potential to bring a significant contribution to the activities of the institute.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Director of UNUINRA, the Research Fellow will:
• Develop, lead and coordinate the Institute’s training and capacity building activities;
• Conduct research on any of the programme areas of UNUINRA;
• Create awareness, train national collaborators, and provide guidelines for effective implementation of policies to ensure sustainable management of natural resources, biodiversity conservation and maintenance of environmental quality ;
• Supervise graduate students in their research work;
• Develop research and training proposals for funding;
• Plan, organize and participate in national and sub regional conferences/meetings/workshops;
• Prepare and publish research outputs in high quality publications, including peer reviewed journals, extension and policy briefs; and
• Perform any other professional duties as may be required by the Director of UNU INRA.
Required Qualifications
Requirements include:
• a PhD in Agricultural Economics , Rural Sociology, Ecology, Resource Management, Forestry , Soil Sciences or a related discipline;
• at least six years of relevant work experience, preferably in an international environment;
• thorough knowledge and experience of the university system in the continent and ability to develop curricula;
• good computer application skills and use of statistical packages;
• good writing, presentation and communication skills;
• demonstrated experience in organizing training workshops, conferences, and fund-raising activities, as well as forging partnerships with international agencies, national institutions and NGOs;
• good working knowledge of English (knowledge of French would be an advantage);
• ability to work independently with little supervision and under tight deadlines; and
• proven interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi cultural, multi ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Remuneration
The remuneration will be commensurate with academic qualifications and experience.
Duration of Contract
This is full-time employment on a one-year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract, with the possibility for contract renewal subject to satisfactory work performance. The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations .
Suitably qualified women applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.
Starting Date
1 March 2012 or earlier.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit their applications, preferably by e-mail (to turkson@inra.unu.edu ), and must include the following:
• a cover letter setting out how your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• a curriculum vitae with a completed and signed UN University Personal History form (P.11). Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• full contact information of three references.
The application must also indicate the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2011/UNU/INRA/PSA(CDT)/RF/52).
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; unsuccessful applications can neither be acknowledged nor returned.
Closing Date: Tuesday, 31 January 2012
