About the UNU Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA)
UNU-INRA is one of fifteen institutes and programmes established by UNU worldwide. The mission of UNU-INRA 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 UNU-INRA, the Research Fellow on Land and Water Resources will:
• Lead the review and coordination of research activities of the institute in the thematic area of land and water resources;
• Conduct research on land and water resources problems and analyse related policies to help the institute to achieve its goals and objectives;
• Coordinate and support development of methodologies for the management of land and water resources;
• Create awareness, train national collaborators, and provide guidelines for effective implementation of land and water resources with a view to ensuring 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
• Perform any other professional duties as may be required by the Director of UNU-INRA.
Required Qualifications
Requirements include:
• a PhD degree in Agricultural Sciences (Agronomy, Crop Sciences, Soil Sciences or a related discipline);
• at least six years of relevant work experience in the bio-physical aspects of natural resource management and conservation problems, preferably in an international environment;
• demonstrated competence in and knowledge of geographical information systems and remote sensing methods;
• good computer application skills and use of statistical packages;
• good writing, presentation and communication skills; and 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; and
• 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 short-listed candidates will be contacted; unsuccessful applications can neither be acknowledged nor returned.
Closing Date: Tuesday, 31 January 2012