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Research Fellow (Land and Water Resources) GHANA

LOCAL RECRUITMENT
Accra, Ghana

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Research Fellow (Land and Water Resources)
(Personnel Service Agreement – PSA)

Organizational Unit : United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources
(UNU-INRA)

Reference Number : 2011/UNU/INRA/PSA/RF(LWR)/51

Applications to
:
By Post:
The Finance and Administrative Officer, UNU-INRA, Private Mail Bag, Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana

By Email: turkson@inra.unu.edu

By Fax: 233(0) 302 500792


Closing Date
:
31 January 2011



United Nations University Objectives:

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training and dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, its member states and peoples. It serves as a think-tank for the United Nations System, contributes to capacity building particularly in developing countries, and serves as a platform for new and creative ideas and dialogue. For more information please visit www.unu.edu.


The Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA):

UNU-INRA is one of fourteen Research and Training Centres and Programmes (RTC/Ps) 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 in 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 analyze 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:

• 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 fundraising activities, as well as forging partnerships with international agencies, national institutions and NGOs;
• Good working knowledge of English is essential; 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 commensurate with academic qualification and experience


Duration of contract:

This is a full time employment on 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, and must include the following:
• a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• a curriculum vitae with a completed and signed UN University Personal History form downloadable from UN University website at www.unu.edu/employment. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• a full contact information of three referees; and
• the application must also indicate the reference number of the vacancy announcement 2011/UNU/INRA/PSA(LWR)/RF/51.


Only short-listed candidates will be contacted; unsuccessful applications can neither be acknowledged nor returned.

Job Email id: turkson(at)inra.unu.edu