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Research Fellow — Environmental Policy

Research Fellow — Environmental Policy

POSITION:Personnel Service Agreement
REFERENCE NO.:2015/UNU/INRA/PSA/RF/31
LOCATION:Accra, Ghana
TIMEZONE:UTC 0
CLOSING DATE:2015•05•15

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

United Nations University objectives:

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. 

UNU-INRA objectives:

The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) is one of fifteen 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, promote conservation and efficient use of the continent’s natural resources for sustainable development.

For more information please visit www.inra.unu.edu.

We are currently looking for an outstanding individual with strong commitment and the potential to bring a significant contribution to the activities of UNU-INRA.

Responsibilities:
Reporting to and under the supervision of the Director of UNU-INRA, the Research Fellow will:

• Participate in the review and coordination of research activities of UNU-INRA;
• Conduct studies and analyze a wide range of environmental policy issues to help UNU-INRA achieve its goals and objectives;
• Conduct field or desk research, create awareness, train national collaborators, and provide guidelines for effective implementation of global environmental legal frameworks and treaties, with a view to ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, biodiversity conservation and maintenance of environmental quality;
• Undertake research, develop and recommend policies, procedures and guidelines with a view to translating the objectives of international environmental conventions to various sub-regional levels in Africa, as well as national/governmental level organizations; and develop and produce strategic, economic and regulatory advice on environmental policy to industry, regulators, governments and sub-regional bodies in Africa.
• Prepare research and training proposals for funding; plan, organize and participate in national and sub-regional conferences/meetings/workshops, prepare policy briefs on UNU-INRA research and training activities for dissemination to policy-makers.
• Perform any other policy-related duties as may be assigned.

Required qualifications and experience:

• A masters or PhD degree in natural resources or environmental economics, international environmental law, environmental science or policy analysis or a related discipline;
• At least six years of relevant work experience in policy analysis relating to natural resources management and conservation, preferably in an international environment;
• Knowledge of the principles, theories and tools for the analysis of legal and policy issues relating to natural resources management, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection;
• Good writing, presentation and communication skills; and demonstrated experience in organising training workshops, conferences, and fundraising activities, as well as forging partnerships with international agencies, national institutions and NGOs;
• Excellent communication and drafting skills, with fluency in both oral and written English. Good working knowledge of French language would be an advantage;
• Proficiency in MS Office Applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) is required;
• Good interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration:
Remuneration will commensurate with academic qualification and work experience according to the suitability of candidates.

Duration of contract:
This is full-time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU-INRA, with the possibility for contract renewal subject to satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of appointments shall not exceed six (6) years.

This is a locally recruited post; no relocation expenses or allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Starting date:By July 1, 2015.

Interested applicants should submit their applications, preferably by e-mail (to recruit-inra@unu.edu ) or mail, and must include the following:

• a cover letter setting out how qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form:http://unu.edu/about/unu-services/hr/applying-for-a-position#files
Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• a full contact information of three referees; and
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2015/UNU/INRA/PSA/RF/31)