Associate Academic Officer

Associate Academic Officer – Pan-African University

POSITION:P-2
REFERENCE NO:2016/UNU/EHS/FTA/AAO/93

Organisational Unit: UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

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 furtherance of 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 Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

UNU-EHS, established in December 2003, is part of the UNU system, a worldwide network of research and training institutes. Its mission is to advance human security through knowledge-based approaches to reducing vulnerability and environmental risks. For more information, please visit www.ehs.unu.edu.

EduSphere section

The EduSphere section addresses the activities of UNU-EHS in the area of enhancing educational capabilities of its partner institutions, especially in developing and transitional countries. The section conceptualises and implements the use of innovative methodologies, technologies, and best practices across a full range of education and training activities, including technology-enhanced learning. As a principal goal, EduSphere aims at strengthening the research and educational capacities of UNU-EHS, its partner institutions, as well as scientists and practitioners on a global scale.

In the frame of the project Higher Education Cooperation with PAUWES, successfully completed from 2014 to 2016, EduSphere has supported the development of the Pan-African University Institute for Water And Energy Sciences (incl. climate change) by enhancing its teaching and research activities; designing and developing ICT-based solutions to support teaching, research, social, and professional networking; and contributing to institutional capacity building with regard to the educational programmes, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer activities.

Pan-African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences (including climate change) (PAUWES)

PAUWES is hosted at the University of Tlemcen, Algeria. The institute is part of the Pan-African University – a project initiated by the African Union to revitalise higher education and research in Africa. It is a project that will exemplify excellence, enhance the attractiveness and global competitiveness of African higher education and research, and establish the Pan-African University at the core of Africa’s development as part of a broad, integrated system of higher education across the African continent. With support of the German government, the institute offers graduate students access to leading academic research and the latest theoretical and hands-on training in areas vital to the future of African development: water, energy, and the challenge of climate change. PAUWES will be a centre of attraction for renowned international faculty and highly qualified students from across the African continent.

In addition to academic training, PAUWES will also conduct research in the areas of water, energy, and climate change. For the creation of a favourable research environment and the coordination of research projects/activities, PAUWES has established this position funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Director of UNU-EHS/Vice-Rector in Europe, and the co-supervision of the Director of PAUWES and the Head of the EduSphere section at UNU-EHS, the successful candidate will:

• coordinate the development of a research agenda for PAUWES
• contribute to create the appropriate framework for research at PAUWES, which includes the establishment of the legal framework for research at PAUWES (PAU statutes)
• integrate PAUWES in African and international research networks
• collaborate in the development of PhD programmes of PAUWES
• develop concepts for the acquisition of third-party funding
• build capacities in the area of research management
• organise scientific meetings, seminars, and conferences
• be responsible for the outreach to relevant stakeholders in research and research policy
• prepare status and management reports and other information as required by the donors

Qualifications and experience requirements

Required qualifications and experience include:

• PhD or its equivalent; with minimum of two (2) years of working experience in environmental sciences, natural sciences, or research management, preferably in an international and multi-cultural environment
• experience in networking with research and research policy stakeholders
• experience in fund-raising
• administrative and financial management skills
• ability to build good working relationships with individuals of different national and cultural backgrounds
• excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to approach relevant stakeholders, team leaders, and donors
• excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French
• working experience in Africa
• willingness to travel and spend a considerable amount time in the PAUWES region

Remuneration

We offer a competitive net salary (tax-exempted) at P-2 level, commensurate to the level of experience, and allowances including post adjustment. Post adjustment is subject to change.

The post carries the standard set of United Nations benefits and entitlements for international positions in the UN Common System, including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, education grant, removal expenses, and home leave.

For more information about United Nations salary and entitlement/benefits, please visit http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm.

UNU Rector reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate at a lower level than advertised.

Duration of contract

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment and an internationally recruited post. The initial appointment will be for a period of one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a rolling fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of fixed-term appointments shall not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Rector and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University.

Starting date
As soon as possible

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

• a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
• a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form; Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations
• full contact information of three referees

The application must also indicate the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2016/UNU/EHS/FTA/AAO/93).