UNU-EHS Internship, EVES section, GLASCA project

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
UNU-EHS INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

Organizational Unit: United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

Reference Number: UNU-EHS/EVES/GLASCA/2016/01

Applications: By email to:
internship-applications@ehs.unu.edu

United Nations University’s Mission: 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. For more information, please visitwww.unu.edu.

UNU-EHS : established in December 2003, addresses the risk and vulnerability aspects of human security and the consequences of complex environmental hazards for sustainable development. The work of UNU‐EHS helps to improve the in‐depth understanding of the cause effect relationships to find ways to reduce risks and vulnerabilities. The Institute supports policymakers and decision makers with evidence‐based research and information. www.ehs.unu.edu.

Environmental Vulnerability & Ecosystem Services (EVES) section: EVES explores environmental deterioration processes such as water and land degradation. Particularly, the section looks at remedial measures, resources availability and robustness of ecosystem services, all within the context of socio-ecological systems affected by environmental hazards.

The GLASCA Project, “Water Availability in Central Asia – Societal Vulnerability to Changing Glacier and Snowmelt Runoff Contributions to Central Asian Rivers (GlaSCA)”, aims at establishing an interdisciplinary research consortium uniting German and Central Asian scientists from different countries which will (1) address the quantification of the glacier and snowmelt contribution to river runoff in the region and (2) assess the societal vulnerability to changes in runoff amount and seasonal distribution.

Focusing on the catchment of the Ala-Archa River, located on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Range near Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), GlaSCA quantifies the glacier melt, snowmelt, groundwater and rainfall contribution to river runoff and identifies potential changes in their temporal and spatial variability. Based on this information, the project aims to analyze the vulnerability of downstream communities and surrounding districts to changes in water availability and seasonal water distribution. Preliminary societal vulnerability indices will be derived, that can be applied for the assessment of global change impact on water resources in Central Asian countries.

Within the frame of the GLASCA project, UNU-EHS offers one internship position.

Responsibilities:

• Translations from/to Russian and/or Kyrgyz;
• Search for suitable secondary data for already identified vulnerability indicators from various sources (databases, statistical publications, policy documents etc., mostly in Russian language);
• Compile and edit data (using MS Excel, R and others);
• Work with spatial data using GIS;
• Support the correspondence with partners, organizations and authorities in Central Asia (in English, Russian and Kyrgyz) to find missing data and validate data;
• Literature search in the context of vulnerability and risk assessment;
• Contribute to application of an indicator-based vulnerability assessment;
• Support the preparations of a field trip and contribute to the development of household surveys;
• Assist in all kinds of further project related tasks.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Field of Study: Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences or Environmental Sciences (or a related field);

Essential Skills and attributes:

• Very good command of oral and written English, very good command of Kyrgyz and/ or Russian;
• Knowledge of existing international databases for various types of data;
• Experience in data collection and management;
• Proven record of computer proficiency (particularly strong skills in MS Excel and experiences with GIS );
• Familiar with the concepts of risk and vulnerability;
• Strong interest and ability to work independently in a scientific environment;
• Strong professional communication skills;
• Highly motivated and team-oriented person.

Desired Skills:

• Background in vulnerability assessments and indicator development;
• Some practical work experience in a professional office setting would be an asset;
• Experience with questionnaire design;
• Background in data collection and qualitative and quantitative analysis will be looked on favourably;
• Willingness to work in a culturally diverse environment.

Teaching/learning objectives:

• Work with the concepts of vulnerability and risk;
• Improve ability to search, collect, store and manage large amounts of data;
• Understanding of the project work and related activities of UNU and the UN System;
• Gain work experience within UN international working environment.

Duration: The successful candidate will be based at UNU-EHS in Bonn on a full-time basis for a contractual period ranging from 3-6 months. The internship is not remunerated.

Starting Date: As soon as possible (preferably 1 April 2016)

HOW TO APPLY:

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their application, preferably by e-mail, and must include the following:

• Quote reference number UNU-EHS/EVES/GlaSCA/2016/01 in the email subject line;
• Curriculum Vitae in English;
• Cover letter in English: outlining your motivations, possible contributions to the programme and future career goals;
• Completed UNU-EHS application form (downloadable at:www.ehs.unu.edu/about/internship/international-internship-programme.html#files));
• Two letters of recommendation.

For more information about the UNU-EHS internship programme, please visit the website: ehs.unu.edu/about/internship

Workforce diversity is essential to UNU. Suitably qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds including minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Unsuccessful applications will not be acknowledged nor returned.

If you have any questions, please contact us at internship-applications@ehs.unu.edu.