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.
The 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 principle 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 (including Climate Change) by enhancing its teaching and research activities; designing and developing ICT-based solutions to support teaching, research, and social and professional networking; and contributing to institutional capacity building with regard to the educational programmes, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer activities.
The 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. Germany supports as the "Key Thematic Partner" of the Pan African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES) through the establishment of the PAU hub in Tlemcen. The support is based on a trilateral agreement between the African Union Commission (AUC), the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS), and the Federal Republic of Germany. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is supporting PAUWES in founding the research dimension of the institute.
In the frame of the projects Water and Energy Security in Africa (WESA), and Risk Assessment and Reduction strategies for Sustainable Urban Resource Supply in Sub-Saharan Africa (RARSUS), the aim is to support the development of PAUWES by enhancing its research activities in water and energy sciences. Results of the projects are the first steps towards the implementation of a research agenda at PAUWES. Support of young scientists plays a central role in the PAUWES research agenda with the goal to develop and implement scientific results. Besides the institutional and scientific objectives, the integration of PAUWES into scientific networks and the establishment of PAUWES as Pan African (and beyond) hub/platform on the topic of Energy, Water and Climate Change is another important objective of the project.
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; the research associate position announced is to support the PAUWES research coordinator in his activities.
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 research coordinator at PAUWES, the successful candidate will:
- support activity for the implementation of the research agenda at PAUWES
- support to the creation the appropriate framework for research at PAUWES, which includes the establishment of the legal framework for research at PAUWES (PAU statutes)
- support the integration PAUWES in African and international research networks
- support the development of PhD Programmes of PAUWES
- support the development of concepts for the acquisition of third-party funding
- support capacities building activities in the area of research management
- organise scientific meetings, seminars and conferences
- support outreach activities to relevant stakeholders in research and research policy
- prepare status and management reports and other information as required by the donors
- take up other related duties as required.
Qualifications and experience requirements
Required qualifications and experience include:
- master's degree with a minimum of two (2) years of working experience in environmental sciences, natural sciences, research, or educational management, preferably in an international and multicultural environment
- experience in networking with research and research policy stakeholders
- 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 be based in Tlemcen
Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.
Remuneration
Remuneration will commensurate with qualifications and experience, using local salary scales for Agleria as a basis.
Duration of contract
This is full-time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory work performance and availability of funds. The combined duration of appointments shall not exceed six (6) years.
This is a locally recruited post; no relocation allowances apply. The duty station for this position is Tlemcen, Algeria, which is deemed as a non-family duty station. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
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 your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
- a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form; please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
- an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2017/UNU/EHS/PSA/RA/62)
HOW TO APPLY:
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 your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
- a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form; please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
- an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2017/UNU/EHS/PSA/RA/62)
