Job: Assistant Director - Water and Human Development

Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Deadline: Friday, 30 August 2013 

Description

Overview Applications procedure Related Files Contact

• POSITION:

  P-4

  REFERENCE NO.:

  2013/UNU/INWEH/FTA/AD/WHD/46

  LOCATION:

  Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

  CLOSING DATE:

  August 30, 2013

  Organizational Unit: UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH)

  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 Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH)
  

  UNU-INWEH is a unit of the United Nations University based in Canada. It was created in 1996 with its core funding provided by the Government of Canada, and is hosted at the McMaster University, Hamilton.

   

  UNU-INWEH acts as the "United Nations' Think Tank on Water", responding directly to the regional and global water crisis, and facilitates efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goall. It is contributing to the design and subsequent implementation of development goals beyond the year 2015 by providing the evidence base. UNU-INWEH's mission is to contribute to efforts to resolve pressing regional and global water challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their Peoples, through targeted research, capacity development, knowledge enhancement, and transfer and public outreach.

   

  UNU-INWEH's programme structure represents a proactive, selective and longer term strategy to programme development. Three core functions are: (i) capacity development through the strengthening of scientific, managerial, educational and institutional capacity in developing countries; (ii) enhancement and mobilization of knowledge to address policy issues and to fill critical knowledge gaps; and (c) directed science and policy bridging – achieved through application of research and focused on water policy and governance innovations. These core functions are applied to two thematic programmes:

  • Water & Human Development
  • Water & Ecosystems

  The Water & Human Development (WHD) programme utilizes the following approaches to address a broad range of issues:

  • Improving livelihoods through innovative and alternative approaches,
  • Providing the evidence base for policies to enhance human wellbeing and economic development,
  • Developing tools that support evidence informed decision making at local scales, and
  • Enhancing dialogue on collaborative global solutions to emerging challenges.

  We are looking for an outstanding individual with strong commitment for policy-relevant research and international service to serve as a lead scientist and the chief manager of UNU-INWEH's WHD programme. For more information on UNU-INWEH please visit www.inweh.unu.edu.
  

  Responsibilities
  

  Reporting directly to the UNU-INWEH Director, the main duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Director, Water & Human Development, include the following:

  • Provide strategic lead and guidance to evolution of the WHD programme, in particular facilitate the development of and lead a dynamic portfolio of projects and initiatives that address the nexus of water and human development in its broadest sense;
  • Manage and oversee the existing policy-relevant research and capacity building activities of the programme;
  • Lead the fundraising exercise for continuing and new initiatives;
  • Supervise a limited number of graduate students in their research work as part of the Water Without Borders programme;
  • Communicate research and project accomplishments at scientific meetings and international fora, and through publications;
  • Represent the UNU-INWEH Director at strategic meetings, as needed; and
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director.

  Required qualifications and experience
  

  • PhD in the field of Hydrology, Environmental Sciences or Engineering, International Development, or Geography, or a related science;
  • At least seven (7) years of post-PhD work experience related to the nexus of water and human development;
  • Strong background in applied research and international capacity development;
  • Proven track record of fundraising for international projects;
  • A prominent profile in the relevant academic community;
  • Demonstrated leadership in creating networks focused on freshwater issues;
  • Management experience in an academic/research institution;
  • Proven track record of high-quality academic and policy publications;
  • Excellent communications and drafting skills, with fluency in both oral and written English. Knowledge of other official UN languages would be an asset;
  • Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
    

  Remuneration
  

  We offer a competitive net salary (tax-exempted) at P-4 level and allowances including post adjustment (approximate net salary USD 105,596 p.a. at single rate and USD 117,330 p.a. with dependents). 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 Systems, 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, please visitwww.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm.
  

  The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.

  Duration of contract
  

  This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for a period of two (2) years with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance and availability of funds, with the combined duration of fixed-term appointments not exceeding six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 62 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.

   

  Applications from suitably qualified women candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.
  

  Starting date

  1 January 2014, or soon thereafter.

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