United Nations University Jobs 2018

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.

Job Description

Job Title: Research Fellow (Environmental Policy)

UNU-INRA objectives

The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) is one of 15 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 and promote the 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
• draft bankable proposals using empirical environmental science and knowledge of natural resources as a foundation
• conduct studies and analyse a wide range of environmental policy issues to help UNU-INRA to achieve its goals and objectives
• identify and exploit growth areas and new trends in environmental science and natural resource governance
• share knowledge of key trends in blue and green economy, climate change, minerals and extractives, and general concepts that underpin environmental resource management
• utilise strong analytical skills in resource governance and management of Africa’s natural resources – including current financial, institutional, and biophysical challenges that are impacting on African countries’ abilities to secure environmental sustainability and inclusive growth
• review, vet, and identify pathways for getting good buy-in vis-a-vis key resource management related proposals
• 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, and 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 organisations; 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, organise, and participate in national and sub-regional conferences/meetings/workshops, prepare policy briefs on UNU-INRA research and training activities for dissemination to policymakers
• perform any other policy-related duties as may be assigned.

Required qualifications

Required qualifications include:

• master’s 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; 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
• entrepreneurism and dynamism combined with good interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with academic qualifications 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.