April 24, 2015     Accra

The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) is currently looking for an outstanding individual, with strong commitment and the potential to bring a significant contribution to the activities of UNU-INRA, to fill the position of Curriculum Development and Training Research Fellow.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to and under the supervision of the Director of UNU-INRA, the Research Fellow will:

• Develop, lead and coordinate the Institute’s training and capacity building activities;

• Conduct research on any of the programme areas of UNU-INRA;

• Create awareness, train national collaborators, and provide guidelines for effective implementation of policies to ensure sustainable management of natural resources, biodiversity conservation and maintenance of environmental quality;

• Supervise graduate students in their research work;

• Develop research and training proposals for funding;

• Plan, organize and participate in national and sub-regional conferences/ meetings/workshops;

• Prepare and publish research outputs in high quality publications, including peer-reviewed journals, extension and policy briefs; and

• Perform any other professional duties as may be required by the Director of UNU-INRA.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology, Ecology, Resource Management, Forestry, Soil Sciences or a related discipline;

• At least six years of relevant work experience, preferably in an international environment;

• Thorough knowledge and experience of the university system in the continent and ability to develop curricula;

• Good writing, presentation and communication skills; and demonstrated experience in organizing training, workshops, conferences, and fundraising activities, as well as forging partnerships with international agencies, national institutions and NGOs;

• Good working knowledge of English is essential; knowledge of French would be an advantage;

• Ability to work independently with little supervision and under tight deadlines; and

• Proven interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration:

Remuneration will commensurate with academic qualification and work experience according to the suitability of candidates.

Duration of contract:

This is a 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, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding 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.

Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Starting date: By July 1, 2015.

Application Procedure:

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

• a cover letter setting out how qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;

• a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from UNU website. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;

• a full contact information of three referees; and

• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2015/UNU/INRA/PSA/RF/30).