RESEARCH ASSISTANT - Waste Management Unit

The Waste Management Unit:

Waste Management at UNU-FLORES addresses these issues and in particular:

• Develops and coordinates the research programme of UNU-FLORES on waste management, considering the close inter-linkage with other resources (water, soil);
• Develops management strategies for the collection, processing and recycling of waste;
• Develops strategies for rehabilitation of contaminated sites; and
• Develops management strategies for safe waste water use and waste water processing.

Responsibilities:

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-FLORES and direct supervision of the Academic Officer – Waste Management, the successful candidate shall carry out the following tasks:

· Contribute to the research, academic and capacity development activities in waste management aspects within the soil-water-waste nexus;

· Support the process of research/knowledge product development such as policy briefs, technical reports and research articles etc.;

· Contribute to the ongoing research and capacity development work related to the multi-organizational project(s), such as the Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture (SUWA);

· Contribute to the activities in the frame of the UNU-FLORES Joint Research Initiative #3 in Africa on "Sustainable Wastewater Management Options" in terms of literature review, meeting and workshop organizations and liaison with partners;

· Assist in fundraising activities for projects including project proposal development, contacting and maintaining dialogues with potential donors, and other work related to fundraising;

· Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

· Master’s degree in natural sciences or engineering in a field related to management of waste as a resource;

· Minimum one (1) year of work experience in research in sustainable wastewater management, solid waste management or composting;

· Candidates with a PhD degree would be desirable;

· Prior experience/knowledge in waste/resource management projects, preferably in developing countries and regions;

· Experience in drafting and publishing scientific papers;

· Experience with drafting project proposals is highly desirable;

· Strong motivation and ability to carry out research in an interdisciplinary and international environment;

· Proficiency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset;

· Ability to work within agreed timelines and to communicate clearly and effectively;

· A good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;

Duration of Contract:

This is a full time employment (40 hours per week) for a fixed period of one (1) year (renewal will be subject to performance and funds availability) on a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) with UNU-FLORES, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years.

The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract based in Dresden, Germany 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 woman candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.

Starting Date: As soon as possible

HOW TO APPLY:

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their applications by email (to hrflores@unu.edu), and must include the following:

· a cover letter setting out how the 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 the UNU website. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;

· the email subject must comply with the format: Last Name_First Name_2015/UNU/FLORES/PSA/RA/71

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.