Job UNESCO-IHE - Professor of Aquatic Ecology, WWF Chair (m/f)

The professor is to assume leadership of the Freshwater Ecosystems core. The central philosophy of the core can be summed up in the term “Environmental integrity”, which links ecological understanding of environmental systems with the effects of human interventions and their consequences for society.

The professor is expected to have his/her main expertise in the field of (applied) aquatic ecology within the context of river basin management and society. He/she should be able to make the research output of the core instrumental to the sustainable management of aquatic systems. In keeping with the main mission of UNESCO-IHE, the core concentrates on research, education and projects in developing countries and countries in transition. This requires a clear vision on how to combine high scientific and academic standards with a development mission and active participation in global networks for acquisition of research, education and capacity building projects.

The candidate will:

• provide vision and strategic leadership of the Freshwater Ecosystems core;
• publish scientific research results in fundamental and applied journals;
• contribute to translate research findings to induce policy change;
• supervise PhD and MSc research;
• teach in the MSc programmes, and in relevant short courses offered within the institute and abroad;
• develop proposals and acquire funding for research, education and capacity building activities;
• foster cooperation between different departments and cores within UNESCO-IHE;
• develop and establish close links with other institutions, universities and organisations working in the specified fields both worldwide and in the Netherlands;
• foster the partnership with WWF by developing joint activities and communications (e.g. policy briefs) with a focus on WWF's river basin programmes; and
• serve on the UNESCO-IHE Academic Board and other committees overseeing the academic mission of the institute.

The successful candidate is expected to have:

• a PhD degree in (applied) aquatic ecology or in a related field;
• extensive experience in university teaching and curriculum development at postgraduate level;
• a strong record of funded research, peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences;
• proven interest in interdisciplinary research and education;
• experience in the guidance of MSc and PhD-level research;
• experience in research, teaching and/or capacity development projects in developing countries/countries in transition;
• a well-established international network within the environmental sector, including academia, NGO's and donor communities;
• proven competency in project acquisition;
• proven competency in project management;
• the ambition to build a strong research group within an international development context;
• good communication and organisational skills and a pragmatic attitude;
• affinity to working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment;
• excellent command of the English language and preferably one additional international language such as French or Spanish; and
• the willingness to frequently travel and work abroad for short and medium term assignments.

This position is, in principle, a permanent one, however, according to our Personnel Manual, the first contract is temporarily, and only after this period a permanent contract can be offered. The position is based in Delft, The Netherlands. A competitive salary is offered depending on qualifications and experience in accordance with the conditions of employment for Dutch Universities. The appointment implies entry into the Netherlands' Civil Service Pension Fund (ABP).

The UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education offers post-graduate courses and PhD research programmes in Delft, The Netherlands, and carries out research and capacity building projects all over the world. The mission of UNESCO-IHE is to contribute to the education and training of professionals and to build the capacity of sector organisations, knowledge centres and other institutions active in the fields of water, the environment and infrastructure in developing countries and countries in transition.

UNESCO-IHE has a permanent staff of 170, of which 90 are academic staff, while about 250 guest-lecturers from academia and industry contribute to the educational programme. Each year 750 participants (incl. about 175-200 new MSc students per year) from all over the world attend the various MSc programmes and short courses at UNESCO-IHE.

The functions of the Institute include serving as an international standard-setting body for postgraduate water education programmes and continuing professional training, building human and institutional capacities through education, training and research, setting up and managing networks of educational and water sector institutions and organisations worldwide, functioning as a ‘policy forum’ for UNESCO member states and other stakeholders, and providing advice on water education to partner organisations and other members of the UN water family.

The Department of Environmental Resources provides post-graduate education and training to professionals in the fields of environmental science, technology, planning and management, and carries out research and capacity development projects in these areas. The department has two scientific core groups: Freshwater Ecosystems and Pollution Prevention and Control. Each scientific core is headed by a full professor who takes the academic leadership of the core. More information is available at the ER Department Website.

In partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), UNESCO-IHE has established the WWF Chair in the Wise Use of Freshwater Ecosystems to advance research and training on solutions for the interconnected issues of water management, sustainable development, poverty reduction, environmental flows and ecosystem and biodiversity conservation.

0.0-Nomination

It is the intention that the successful candidate for the position at UNESCO-IHE will also acquire the position of Extraordinary Professor at Wageningen University.

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained after August 2 from Dr. Erik de Ruyter van Steveninck, Head of the Environmental Resources Department (+31-15-2151777 or e.deruytervansteveninck@unesco-ihe.org).

The deadline for applications is 15 September 2010 (closing date).