POSITION:P-3
CLOSING DATE: 27 April 2012
Reference Number: 2012/UNU/IIST/FTA/RF/08
United Nations University Objectives
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community
of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training and dissemination
of knowledge in the furtherance of the purposes and principles of the
United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. UNU serves as a think
tank for the United Nations System, contributes to capacity building
particularly in developing countries, and serves as a platform for new
and creative ideas and dialogue.
About the UNU International Institute for Software Technology (UNU-IIST)
UNU-IIST, located in Macau, is a research and training institute of
the United Nations University whose mission is to further the
development and application of information and communication technology
(ICT) to addressing pressing global problems of sustainable development
that are of concern to the United Nations, its Peoples and Member
States, through education, research, capacity building and policy
support.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Director of UNU-IIST, the Research
Fellow shall design, undertake and coordinate research, teaching,
capacity building and policy support activities in the area of ICT for
Development. The main duties and responsibilities of the Research Fellow
are:
- to be involved in the design and implementation of research activities in the area of ICT for Development;
- to coordinate and build upon the activities of the Institute’s programme in ICT for Poverty Reduction, as well as to establish interdisciplinary collaborative research with the institute’s other programmes;
- to coordinate and expand the Institute’s network of local development partners;
- to build a strong, internationally recognized research team;
- to publish research results in the international peer-reviewed literature;
- to disseminate results through popular and online media;
- to engage in capacity building activities;
- to coordinate and strengthen the Institute’s fieldwork in ICT for Development;
- to participate in course and curriculum development, and to teach and supervise research in the Institute’s postgraduate degree programmes;
- to seek funding from relevant bodies for UNU-IIST’s Special Programme Contribution (SPC) budget allocation;
- to carry out other tasks that may be assigned by the Director of UNU-IIST.
Required Qualifications
Qualifications for the position include:
- a PhD in computer science, ICT, information science, or related field;
- a minimum of 5 years of progressively relevant postgraduate work experience;
- a record of high-quality academic publications in the international peer-reviewed literature in the area of ICT for Development;
- candidates with active research in social media, education technology and knowledge management will be of particular interest. Additionally, some knowledge in the areas of e-health and e-governance is desirable;
- proven ability to work in a multinational, multicultural environment, with a deep understanding of the role of cultural and social issues in development of technological solutions;
- ability to work in a multilingual environment with a willingness to learn new languages;
- experience with participatory methods and user-centered design;
- ability to work closely with and coordinate among UN agencies, government agencies, NGOs, and development professionals in planning and carrying out capacity building projects;
- ability to translate research results and experience from capacity building activities into policy recommendations;
- openness and ability to participate in interdisciplinary research collaborations;
- strong commitment to teaching excellence;
- experience in writing of grant proposals;
- experience with fieldwork in developing countries;
- excellent communication skills with fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of a second United Nations official language is an advantage;
- 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.
Remuneration
Remuneration will commensurate with qualification and experience
according to suitability of candidates and start at salary scale of P-3
level of the United Nations salary scale for professional staff, plus
benefits. For more information please visit:
www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm
The UNU Rector reserves the right to appoint suitable candidate at a lower level than advertised.
Duration of Contract
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The period of initial
appointment would be two (2) years with the possibility of renewal on
the basis of satisfactory performance. The mandatory age of retirement
for new 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. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a
level below that is advertised.
Applications from suitably qualified woman candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.
Starting Date
It is expected that the appointee will take up the position by September 2012 or earlier, subject to negotiation.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit their applications, preferably by e-mail (to vacancy-rf@iist.unu.edu) must include the following:
- a cover letter setting out how your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
- a curriculum vitae with a completed and signed UNU Personal History form (P-11; http://unu.edu/about/hr/-how-to-apply). Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
- a list of publications and copies of three recent papers;
- full contact information of three referees; and
- an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2012/UNU/IIST/FTA/RF/08).
Please note that applications received after the closing date will
not be considered; only short-listed candidates will be notified.
Unsuccessful applications will neither be acknowledged nor returned.
Deadline: Friday, 27 April 2012 - 11:59pm
Moreinfo: http://iist.unu.edu/announcement/research-fellow
