Position: Senior Research Fellow
Topic: Land and Water Resources for Sustainable Development
Duration: 18-month renewable contract with 3-month probation period.
Salary range: Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Duty station: Bangkok, Thailand.
Application deadline: Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Job description
SEI seeks a senior research leader with expertise in biophysical processes and the conditions that enable sustainable land and water management considering uncertain future climate conditions.
Established in January 2004, SEI’s Asia Centre works closely with national and regional partners. The Centre also coordinates SEI activities in Asia, working with SEI colleagues worldwide. Major ongoing projects include research on land and water resource management along the Mekong, the impacts of regional economic integration and climate change adaptation.
The Senior Research Fellow will develop and lead research projects across the Asia/Pacific region, with a focus on sustainable land and water management and the various drivers of change, including climate change and responses to it. The goal is to produce top-quality research for global audiences while building local knowledge and capacity through extensive outreach, collaborations and partnerships.
The Senior Research Fellow will report to the Research Group Leader and supervise junior researchers. Under the leadership of the Centre Director, (s)he will also help shape the Asia Centre’s long-term strategy and vision, build relationships, and support management.
Specific responsibilities include:
Research:
Plan, develop and implement research projects within the research themes, consistent with SEI’s mission, and with a clear iteration of objectives, target audiences, deliverables, and monitoring and evaluation.
Secure funding for projects and new funding opportunities, and provide accountability to funders, including oversight of project partners.
Manage junior research staff, providing regular guidance and feedback, monitoring the quality of the research process, and reviewing publications and other outputs to ensure they meet the project objectives and SEI quality standards.
Work with Centre and SEI-wide communications staff to ensure effective dissemination of research findings, including internal communications, outreach activities (seminars, workshops, etc.), media outreach, and website materials.
Centre development:
Under the leadership of the Centre Director, with other senior staff, support day-to-day management of the Centre as well as long-term development and strategy.
Mentor junior research staff, supporting their professional and career development and helping them build their research, writing and communications capacity.
Build relationships with key funders and partners and help strengthen existing partnerships, including with the Thai government and the Centre’s host, Chulalongkorn University.
Qualifications
The Senior Research Fellow should be a seasoned professional with outstanding leadership, management, organisational, interpersonal, and networking abilities. He/she should have excellent cross-cultural communication skills, as well as a strong commitment to protecting the natural environment and improving human well-being.
In addition, the job requires:
Ph.D. in soil science, hydrology, geo-ecology, forestry or related fields and combined strong expertise in innovative field methods, data analysis and modelling.
Substantial knowledge of environmental and sustainable development issues at regional and global levels, including in-depth understanding of development needs and challenges in Asian countries, especially in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region.
At least 5 years’ work experience in Southeast and/or South Asia in fields relating to soil ecology, land management and/ or catchment hydrology considering various drivers of change, including but not limited to climate change impacts.
At least 10 years’ experience in research project development and management, with at least 5 years in managing junior staff, a strong record of securing external funding for research programmes, and a strong publications record.
Proven success in work relations with a wide range of partners, including research institutes, governments, and other development actors.
Fluency in spoken and written English, including for peer-reviewed academic writing. Knowledge of one or more Asian languages is highly desirable.
How to apply
Please send your application and supporting documents by 31 July 2012 to Ms. Papassara Kunjara Na Ayudhya ( papassara.kunjara@sei-international.org). Please include the following:
Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience, what appeals to you about this job, and how you envision your work at SEI (max. 2 pages).
Curriculum vitae, including major projects led (with an emphasis on Asia/Pacific region), publications and three professional references, who will be contacted only if short-listed (max. 10 pages).
1 to 3 samples of publications which you are sole or lead author.
A research proposal on sustainable land and water management (max. 2 pages).
Current and expected salary (to be made available when short-listed).
