Research Associate - Agent Based Modelling and Data Management Specialist

Organizational Unit : United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

Reference Number: 2011/UNU/EHS/RA_ABM/PSA/13

Applications to: hrbonn@vie.unu.edu

Closing date : 16 June 2011

Starting date : As soon as possible

UNU Mission:

The UNU is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate training and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

The UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) in Bonn has been conceived and created to assess the vulnerability and coping capacity of societies facing natural and human-induced hazards in a changing environment. Within the scope of this mandate, UNU-EHS is engaged in policy relevant research and capacity building. For more information about UNU-EHS, please visit www.ehs.unu.edu.

Environmental Migration, Social Vulnerability & Adaptation Section (EMSVA)

EMSVA undertakes empirical research on environmentally induced migration and social vulnerability. The section also addresses climate change adaptation including a range of activities such as disaster risk reduction and insurance-related approaches to help vulnerable countries and communities.

The “Where the rain falls: climate change, hunger and human mobility” Project:

The objectives of the project are to a) Conceptualize the relationship between changing weather patterns (specifically rainfall and shifting seasons), food security, social inequalities (especially regarding gender) and different forms of human mobility; b) Assess the potential for changing weather patterns to become a major driver of human migration and displacement in coming decades (from the present to 2030 or 2040); and c) Enable a range of stakeholders, including southern civil society organizations, to influence policies, plans and practical interventions in policy processes. The “Where the rain falls: climate change, hunger and human mobility” three-year activity aims to help stakeholders better understand and effectively address the relationship among changing weather patterns, food security, social inequalities, and human mobility. In doing so, it will enhance societal resilience and stability in the face of climatic and other environmental changes. The project will undertake fieldwork in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and will move methodological approaches for investigating the relationship between climate variability and climate change, and societal phenomena like migration forward.

Responsibilities:

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the Head of the EMSVA Section, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

  • Conduct analysis of literature and desk study;
  • Perform background literature searches that contribute to the elaboration of the project´s conceptual framework;
  • Support the framing of modelling and scenario design of the project;
  • Develop an agent-based modeling and/or scenario approach for rainfall variability, food and livelihood security and migration based on the participatory research and household survey in case study countries where necessary;
  • Assist with fieldwork and gathering of information to be used in agent-based modelling approaches or (alternatively) scenario approaches related to environmental change and human mobility in case study countries:
    Support the analysis of data from a household survey and sampling plan in close collaboration with the research team;
    Design quantitative baseline assessment instruments using participatory research methodologies for the collection of socio-economic and other relevant data;
    Design a system (using SPSS or any other program) to input, manage and analyze data and develop a detailed data analysis plan;
    Design and co-facilitate workshop to train other team members to carry out surveys as part of the training, and also assist field piloting to test and update instrument;
    Support the implementation of Household Survey in the study area with selected sample of households to collect data within the overall objectives of the project, if needed.
  • Analyze environmental, demographic, socio-economic and other data sets relevant to the project and particularly in case study countries;
  • Assist with the coordination of fieldwork/village timelines with time series data on rainfall variability;
  • Support national research teams in fieldwork, provide training in common research methodology;
  • Support preparation and writing of main project publications and reports;
  • Link desk and fieldwork with agent-based modelling and/or scenario approaches and with GIS analysis and production of maps, in coordination with project partners;
  • Further develop research profile in climate adaptation, human mobility, agent-based modelling and social science methods through relevant reports and journal publications;
  • Support the Section Head as necessary to write project reports, project proposals, develop research programs, and write scientific articles.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

  • Upper class MSc (or equivalent) in Geography, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences or other relevant field;
  • A minimum of 2 years scientific experience related to the use of agent-based modelling, scenario approaches, and other methods to model and estimate migration in the context of environmental change is essential;
  • Strong research knowledge of migration; food security, climate change impacts, and adaptation;
  • Experience using agent based modelling, scenario building methods related to environmental change, computer science and computer-based modelling approaches and climate sciences;
  • Familiarity with earth observation systems, satellite imagery, different geo-data products e.g. NDVI time-series data, global precipitation datasets;
  • Excellent command of oral and written English; German and French are an asset;
  • Detail oriented, with a professional and conscientious attitude;
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment;

Desirable Experience and Competencies:

  • Excellent academic records in environmental sciences, and/or climate adaptation sciences;
  • At least 2-4 years experience in the coordination and/or management of qualitative and quantitative household surveys.
  • Ability to independently prioritize work;
  • Advanced computer skills in statistical analysis software, i.e. Geographical Information System (ArcGIS) and/or Statistical Analysis (SPSS,STATA) software as well as analogic; ENVI/IDL or Erdas Imagine;
  • Highly motivated and stress resistant;
  • Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and international environment;
  • Practical experience in using quantitative and qualitative methodologies;
  • Possess thorough understanding of research methodologies and skills in social sciences with an ability to train/coach and transfer skills to others;
  • Experience in survey report writing.

Remuneration:

Full-time salary of 2,100 EUR per month

Duration of Contract:

The successful candidate will be based at UNU-EHS in Bonn on a full-time basis under the Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) category for a period of two (2) years with possibility of extension.

This is a locally recruited position; no relocation expenses or allowances apply. Suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Starting date :

As soon as possible

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their application, preferably by e-mail to hrbonn@vie.unu.edu, and must include the following:

  • a cover letter setting out how their qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
  • a completed and signed UNU Personal History form (P.11) downloadable from UNU website at www.unu.edu/employment. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
  • a list of publications and writing samples;
  • the application must also indicate the reference number of the vacancy announcement.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

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