Researcher at Aga Khan University

Researcher at Aga Khan University 

Aga Khan University (AKU)

Arusha

The Aga Khan University is a pioneering, research-intensive institution of higher education whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond. Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university present in 6 countries including Tanzania.

Recently AKU established Arusha Climate & Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER) for the coordination, promotion, and funding of AKU research interests in climate and environmental areas. The centre sits on an ecologically important land in Arusha, Tanzania.

GENERAL DUTIES:

Researcher – Climate Change & Water Resource Management will be responsible for initiating, designing, planning, and carrying out independent research projects that seek to assess and understand the broader impacts of climate change with emphasis on human health and water resources management, and performing other related duties as may be assigned. Specifically, the position’s specific duties will include the following roles:

Lead research, innovation, teaching, and outreach activities undertaken on climate change and water development at AKU-ACER.
Research the interactions between climate change/water development vis-a-vis other sectors to mitigate negative interactions and harness synergies.
Ensure that the AKU-ACER work on climate change and water is aligned to AKU, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and national visions.
Lead analytical studies in a wide range of issues relevant to climate change and water development.
Provide effective leadership related to water resources development and management within AKU Arusha land sites.
Undertake research projects aimed at understanding the impact of climate change with focus on human health and water resource management.
Carry out lectures, conduct tutorials, seminars and practical for students.
Contribute to the assessment of vulnerability and risks of water resources development to the impacts of climate change.
Contribute to the analytical work related to the development and implementation of effective adaptation strategies, and measures in the water development sector.
Identify and implement strategies enhancing collaborations between AKU and its partners in addressing climate and water development issues in Tanzania.
Plan and implement training and capacity-building actions for key stakeholders in the water sector development and management including climate change.
Liaise and collaborate with other AKU entities and external partners in addressing water resources development, management and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be a holder of PhD focusing on climate change and water resources management. The incumbent will be based in Arusha at AKU-ACER and reports directly to Centre Director.

REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a PhD in climate change, natural resources management, water engineering, hydrology, environmental studies, and or related fields.
Research publication papers in climate, water, and/or environmental management areas.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, approaches, and practices relevant to water and natural resources as linked to climate change.
Ability to conduct independent research and analysis.
Capable of identifying issues, formulating options, and making conclusions and recommendations on climate, environment, and water topics.
Ability to determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources.
Ability to engage with local community members in a respectful manner and understanding local customs.
Willingness and ability to work with large interdisciplinary and multicounty teams.
Readiness to contribute to the academic and intellectual growth of AKU-ACER.
Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally
Ability to communicate in both English and Kiswahili is required. Duties require professional verbal and written communication skills.
Team player – can work cooperatively and effectively with others.
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong computer skills including the Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, and proficiency in typing required.
Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
Excellent organizational and time management skills – capacity to prioritize and develop a work schedule/implement plan and monitor progress towards goals; ability to make clear, timely decisions.

WHAT WE OFFER:

This position is for 12 months (1 year) and is renewable based on budget availability. During this period, the researcher is expected to focus on research projects related to climate change, and water resources management at AKU-ACER sites and local community areas in Tanzania, with some opportunities to collaborate with international team members and research projects in Kenya, Uganda, Pakistan, and Canada. There may be additional research projects and funds in the future and the incumbent is expected to participate in other project related academic such supporting project related conferences, workshops, field schools and community engagements.

COMPENSATION:

AKU offers competitive salary and benefits.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION:

For those interested in applying for this position, please submit your application clearly indicating your qualification and how it fits with this position and demonstrate how you will implement the research projects in question. You should also submit your detailed Curriculum Vitae and two recent journal articles or dissertation chapter and a published paper.

Please email your CV, Cover Letter, 2 recent journal articles or dissertation chapter, a published paper, along with a list of 3 referees in one PDF file to: [email protected] no later than February 29th, 2024.

Pease note that you MUST quote the position title on the email subject line, i.e., RESEARCHER-CLIMATE AND WATER POSITION ((AKU-ACER)