The vacancy is part of a new initiative to study how the effectiveness of KCD can be increased, and to helpmainstream research outcomes in policy on international development.This effort is financed by the Netherlands government. For theDepartment we are looking for a Junior Researcher, Knowledge andCapacity Development in the Water Sector (m/f).
Responsibilities
As part of the KCD team, the (full time) researcher will conduct anacademically rigorous study over about 4 years on the relationshipbetween the capacity of the water sector and the sector’s performancein service delivery and water resource management, in about 6countries, in a transversal analysis. The methodology will be based onthe experiences and tools developed by the team and by other researchgroups. The approach in the study will include the selection ofrepresentative case studies, of which the development and performancewill be the KCD activities and programs, the collection of quantitativedata and information as well as narratives, and the comparativeanalysis of the KCD development dynamics in relation to KCD initiativesand programs. The study will establish a method to analyze the modes inwhich KCD affects the capacity and performance of the mainorganizations of the sub-sector, and how it helps to achieve benchmarksthat are to be determined by the study.
The outputs of the study include (i) a set of peer-reviewed publications that are to be ofadequate quality to allow the researcher to obtain his/her Doctordegree under Dutch law, and (ii) elaborate guidelines, and buildingblocks for KCD action plans and policy inputs that are relevant forinternational development. The researcher will, beside his/herresearch, prepare policy documents and reports to disseminate theresults and recommendations, and will participate in relevant workshopsand forums. In addition, he/she will prepare and give classes atpost-graduate level for international course participants, and overtime take leadership in the development of new educational programs.He/she will be staff member of the Core on KCD and work under thesupervision of the Professor/Chair of KCD.
Requirements and Competencies
The candidate will:
* Have an education at MSc level or equivalent in water or waterresources sciences or engineering, or in relevant social or economicsciences. Combination of degrees would create a special advantage.He/she should qualify for acceptance into a PhD programme under Dutchacademic regulations.
* Have professional experience of at leastthree years in a related field in a utility, in a consultancy,government agency, or similar organization, and/or in a researchenvironment. Experience with developing countries will be consideredespecially valuable.
* Be proficient in English, also for writing scientific papers, and, preferable, policy reports.
* Be able to work in a team and contribute to the teamwork.
* Bring a constructive attitude, and enthusiasm for the goal of knowledge management and international development.
Preference exists for candidates from developing countries.
Conditions of employment
This position is for four years, however, after about half a year asatisfactory detailed work proposal needs to be submitted, after whichthe appointment will be confirmed. The position is based in Delft, TheNetherlands. The PhD research fellowship includes a monthly allowanceof about €1190, air travel, health insurance, ancillary expenses andtuition. Candidates must be prepared to carry out long- and short-termmissions abroad.
Information and application
Additional information can be obtained from Mr. Jan Luijendijk, Head of Department (T: +31(0)15- 21 51 810 E: j.luijendijk@unesco-ihe.org).
Applications with curriculum vitae can be sent until August 31, 2010 to UNESCO-IHE, attn. Mr. Jan Luijendijk, Head of Department stating the vacancy description.
Replies