Post Doctoral Fellow – Social or Institutional Scientist

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Post Doctoral Fellow – Social or Institutional Scientist
(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

IWMI seeks a post-doctoral fellow (PDF) to work within the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) funded project ‘Improving Sustainability of Impacts of Agricultural Water Management Interventions in Challenging Contexts.’ The goal of this project is to enhance livelihoods of poor rural farming communities in challenging contexts through improved knowledge on Agricultural Water Management (AWM). One of the expected outputs is operational guidelines for relevant AWM interventions under different challenging institutional contexts. Project and program designs in AWM often assume good governance and supportive conditions, even though in reality they are not in place. In fact, existing institutional conditions in AWM can be very diverse and thus approaches to successful AWM interventions will vary accordingly. Particularly, but not exclusively, in fragile states and post-conflict regions special attention should be given to the context-specific requirements of such interventions. AWM investment strategies should be based on pragmatic assessment of the existing governance capacity of the institutional context. To implement this, in several African countries, we seek a PDF.

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a non-profit, scientific organization engaged in research and capacity building activities for developing countries. Our mission is to overcome poverty through the better management of land and water resources. Working with diverse partners and supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), IWMI seeks to translate its research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, resource managers and poor rural communities. IWMI is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka and has regional offices located in 12 countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Location:
The position will be based in IWMI East Africa office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and reports to the Senior Social Scientist based at this office.
Job Purpose:

Under the guidance of the Senior Social Scientist at IWMI East Africa, the Post Doctoral Fellow will contribute to the ’Improving Sustainability of Impacts of Agricultural Water Management Interventions in Challenging Contexts’ project. The main task will be to implement the context analysis at both national and local level and assess the institutional context relevant to agricultural water management interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
These will include the following:
• Assess the institutional context relevant to agricultural water management at both national and local (case study) level, using the methodology developed by the project
• Apply the method to three selected African countries based on review of literature and relevant documents
• Apply the method to the selected case study sites within these countries based on the review of relevant documents and field activities
• Document the institutional context relevant to agricultural water management at the country level and case study sites based on the application of the method
• Provide input in the development of contextual guidelines for agricultural water management interventions
• Provide input in the overall implementation of the project as requested by the project leader

Selection Criteria:

The following outlines the attributes required and the criteria against which applications will be assessed.
Qualifications: ESSENTIAL
• PhD in the field of Political Ecology, Human Geography, Sociology, Anthropology or a related field

Experience & Knowledge: ESSENTIAL
• Experience in a variety of social science methodologies;
• Familiar with the concepts and tools required to undertake institutional analysis;
• Demonstrated previous experience in field data collection, analysis and report writing in the field of institutional change

Skills & Abilities: ESSENTIAL
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Strong analytical skills; Potential for independent and critical scientific thought; and for challenging accepted scientific knowledge and approaches
• Record of publications including in international peer reviewed journals;
• Evidence of participation in various national/international professional events
• Excellent oral and writing skills in English.

DESIRABLE
• Ability to live and work in developing countries, particularly Africa
• Proven ability to design and implement research on the above in sub-Saharan Africa
• Knowledge of French
• Willingness to travel

Salary and Benefits:
Post doctoral contract is available for two years and is non-renewable. IWMI salaries are competitive with those of similar international institutions and offer a range of benefits including housing and utilities allowance, vehicle allowance, education allowance, annual home leave, health insurance package and shipping assistance.

How to Apply:
To apply for this post:
• Complete application form http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/About_IWMI/Vacancies/
• Attach your résumé.
• Attach a letter of application, which specifically addresses the selection criteria outlined previously; include the names and addresses of 3 referees who may be contacted if you are shortlisted.
• Submit online.

If you do not receive an automatic acknowledgement email within 24 hours of sending your application, then contact: The Human Resources Office, IWMI, P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Email: work-at-iwmi@cgiar.org

We will begin reviewing applications on 31 May 2010 – and continue until the position is filled. To ensure optimal review of your materials, please be sure your application is complete by this date.

Schedule for Selection Process:
There may be telephone interviews for short-listed candidates during June 2010 and selection interviews will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka or in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the summer, possibly July 2010. Although these dates may be subject to change, it would be useful if candidates could be available around these dates.
For further information visit IWMI - http://www.iwmi.org 

IWMI is an equal opportunity employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality.

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