Introduction

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 the Arusha Climate & Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER) to coordinate, promote, and fund AKU research interests in climate and environmental areas. The centre is located on ecologically important land in Arusha, Tanzania.

Responsibilities

• Researcher – Climate Change & Natural Resources 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.
• Lead research, innovation, teaching, and outreach activities undertaken on climate change and water development at AKU-ACER.
• Research the interactions between climate change/natural resources vis-à-vis other sectors, including water development, to mitigate negative interactions and harness synergies.
• Ensure the AKU-ACER works on climate change and natural resources that are aligned with AKU, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and national visions.
• Provide effective leadership related to natural resource governance and management within AKU Arusha land sites.
• Carry out lectures, conduct tutorials, seminars, and practical for students.
• Contribute to the assessment of vulnerability and risks of natural resource governance 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 natural resource sector.
• Plan and implement training and capacity-building actions for key stakeholders in the natural resources development and management including climate change.
• Liaise and collaborate with other AKU entities and external partners in addressing natural resources development and management, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the management.

Requirements

• Possession of a PhD and or a master’s degree in Climate Change, Natural Resources Management, Geography, Environmental Studies, Water Resources, and or related fields. The incumbent will be based at AKU-ACER in Arusha and report directly to the Centre Director.
• Research publication papers in climate, natural resource governance, and/or environmental management areas.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, approaches, and practices relevant to natural resources as linked to climate change.
• 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 conduct independent research and analysis, and to engage with local community members in a respectful manner and understand 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 24 months (2 years) and is renewable based on budget availability. During this period, the researcher is expected to focus on research projects related to climate change, natural resource development and 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.