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Research Associate - Data Analysis and Geographical Information System (GIS) Projects

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

UNU-EHS, established in December 2003, is part of the UNU system, a worldwide network of Research and Training Institutes. Its mission is to advance human security through knowledge-based approaches to reducing vulnerability and environmental risks.

Context

The position is split between the two sections on Environmental Vulnerability & Ecosystem Services (EVES) and Vulnerability Assessment, Risk Management and Adaptive Planning (VARMAP). EVES conducts original, policy relevant research addressing the vulnerability and resilience of social-ecological systems, where the concept of ecosystem services is of central importance. Specifically, EVES aims to understand how social-ecological systems are affected by diverse environmental hazards such as water and land degradation, floods, and droughts as well as how ecosystems can support disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Besides original research, the section advocates for ecosystem-based solutions, for example, through engagement in the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR). In the frame of the DELTAS project, EVES seeks to develop a Global Delta Vulnerability Index (GDVI) and works in the Mekong, Amazon and Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna deltas.

VARMAP develops and applies conceptual frameworks and scientific methods to assess socio-economic vulnerability and risk in the context of natural hazards, environmental change and societal transformation. The section explores opportunities to reduce risks and to evaluate competing adaptation options. The section has a strong focus on urban areas and rural-urban linkages and is particularly interested in the trends in vulnerability and adaptive capacity as societies undergo wider cultural, economic, demographic and political transformation. VARMAP convenes an interdisciplinary team and has a wide network of scientific and practical partners. It draws on a mixed methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative tools for the analysis. The section combines a global focus with clusters of specific regional expertise, notably in Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, West Africa and Europe.

Responsibilities:

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the supervision of the Head of the Environmental Vulnerability & Ecosystem Services (EVES) section and the Head of the Vulnerability Assessment, Risk Management & Adaptive Planning (VARMAP) section, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

• Conduct the analysis of secondary and primary data using descriptive, bi- and multivariate statistical methods including regression models;
• Set-up and run GIS projects for the integrated geo-spatial analysis and visualization of spatial as well as other statistical data related to risk and vulnerability;
• Conduct data mining at global and national providers of socio-economic and environmental statistical data and base data for GIS applications;
• Perform data cleaning, quality checks, processing and systemization of secondary statistical data as well primary data gathered in household surveys;
• Provide technical support and guidance to the development and calculation of vulnerability and risk indices.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

• Masters or higher degree, in Geosciences, Geographical Information Systems, Statistics, Geography, Spatial Planning, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management or other relevant discipline;
• Minimum one (1) year of relevant working experience;
• Advanced knowledge of ArcGIS (especially spatial analyst);
• Advanced statistical skills and experience with statistical software packages (preferably SPSS);
• Advanced skills in the design and layout of maps and other graphs to illustrate research results in vector-based graphics environments (e.g. Adobe Illustrator or InDesign).

Reference Number: 2015/UNU/EHS/PSA/RA/25

Application Deadline: 12 April 2015

Starting Date: As soon as possible.

For more information: http://www.bonn.unu.edu/file/get/12003.pdf

PATH is an international organization that drives transformative innovation to save lives and improve health, especially among women and children. We accelerate innovation across five platforms—vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system and service innovations—that harness our entrepreneurial insight, scientific and public health expertise, and passion for health equity. By mobilizing partners around the world, we take innovation to scale, working alongside countries primarily in Africa and Asia to tackle their greatest health needs. Together, we deliver measurable results that disrupt the cycle of poor health.

PATH’s Advocacy and Public Policy (APP) department works to improve global health by increasing awareness and support of global health priorities by policymakers, coalitions and other influential individuals and groups. PATH’s APP department is seeking a Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer who will develop and oversee advocacy strategies to advance policy and advocacy goals in the areas of maternal and newborn health in Zambia. The position is supported through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Advocacy Partnership Grant, which supports advocacy projects in Kenya, South Africa and Zambia.

The Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer will report directly to the Zambia Country Director in Lusaka, Zambia with an administrative reporting line to the Country Advocacy Director.

The Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer, based in Lusaka, Zambia, will be responsible for the following key activities:

Oversee budget and project management for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Advocacy Partnership Grant in Zambia, including sub-grants or sub-contracts as needed.
Oversee the development and implementation of advocacy strategies and corresponding activities to achieve maternal and newborn-related policy change at the national level as well as facilitate advocacy activities for improved national budget allocation for maternal and newborn health through the MNCH Alliance.
Maintain partnerships and networks with key stakeholders working in MNCH, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health, policymakers, multi-lateral, parastatal, and private sector institutions, NGOs and civil society organizations, women’s and professional associations; and educations and research institutions.
Oversee the performance and professional development of the PATH Policy and Advocacy Officer in Zambia and hire/contract for additional expertise to achieve project goals as necessary.
Provide oversight of relevant advocacy taskforces and working groups, including logistics management, meeting administration and working group communications as necessary for the project.
Conduct research and produce advocacy documents and presentations, including policy memos and briefs, and other policy and informational documents for both internal and external purposes.
Oversee and implement all aspects of advocacy-related meetings and events.
Train and provide technical assistance to PATH programs, CSO partners, and other organizations on the development and implementation of effective advocacy strategies/initiatives or approaches on key health policies and programmatic issues in Zambia.
Contribute to the development, documentation and dissemination of cross-country lessons learned, best practices, and experience.
Represent PATH at national, regional and international conferences and events as necessary.
Lead the development of work plans and collection of monitoring and evaluation data for reporting on outcomes and activities in Zambia.
Ensure timely submission of project reports and other deliverables as specified in the grant
Consult on and contribute to the development of proposals in support of policy advocacy activities.

Required Skills:
Demonstrated success in planning and conducting advocacy activities to achieve health or development policy-related outcomes.
Demonstrated success in planning and conducting advocacy activities to influence maternal, newborn or child health-related policies regionally, globally or in Zambia.
Proven ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with government personnel, NGO partners, and international organizations at various levels.
Knowledge of the political, social, economic, and cultural context of Zambia.
Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) complex issues in a concise, compelling, and easily understandable manner.
Skilled in successfully working with geographically dispersed teams and working in a multi-cultural environment.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Experience supervising staff and contractors; managing advocacy budgets and grants; and donor communications.
Experience in facilitating meetings and moderating complex discussions with a variety of stakeholders (including national leaders) preferred.
Expert computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Fluency in English is required.

Master’s or other advanced degree in public health, social sciences, international development, or related field.  A minimum of seven to ten years of professional experience coordinating and managing a wide variety of projects; Zambia experience desirable.


Job Email id: jtaylor(at)path.org