Research associate (m,f,x) for 3 years: Securing availability and access to freshwater in a culturally adapted and sustainable way for populations of Pacific Island Countries facing climate change

The Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (Institut für Friedensicherungsrecht und Humanitäres Völkerrecht, IFHV) is looking for a 

research associate (m,f,x) for  3years, 25,89 hours per week, TV-L E13

The IFHV is an interdisciplinary central research institute at RUB located in Bochumer Fenster (near Bochum main station). With its traditionally strong focus on and expertise in international law, the institute fosters research and teaching in the field of Humanitarian Studies, including the participation of the Faculties of Law, Social Science, Geosciences, and Public Health.

You can expect a multifaceted position in a central scientific institute with diverse cooperation partners in Germany and abroad. The position is part of a research project entitled “Securing availability and access to freshwater in a culturally adapted and sustainable way for populations of Pacific Island Countries facing climate change.” Specifically, the position’s focus lies on conducting social science research. The position holder has the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. In addition, the position holder will assume responsibilities in the Institute’s teaching and research formats as well as in its regular publications.

Your tasks:

• Conduct research on water-related issues associated with disasters and humanitarian responses in the Pacific and in Vanuatu in particular, including desk research, review of academic, gray and policy literature, field research in Vanuatu, data analysis and writing of high-quality academic publications as well as communication material for community, civil society, policy and practitioner audiences;
• More specifically, contribute to (i) identify (qualitatively and quantitatively) water availability, quality, uses, access and needs on collaboratively-selected large high-raised island(s), (ii) understand local perceptions of future/anticipated water availability, uses, access and needs based on local indigenous knowledge, especially on the knowledge of elders, and (iii) identify and analyze past adaptation and mitigation measures and formulate recommendations on ways forward (measures, policies, plans, etc.).
• Collaborate on publications in the frame of this research project;
• Support current networks and facilitate new connections between the Institute, other relevant academic institutions and practice partners;
• Participate in the preparation and teaching of courses in BA programs and in the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA) Master’s program in English;
• Participate in the application for external funding and the planning, proposal writing, and implementation of research projects, particularly those with an international focus;
• Preparation of the next phase of the project and/or follow-up research projects.

Your profile:

• Master’s degree in either the social sciences, law or related fields with reference to humanitarian crises and action, especially related to climate change and/or water resources and/or food security in the Pacific and/or international development and humanitarian action in the Pacific – or equivalent relevant practical experience;
• Interest in independent and ethical social science research in the field of international development and humanitarian studies;
• Very good knowledge of the international development and humanitarian system, relevant actors and standards, and recent literature and debates;
• International academic experience, as well as a strong interest in interdisciplinary scientific work;
• Experience in working in multicultural environments, cultural sensitivity, as well as with project planning and implementation;
• Cooperative work style, flexibility, and organizational skills;
• Very good written and oral knowledge of English, knowledge of French and/or German an asset.

Our offerings:

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of personal responsibility
• Qualified training
• Support from and cooperation with competent colleagues
• Team-oriented cooperation in a committed, international and appreciative team
• a friendly and collegial environment

Additional information:

At the request of the applicant (m,f,x), the staff council may be involved in selection interviews. https://www.wpr.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/

If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZfA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).
https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en

You can find information about TV-L at: https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is RUB’s declared aim.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Contact details for your application:

Dennis Dijkzeul, Phone: +49234 32 27932

Travel expenses for interviews cannot be refunded.

For information on the collection of personal data in the application process see: https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/information-collection-personal-data-application-process.

Further information can be found on our website, www.ifhv.de, or by contacting the Project Manager at IFHV, Prof. Dr. Dennis Dijkzeul (dennis.dijkzeul@rub.de), Assistant Project Manager, Dr. Morgane Rosier (mrosi034@uottawa.ca).

How to apply:
Please submit a complete application that includes a letter of motivation and a CV that includes a list of your publications, successfully obtained external funding, and an overview of your teaching experience (including evaluations, if applicable), as well as a two-page research proposal on studying water management in Vanuatu (e.g., context, short literature review, research question, theoretical/conceptual framework, methodology) by email to dennis.dijkzeul@rub.de in a single PDF file (if possible) named NAME_application with the following email subject line: NAME – Application – Securing Water Resources in the Pacific Project. Example: “DOE_application.pdf” and “DOE – Application – Securing Water Resources in the Pacific Project

We are looking forward to receiving your application with the specification ANR: 3557 until 16.08.2024, send by e-mail to the following address:
dennis.dijkzeul@ruhr-uni-bochum.de