SENIOR RESEARCH SCHOLAR/RESEARCH SCHOLAR IN LAND USE & POLICY PLANNER

Department/Faculty

Okavango Research Institute

OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MAUN)

VACANCY NO. ORI 6/2018: SENIOR RESEARCH SCHOLAR/RESEARCH SCHOLAR IN LAND USE & POLICY PLANNER, OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Applications are invited for the following academic position at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI). The Institute is based in Maun in the North Western part of Botswana and specializes in natural resources management, sustainable natural resource use and conservation in the world famous Okavango Delta and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) region. The Institute has a good library (a branch of the University library in Gaborone) and excellent research laboratories. The Institute attracts significant international funding and is becoming generally acknowledged as a global research leader in natural resources management. Additional information on ORI including its Strategic Plan can be found on www.ori.ub.bw.

Duties:  the successful candidate will conduct research on the human use of natural resources in the Okavango Delta area.  The work will include monitoring of key socio-economic and related environment parameters and describing and mapping and digitizing the information.  It will cover practices and attitudes of the land users regarding the sustainability and conservation of the natural resources and the relationship between human activities and ecosystem interventions (disturbance pattern). The research activities will involve the analysis of effective stakeholder participation in the ongoing planning and resource management process in the Okavango Delta and contribute to the drawing up of management proposals.

Requirements: Senior Research Scholar: Applicants should hold: i) A Master’s degree in Regional Development Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Land use Planning, Natural Resource Management, Human Geography, Planning or in a related planning field; (ii) A Bachelor’s degree in Regional Development Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Land use Planning, Natural Resource Management, Human Geography, Planning or in a related planning field with at least a 2(i) pass/GPA of at least 3.6 on a 5.0 scale or equivalent; (iii) show evidence of engagement in service; (iv) at least one (1) year research/teaching experience at a University or a comparable institute or one (1) year of relevant professional experience; (v) a cumulative and sustained record of research and have at least ten (10) publications, seven  (7) of which should be refereed journal articles or book chapters and should be a lead and/or sole author in at least three (3) of these. Skills in Geographical Information Systems and participatory planning methods, relevant working experience preferably in the rural development context and relevant PhD, teaching experience at a University or comparable institution, demonstration of effective academic leadership will be added advantages.

Research Scholar: Applicants should hold: i) A master’s degree in Regional Development Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Land use Planning, Natural Resource Management, Human Geography, Planning or in a related planning field; (ii) A Bachelor’s degree in Regional Development Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Land use Planning, Natural Resource Management, Human Geography, Planning or in a related planning field with at least a 2(i) pass/GPA of at least 3.6 on a 5.0 scale or equivalent; iii) show evidence of engagement in research and service. Skills in Geographical Information Systems and participatory planning methods, relevant working experience preferably in the rural development context and relevant PhD, teaching experience at a University or comparable institution, demonstration of effective academic leadership will be added advantages.

Remuneration: The University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information on the University, please visit our website; www.ub.bw

Note: For Senior Research Scholar, the curriculum vitae (CV) should contain a detailed list of publications: clearly specifying titles of publications, dates published, names of publishers, names of co-authors if any, and number of pages. The publications should be categorized into: books, monographs, chapters in books, refereed and non-refereed journals, consultancies etc. The CV should also have a detailed list of courses taught and the levels for which they were taught

How to Apply: SIGNED Letters of applications are to address the stated qualifications and provide any other information to assist the University to determine your suitability for the position. Applicants  should indicate clearly the position applied for, quote the vacancy numbers; provide current CVs which must include  contact information (telephone/mobile numbers, email address, postal address and fax number), certified copies of educational certificates, transcripts and THREE (3)  reference letters to: The Institute Administrator, Okavango Research Institute, Private Bag 285 Maun, Botswana or e-mail, recruitment@ori.ub.bw / kitso.moetedi@ori.ub.bw . Tel. 267 6817223; Fax. 267 6861835. Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be acknowledged.

Hand delivered applications should be submitted to Office number N0. 2, Porta cabin E1.                                                                                                                                    

NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

Closing Date:                Open Until Filled