The CIMH is seeking to recruit Two (2) Research Assistants to assist in the development of Early-Warning Information Systems Across Climate Time Scales (EWISACTS) for climate sensitive sectors in the Caribbean
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
1. INTRODUCTION
Climate change and increasing climate variability and their potential impacts have boosted society’s demand for tailored climate products and services. The delivery of critical climate services related to climate change and climate variability in a sustained timely manner requires computational power, model research and know-how, IT expertise, interpretation capabilities and national, regional and international collaborations.
The programme Building Regional Climate Capacity in the Caribbean is being funded by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), delivered by World Meteorological Organization and implemented by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). The funding will assist the CIMH in building its institutional and regional capacity to sustainably deliver climate services to the Caribbean region in order to become the WMO designated Regional Climate Centre (RCC) for the Caribbean.
2. ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN INSTITUTE FOR METEOROLOGY AND HYDROLOGY
The CIMH is an Institution of the Caribbean Community and the technical Organ of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization. The mandate of the CIMH is to assist in improving and developing the Meteorological and Hydrological Services as well as providing the awareness of the benefits of Meteorology and Hydrology for the economic well-being of the CIMH member states. This is achieved through training, research, investigations, and the provision of related specialized services and advice.
In achieving its mandate, the CIMH has established an affiliation with the University of the West Indies where its primary responsibility is the delivery of the B.Sc. programme in Meteorology in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. The CIMH is also recognized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as:
In addition, the CIMH is a repository for the climate data from CMO Member States. The CIMH is also an important Caribbean centre for research and development related to Meteorology, Hydrology, Agro-Meteorology and Climate in the Caribbean. The CIMH is active in such areas of hydrological risk impacts forecasting and agricultural risks forecasting. The CIMH has strong collaborations with other Regional Institutions, national organizations in CMO Member States and the international community
3. DESCRIPTION
The CIMH is seeking to recruit Two (2) Research Assistants to assist in the development of Early-Warning Information Systems Across Climate Time Scales (EWISACTS) for climate sensitive sectors in the Caribbean, such as Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resource Management, Human and Environmental Health, Disaster Risk Management, Energy and Tourism.
4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidates will work in a team conducting multi-disciplinary training, research and development to support:
The successful candidate will also be required to conduct regional and international travel.
5. PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Candidates applying for the position should have a graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) specializing in either climate/environmental science, disaster risk management, agriculture and food security, health, water resources management, environmental management or energy planning / forecasting with at least 5 years of research experience following completion of the M.Sc. and/or 2 years of research experience following completion of the Ph.D.
The successful candidate should have a proven record of publications in peer reviewed academic journals and conference proceedings.
6. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The successful candidate should be performance driven through independent as well as collaborative and synergetic research, demonstrate excellent coordination and communicational skills and experience in small/mid-scale project funding acquisition.
It is expected that the successful candidate will be familiar with (i) common spreadsheet/database software, (ii) GIS and spatial analysis tools; and (iii) the scientific principles of climate variability in the Caribbean.
Prior work experience in the Caribbean related to the core disciplines related to this project would be an asset.
The successful applicant must have written and verbal skills in the English language. Knowledge of Spanish and/or French would be an asset.
7. REMUNERATION & BENEFITS
The appointment will be at either the Graduate or Post-doctoral Researcher scale of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Barbados depending on the academic background and experience of the candidate. The ideal candidate should be early in his/her professional career. However, mid-career professionals will be considered. A non-contributory medical plan is being offered.
8. DEADLINE
The deadline for applications is 5th September, 2014. Enquires and applications (curriculum vitae, certificates, list of publications, short outline of research and development ideas, and the contact information for two professional referees) should be addressed to:
The Principal
Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology
Husbands
St. James
Barbados
With BRCCC-2014 Research Assistant in the Subject Line
9. DURATION
The full-time position is available for a minimum of 2 years (starting as soon as possible) and may be prolonged subject to candidate’s performance and funding availability.
10. PLACE OF WORK
The candidate is expected to reside in Barbados during the period of employment under the project. The CIMH is an equal opportunity employer.