Grade 2, salary from 55,056 up to 68,510 plus benefits

Transcription

1 Linking local priorities and global challenges Principal Researcher Job details Group Reports to Responsible for Purpose of job Main contacts Human Settlements (HS) Director, Human Settlements 1-2 research staff (indicative) Develop and lead programmes of research on urban development in relationship to key global sustainable development concerns. The post-holder should identify and pursue funding opportunities in line with the Group s strategic direction. The post-holder will manage and develop researchers within the Human Settlements Group. Internal: Human Settlements Group colleagues, in particular researchers working on same theme, group director and group manager; colleagues in other research groups; Communications Group; Business Development colleagues External: local partners, researchers and stakeholders in the field; national, local and municipal governments; civil society organisations; relevant global networks and multilateral agencies; donors. Contract type Hours Location Grade and salary Permanent Full time Central London Grade 2, salary from 55,056 up to 68,510 plus benefits Context IIED is a policy and action research organisation. We promote sustainable development to improve livelihoods and protect the environments on which these livelihoods are built. We specialise in linking local priorities to global challenges. IIED is based in London and works in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and the Pacific, with some of the world s most vulnerable people. We work with them to strengthen their voice in the decision-making arenas that affect them from village councils to international conventions. This role is based in the Human Settlements Group, which has worked on urban environmental and poverty issues since the 1970s aiming to support more equitable and sustainable development in urban centres in low- and middle-income countries. Our poverty focus is vital and informs everything we do because people on very low incomes, living in slums or squatter settlements, are the most vulnerable to environmental challenges. Our work has always been developed with partners, ensuring that it is rooted in the concerns of urban residents and practitioners, while contributing significantly to global research and policy debates. The Group s work focuses on integrated approaches to urban poverty and local environments, with thematic focuses on topics including urbanisation and rural-urban links; water, sanitation and shelter; food and nutrition; and urban risk and urban crisis response. The role will contribute to the Group s strategy of promoting urban development pathways that can generate benefits for all residents, using a three-pronged approach: 1

2 we stress the needs and priorities identified by low-income urban groups; we build recognition of the social and environmental inter-dependencies and relationships between urban centres, rural areas and the global environment; we emphasise the importance of decision making and priority setting by local organisations and local governments. The post holder will develop a programme of work that contributes to this strategy, building on the group s reputation and strengths, and complementing the work of other members of the group. S/he will be committed to linking urban development with global sustainable development challenges. Particular areas of focus might include mobility and migration (including forced displacement); urbanisation and global environmental challenges (including pollution, conservation and biodiversity); and the development of approaches to addressing urban poverty that contribute to low-carbon development. The post holder will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues in HSG and IIED to grow the institute and group s capacities and reputations in one or more of these areas. S/he will also be expected to identify appropriate linkages and synergies for building a stronger narrative on inclusive and sustainable urban transformations that work for all residents. Main responsibilities 1. Research and intellectual leadership (40%) Establish and/or lead a diverse programme of research, advocacy, policy advice, capacity building and influence in collaboration with colleagues, partners and collaborators. This programme of work will be closely aligned with IIED s mission and with the Human Settlement Group s strategic goals, with possible areas of focus outlined above. Initiate and steer the design, development, coordination and implementation of large and complex research programmes and initiatives at the group, cross-group and institute level. Direct the development and implementation of ongoing programmes of work and new research agendas, which support and advance the groups and institutional strategy. Support HSG s in-house journal, Environment and Urbanization, in ways that could include peer review, Editorial Board membership, and fundraising. Publish results in a variety of southern and internationally recognised outlets to sustain own and further enhance own and IIED reputation, including academic journals. 2. Management and coordination (20%) Supervise and organise the work of research or project teams to ensure clear roles, effective ways of working, performance standards and research quality. Oversee the creation and management of budgets by group managers or senior coordinators. Line manage a number of staff members and oversee the sound application of IIED human resources policies for their recruitment, performance management, development and retention, working closely with group heads, managers and coordinators, and HR colleagues. Manage personal administrative tasks related to own work. 3. Business development and fundraising (15%) Provide expertise and support to HSG and IIED business development and fundraising efforts. Lead major funding bids, which develop and sustain research support for own area of work and advance IIED reputation: o Raise more than own salary, and contribute largely to the salaries of others, in particular of colleagues and coordinators. o o Mentor or coach less experienced colleagues to win funding for their own projects. Co-write and/or provide ideas and comments on concepts and proposals developed by colleagues. 2

3 Contribute to the preparation of long-term fundraising analyses and strategies at the institutional, group, and project level. Develop and expand long-term relationships with existing and new potential donors. 4. Communications, influence and networking (15%) Set direction for research communications for intellectual work under own oversight. Actively disseminate the results of IIED and partner research to influence debates and policy changes in line with the mission of the institute, and representing IIED as an international centre of excellence. Promote collaboration with partners and networks and develop new potential partnerships and alliances. Participate in international bodies and communities of practice; liaise with academia and other similar institutions for training and teaching purposes. 5. Contributions to institutional life (10%) Be an active member of, and provide strategic inputs to, IIED leadership teams. Provide intellectual leadership internally on relevant issues and areas of work related to the sustainable development agenda. Participate in organisation-wide projects, strategy-development, initiatives or working groups and participate in peer reviews. Act as a coach or a mentor to colleagues, particularly researchers. This job description defines the level of responsibility and areas of involvement of the post; the details of the duties may change over time and do not form part of the contract between IIED and the post holder. 3

4 Person specification Skills and experience Essential Desirable Qualifications Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline PhD in relevant subject Knowledge In-depth understanding of the processes of inclusive urban development with an emphasis on the Global South Specific knowledge of topics including mobility and migration (including forced displacement); urbanisation and global environmental challenges (including pollution, conservation and biodiversity); or the development of approaches to addressing urban poverty that contribute to low-carbon development. Experience Skills Wide-ranging research experience evidenced by international reputation in own field and a highly-regarded publication record. Track record of securing funding for large projects from a wide range of donors. Well networked with extensive experience of coordinating and sustaining diverse teams or collaborative networks, including from a distance. Experience of working on multi-country, multi-year projects with a variety of partners Fluency in English to convey complex messages in a clear, concise and effective manner to different audiences orally and in writing Excellent capacity to engage with debates, processes, actors and institutions in the sustainable development arena and to influence agendas and achieve impact. First-class technical, analytical and conceptual skills. Excellent organisational skills for self and multidisciplinary multicultural teams Excellent management skills: Projects: extensive project management experience. People: ability to coordinate, support, motivate, energise and develop individuals and teams. Commitment to mentoring and team working. Budgets: experience of large and complex budget management and reporting. M&E: experience of establishing M&E systems and effective quality control for complex work programmes and teams. Working knowledge of another relevant international language 4

5 Excellent knowledge of office software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, software, databases and communications). 5

6 Behavioural competencies Competency Description Level required Communicating with The ability to influence, negotiate, build awareness impact and create credibility with others through the use of clear and effective communication Delivering excellence A concern for delivering high quality work and improving performance. Consistently looks for ways to add value to colleagues, partners and stakeholders Developing others Invests time and energy in fostering the long-term learning and development of others. This can involve the provision of practical advice, support, feedback or training to support development Empathy An ability and desire to understand individuals, 2 how they feel, their thinking and what drives their behaviour Flexible thinking The ability to understand and appreciate issues 2 from a wide range of perspectives and adapt one s thinking and approach based on this understanding Information seeking A curiosity to find out more about people, concepts and issues. Asks questions to clarify understanding, conducts research or scans the environment for information that may be of future use Initiative Thinks ahead and takes decisive action to make Integrity and commitment Leading others Understanding contexts Working collaboratively the most of opportunities and avoid future issues Demonstrates a commitment to the values of IIED and acts in the best interest of the organisation and its partners / stakeholders Leads own team and the wider organisation, through providing clarity, energy, decisiveness and long-term direction An ability to understand the organisational, political and cultural context within IIED and across other organisations / political bodies A desire to work cooperatively with others to maximise the effectiveness of IIED, build knowledge and understanding and minimise duplication of effort