Associate Research Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) was founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam. It is located in Trieste, Italy, and aims to provide scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills necessary for long and productive careers. The organization focuses on fostering international collaboration and scientific research, particularly in the fields of physics and related sciences. ICTP operates with a mission to promote the growth of scientific knowledge and capacity in developing countries, thereby contributing to the global scientific community and addressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Associate Research Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Research Scientist (Head of the STI Unit) and will be involved in two key projects: the UNEP-ICTP project 'TRACT', funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the UNESCO project 'FRIEND-NILE', funded by the Flemish UNESCO Science Trust Fund (FUST). The primary focus of these projects is to enhance environmental and water-resources monitoring through the deployment of low-cost weather stations and the use of IoT/wireless technologies. The role emphasizes capacity building for local technical and scientific staff in both the Maldives and Nile Basin countries. The incumbent will be responsible for managing project activities, conducting applied research, and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Research Officer include:

• Contributing to the TRACT project by supporting project Output 2, which involves strengthening observations, monitoring, modeling, and impact-based forecasting through the deployment of low-cost weather stations and related technologies in the Maldives.
• Supporting the FRIEND-NILE project by assisting in the deployment of monitoring equipment across selected Nile Basin countries, managing datasets, and piloting a Digital Twin for at least one sub-basin.
• Designing and delivering training workshops on IoT and wireless technologies for environmental monitoring, aimed at building local technical capacity.
• Managing project activities, including regular reporting and communication with stakeholders, and maintaining contacts with UNEP, national partners, and the UNESCO IHP AI Task Force.
• Documenting the technical details of all deployments and sharing this documentation with local stakeholders.
• Conducting applied research on the resilience and effectiveness of the deployed technical solutions and contributing to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields. Candidates should possess a strong foundation in technical and scientific principles relevant to environmental monitoring and water resources management. Additionally, proven abilities in coordinating technical platforms and ensuring operational management are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in programming languages such as Python or JavaScript, with hands-on experience in data automation, geospatial analysis, and database management. Experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement is also crucial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Physics, Engineering, or Computer Science. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the projects and fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Experience:
At least one year of relevant experience is required, particularly within the context of environmental or water resources management. Experience in an international environment and working in a multidisciplinary research setting is preferred, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of the projects and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it facilitates communication with stakeholders in the regions where the projects are implemented.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of one year. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 56,151 EUR, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. The selection process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. Candidates are required to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications during the interview process.