Professor (0,4 FTE) Spatial Resilience for Disaster Risk Reduction
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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network that reaches 150 million people through 190 National Societies through the work of over 17 million volunteers. The IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. The IRFC does so without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. While it is known for disaster relief and response, a substantial part of the activities is in disaster risk reduction. These activities have three main focus areas: to strengthen the preparedness and capacities of national societies so that they are in a better position to respond when a disaster occurs; to promote activities and actions that mitigate the adverse effects of hazards; and to protect development projects such as health facilities and water infrastructure from the impact of disasters. In the Netherlands, the Red Cross Princess Margriet Fund (RCPMF), of the Netherlands Red Cross was established in 2012, with a focus on Disaster Prevention, by increasing resilience of communities in the context of disasters and crises, while taking account of the related impact of climate.
The ITC Faculty of the University of Twente is recognized worldwide for achievements in education, research and capacity development in the field of geo-information science and Earth observation. In the ITC MSc and PhD programs, international students from over 170 countries are educated to be professionals, capable of acquiring knowledge and translating this into practical applications for solving real-world problems. The research and capacity development activities of ITC align with the Millennium Development Goals, notably Zero Hunger, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Life on Land, Clean Water and Sanitation and Climate Action. The Disaster Risk Reduction research at ITC is closely linked to the Sendai Framework for DRR and includes several research chairs in the fields of Natural Hazard and Disaster Risk Management, Post Disaster Reconstruction and Spatial Planning and Governance for risk reduction.
The ‘Princess Margriet’ chair with a focus on Spatial Resilience for Disaster Risk Reduction would be an excellent opportunity to combine forces to make a difference.
Job description
The proposed Chair will Initiate, coordinate and execute research in rural and/or urban resilience for disaster prevention and preparedness, specifically related to climate change. You focus on spatial relations between stakeholder groups, and stakeholders and their environment. You aim to develop innovative methods to increase resilience that are directly useful to a humanitarian organisation such as the Netherlands Red Cross and help reduce the impact of disasters. You help develop a holistic, long-term view of resilience in synergy with the Disaster Risk Reduction research and capacity building at ITC. You have experience in developing countries, and you are motivated to translate your research into education and capacity development. You will work closely with the staff, graduate and postgraduate students of the ESA department and Netherlands Red Cross, specifically with the Red Cross Princess Margriet Fund.
The specific tasks are:
- Strengthen the effectiveness of resilience programmes of the Netherlands Red Cross and create innovative ways of thinking about resilience.
- Translate risk information into resilience strategies and create innovative ways to reduce the risk for different stakeholder groups in an integrated and sustainable way, taking into account effects of climate change.
- Take a lead role in international academic and policy discussions on vision and strategy for resilience in humanitarian aid context.
- Strengthen the link between the UT and the Red Cross.
Your profile
- You must hold a PhD in a field that relates to sustainable development, resilience and/or disaster management.
- Your international network shows a strong affinity with humanitarian organisations, disaster prevention and response, and you are driven by the use of science for society.
- You must have extensive experience in geospatial sciences.
- You must have a clear vision on the role of scientific, interdisciplinary research for resilience processes in a developing world context, and have a successful track record for initiating and securing funding for research activities.
- You must also have demonstrated skills as an enthusiastic and creative teacher and coach to guide and supervise young researchers and students.
- Affinity with the education, training and capacity development related mission of ITC is a pre-requisite.
Information and application
Additional information regarding the position can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Ir. A. Veldkamp (e-mail: a.veldkamp@utwente.nl). You are also invited to visit our homepage.
Please submit your application before 20 August 2018 (choose “apply now” below). Your application has to include (i) a motivation letter clearly stating how you meet the selection criteria and also outlining your research and teaching interests and (ii) a detailed CV with references.
A public guest lecture to the ITC-staff will be part of the selection. A development assessment could be part of the selection also.
Our offer
We offer an inspiring and challenging international environment. You will be initially employed for five years. Prolongation after this period is a possibility.
- Gross monthly salary between € 5.334.- and € 7.766.- (fulltime) depending on experience and qualifications (job profile Professor level 2).
- A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
- Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
- A solid pension scheme
- Possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave
- Minimum of 41 holiday days in case of full-time employment
Evaluation: yearly and after five years: prolongation after mutual consent of the UT/ITC and the Netherlands Red Cross.