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dam-l WCD Vacancies Announcement
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORLD COMMISSION ON DAMS
SECRETARIAT/CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA
The World Commission on Dams (WCD) has been established under the auspices
of the World Bank, IUCN - The World Conservation Union, and a wide range
of stakeholders from Governments, NGOs and the private sector. It is an
independent Commission with a two-year mandate to review the development
effectiveness of large dams and develop criteria and guidelines for future
decision making on dams.
Prof. Kader Asmal, Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry of the Republic
of South Africa, has been appointed Chair of the Commission and he is
joined by eleven other distinguished individuals who together with the
Secretary General form the full Commission.
The Secretariat of WCD is located in Cape Town, South Africa. A
Secretary-General has been appointed to head the Secretariat. The
Secretariat will employ up to 12 technical/professional staff for a
two-year period (July 1998 - July 2000), to support the Members of the
Commission in discharging their mandate. A limited number of fellowships
and internships will be offered to suitable candidates.
DESCRIPTION OF POSITIONS
The Secretariat structure will reflect the major outputs to be completed by
the WCD. They can be divided into four major groups:
* Global review of development effectiveness
* Framework of methodologies and tools for options assessment and
institutional decision-making.
* Criteria and guidelines for future decision making
* Stakeholder consultations, outreach and communication
The Secretariat staff will work as a "flexible team" with varying
assignments and tasks as defined in the work programme. However, specific
"core responsibilities" will be associated with specific positions.
A Senior Advisor/Team Leader will be appointed for each of the four outputs
listed above. Her/his responsibility will be to conceptualise, manage and
synthesise the research, assessment, consultative and analytical inputs
necessary to achieve the particular output. S/he will be expected to do so
by working under the guidance of the Commissioners and the Secretary
General as well as drawing on the expertise of Secretariat staff, external
consultants, institutional partners and a wide range of stakeholders.
Given the inter-disciplinary nature of the first three outputs and the
"team based approach" of the Secretariat these three team leader positions
will require individuals with the following qualifications:
* Academic and professional background in one or more of the
following fields: water/energy resources planning and policy; engineering,
economics, environment, social policy/participatory planning.
* In addition to the "core expertise", a demonstrated ability and
professional track record in addressing issues in other disciplines related
to large dams planning and operation.
* Practical experience with a range of large dams in at least two
different regions of the world.
* An understanding of the varying perspectives of different
stakeholders in the dams debate - namely, Government, private sector and
NGOs/affected peoples as well as international financing institutions.
For the fourth team leader position - "stakeholder consultation, outreach
and communications"- practical experience with all of the above will be
considered an asset. However, primary consideration in reviewing
applicants will be given to:
* A demonstrated track record in multi-stakeholder processes and
public consultations.
* Extensive experience in the field of communications, including
international media and PR activities.
* A thorough understanding of the dams debate and the perspectives of
all stakeholders.
An additional six senior advisor and technical advisor positions will be
filled. These positions will provide the Secretariat will expertise in the
following areas:
* Environmental assessment methodologies and guidelines
* Ecosystem and riverbasin management
* Economic and financial analysis
* Social policy, participatory approaches, resettlement and affected
peoples' perspectives
* Civil engineering, dams design and safety issues
* Energy and water resources planning and policy approaches
* Communications, media and outreach
A limited number of fellowships/internships will be offered to highly
motivated individuals with limited practical professional experience.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
The Secretariat seeks to employ individuals with a wide range of technical
and professional and institutional backgrounds. General selection criteria
will include:
* Postgraduate qualifications in one of the relevant subject areas.
* Practical experience related to dams and the international "dams
debate".
* A commitment to participatory approaches and demonstrated
experience with multi-stakeholder consultation and processes.
* Proven ability to conceptualise complex research topics and policy
issues.
* Strong analytical skills as well as an ability to synthesize and
develop policy oriented recommendations.
* Experience in working with/managing interdisciplinary teams and
institutional partnerships.
* A willingness to travel extensively and work under pressure with
tight deadlines.
In addition, the candidates will be expected to show a high level of
proficiency in English and sound knowledge of at least one other major
international language.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The World Commission on Dams will offer contracts for a period of up to two
years. Successful candidates will be expected to take up their positions
as soon as possible, but no later than 15th August 1998.
The WCD will offer a competitive remuneration package, including relocation
allowance, health insurance, housing allowance and pension contribution.
Fellows and Interns will be offered a stipend.
Applications (letter of application, CV and names of three referees with
fax/phone details) should be sent to:
Achim Steiner
Secretary General
World Commission on Dams
P.O.Box 16002
58 Loop Street
Vlaeberg, Cape Town
8018 South Africa
Tel: ++27 21 426 4000
Fax: ++27 21 426 0036
Email: info@dams.org