Director, Mountain Societies Research Institute, Graduate School of Development
The Mountain Societies Research Institute
Established in 2011 the Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI) is a research institution dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities within Central Asian mountain communities and environments. In keeping with the mission of the University, all MSRI’s research and outreach is aimed at improving the quality of life of the residents of mountainous areas in Central Asia and elsewhere. Specifically, MSRI’s goal is to support and enhance the resilience and prosperity of mountain societies and their environments through the generation and application of sound scientific research. MSRI has particular strengths in five overlapping thematic areas which contribute to the GSD priorities in Climate Change, Resilience and Sustainable Development:
- Sustainable natural resources management, including food security;
- Land degradation and recovery trajectories;
- Natural hazards (e.g., landslides, debris flows, snow avalanches, droughts, glacial hazards), associated disaster mitigation and humanitarian relief
- Water issues with focus on cryosphere processes.
- Social dynamics, including migration and transboundary issues.
MSRI aims to be recognized as the leading mountain research institute in the region and works closely with faculty from the Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) Programme of UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences. The MSRI Directorship may take the form of a joint appointment with EES.
The Position
The MSRI Director will build on and complement UCA’s current research vision and commitments in Central Asia, lead the research agenda by strategically guiding and supporting the research team, and strengthen and develop new research consistent with MSRI’s and the University’s vision. In addition to leading grant writing and project implementation, the Director will provide leadership and mentorship to the circa 15 permanent members of the MSRI team, and will help develop graduate programs in GSD, working closely with the GSD Dean. MSRI primarily conducts applied scientific research and works closely with development counterparts to implement these findings. MSRI also distributes knowledge through executive education programs, short courses, and training sessions for practitioners and professionals, and contributes to the development of sustainable policies and practices in the region. Research and outreach activities are supported by a variety of donors and partnerships with multiple institutions.
MSRI’s head office is based on the UCA Khorog campus in Tajikistan, with a substantial research team presence in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The Director will primarily be based in Khorog with travel to the Bishkek office, and elsewhere, as required.
Qualifications
- PhD in earth and environmental sciences, natural resource management, physical geography, or a related field
- Demonstrable interest in research related to mountain societies and the priorities of MSRI;
- A clear track record of excellent scholarly publications;
- Experience of management and leadership in a higher education or related setting;
- Successful track record of raising external funding;
- A strong network among academic, development, and donor organizations;
- Experience in networking and knowledge dissemination;
- Flexibility and ability to work and manage in a remote location and a challenging environment.
- Fluency in English (working knowledge of Russian and/or a Central Asian language is beneficial but not essential).
Candidates from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to kh.recruitment@ucentralasia.org . Please write “MSRI Director” as the subject when sending your application by email.
To discuss the position informally please contact the Dean of the Graduate School of Development, Professor Christopher J Gerry - christopher.gerry@ucentralasia.org
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.