Professor, Maritime and Ocean Socioecology (Nippon Foundation Chair)

Organizational Unit: Faculty, Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration Specialization 

Grade: P4

Duty Station: Malmö, Sweden

Duration of contract: Initial two-year fixed-term appointment. Further renewals may be given subject to funding and satisfactory performance

1. ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING

The World Maritime University (WMU) is a postgraduate and research university established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. WMU offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Professional Development Courses (PDCs) with the highest standards in Maritime and Oceans education and training. WMU also has a highly respected research programme supported by specialized research groups across the Maritime and Ocean fields. The Professor position is located in the Faculty unit at WMU’s headquarters in Malmö, Sweden.

The Professor, Maritime and Ocean Socioecology (Nippon Foundation Chair), is responsible, under the supervision of the Vice-President (Academic Affairs) and Head of Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration Specialization, for the coordination and delivery of teaching, research and MSc/PhD student supervision in the Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration fields.

As a member of the faculty and professional staff at WMU, the incumbent will work to keep WMU positioned as an academic institution of excellence, help advance the institution and build its reputation in the relevant field of expertise.

Internal contacts – Incumbent liaises and interacts with all faculty members on a regular basis as well as with research and support staff as required.

External contacts – Incumbent liaises with scientific and industry communities, research organizations, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and engages with scientific journals and publishing entities.

The Professor is expected, under the supervision of the Vice-President (Academic Affairs) and Head of Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration Specialization, to be engaged in:

• Teaching, including engagement in the MSc teaching programmes in Malmö, and other locations as needed and assigned;
• Mentoring of PhD and MSc students and supervision of research theses/dissertations in the relevant fields (Maritime and fishing OSH, environment protection, regulations and governance);
• Coordinating and participating in student field studies;
• Scholarship in the form of publications in peer-reviewed journals, books, book chapters, etc.;
• Development of projects, submission of project proposals, and delivery of such projects;
• Presentation of research findings at professional conferences and meetings;
• Involvement in distance learning (e-learning) programmes, PDCs, and capacity-building courses as required;
• Service on WMU committees and work groups, and active participation in administrative, academic, and curriculum duties, including curriculum reform and delivery;
• Developing partnerships and coordinating with partner organizations – especially relevant UN institutions – for collaborative activities (e.g., capacity building, research);
• Supervising research staff, visiting professors, and related support staff;
• Supporting WMU’s activities and undertaking other duties, as required.

EDUCATION

Essential

• PhD in the area of social sciences, engineering, nautical sciences or environmental sciences, with particular expertise in environment regulations and maritime operations.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• A Minimum of 7 years’ experience in teaching at the postgraduate level;
• Evidence in attracting international research funding and leading major research projects related to Maritime and fishing sectors;
• Experience in capacity-building and international cooperation in developing countries and experience of working with Maritime and fisheries stakeholders;
• Evidence of cooperation with UN specialized agencies such as IMO, ILO, FAO or UNODC;
• Proven experience in building and managing teams of researchers and faculty members.

Desirable

• Professional experience in ship operation, shipbuilding, marine environment management or any relevant subsegment associated with shipping, fishing or ocean management;
• Expertise in biosecurity, air emission in relation to shipping and fishing sectors, safety at sea, labour law, and human factors;
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in teaching at the postgraduate level, preferably within the areas of marine environment and labour in connection with shipping and fishing sectors;
• Working with UN specialized agencies, particularly those related to the Maritime and fisheries domains (IMO, FAO, ILO, DOALOS, UNODC, etc.).

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Essential

• Excellent command of English both spoken and written.

Desirable

• Knowledge of another UN language would be an advantage.

Essential

• Conversant with environmental and social dimensions of the maritime, fisheries and Ocean domains and capacity to apply systems thinking in related research;
• Extensive knowledge of IMO instruments and other international instruments, especially those from ILO, FAO and WHO related to shipping and fishing;
• Knowledge of States’ duties in managing the marine environment as flag State, port State and coastal State;
• Ability to assess existing compliance, monitoring and enforcement challenges in shipping and fisheries
• Thorough knowledge of IMO, other UN institutions and International NGOs with Maritime and Ocean-related mandates, their aims, objectives and activities;
• Knowledge of the links between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and marine environmental protection;
• Commitment to academic excellence in an international Maritime and Ocean sectoral environment;
• Ability to conceptualize, design, plan and implement research work, including analysis and ability to lead effectively research work and guide and coordinate the work of the research team;
• The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour.

Desirable

• Good understanding of WMU and its mission, and strong commitment to the delivery of the highest practicable standards in pursuing its mandate;
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills and a track record of success in managing research and publications with a focus on the marine environmental protection field;
• Diversified working experience, especially at the international level;
• Computer literacy;
• The ability to enthuse and motivate and supervise research and support staff;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Team building and leadership skills.

Application

The position offers an attractive salary (P4 Grade of the ICSC salary scale), free of income tax in Sweden, a benefits package and relocation expenses. Applicants must fill in the Personal History Form, which can be found at https://www.wmu.se/docs/personal-history-form. Should send a letter of interest, a complete CV, and the contact information of three referees to Marco Batista, Head of Human Resources (mb@wmu.se).

Deadline for Applications: 21 March 2024

Planned starting date: 1 August 2024