Vacancy number: 03-200-03
Department of Water Engineering
Core: Hydraulic Engineering and River Basin Development
International Masters Programme Water Science and Engineering;
Specialization Hydraulic Engineering and River Basin Development
UNESCO-IHE
The mission of UNESCO-IHE is to contribute to the post graduate education and training of
capable professionals, carry out research and build the capacity of knowledge centres and other
organizations in the fields of water, environment and infrastructure in developing countries and
countries in transition. The Water Engineering Department provides post-graduate education and
training to professionals in the fields of hydrology, hydraulic engineering, coastal engineering
and land and water development and carries out research and capacity building projects in these
areas. The focus of the work of the department is towards applied science and hydraulic
engineering. UNESCO-IHE is operating in partnership with many institutions around the world
with the aim to advance education, research and training on solutions for the interconnected
issues of water management, sustainable development, poverty reduction and ecosystem
protection. For the Water Engineering Department of UNESCO-IHE we are looking for
candidates for the position of:
Professor of Hydraulic Engineering and River Basin Development
UNESCO-IHE is looking for a professor in Hydraulic Engineering with a keen interest and
experience in river engineering in light of integrated river basin development and management.
International applicants have a proven background in the fundamental aspects of hydraulic and
river engineering (hydrology and hydraulics, morphology, soil and structural mechanics,
engineering geology) and the capacity to link this knowledge with relevant fields of applied
science (hydraulic structures and river training works, engineering of dams and intakes) and
management (integrated river basin management, environmental impact assessment, flood and
drought management). The candidates for this full-time chair have an academic degree in Civil
Engineering with a relevant PhD degree.
Responsibilities
The professor is expected to lead the “Hydraulic Engineering and River Basin Development”
Core in different activities related to education, research and capacity building projects within the
international field and context of operation of UNESCO-IHE. Preference is given to candidates
with a broad field of academic and practical experience in the mentioned areas, who are able to
integrate hydraulic engineering into the wider social, economic and environmental context of
river basins. The professor should be able to develop or master a network for acquisition of
education and research projects in an international context. Apart from that he/she will manage a
group of 6-8 staff members with possibly 2-3 PhD students.
More specifically the job will require:
 Take the academic responsibility (content and continuity) for postgraduate education in the
field of Hydraulic Engineering and River Basin Development; develop new and innovative
knowledge by initiating and establishing research lines in relevant and up to date hydraulic
engineering topics;
 Initiate, execute and guide scientific research; supervise PhD and MSc research;
 Secure education, research and project funding;
 Develop and establish close links with other institutions, universities and organisations
working in the specified fields both world wide and in the Netherlands.
The candidate should have the capacity to fulfil the requirements for the extraordinary
professorship at the Delft University of Technology (DUT).
The candidate is expected to foster academic and professional relations between UNESCO-IHE
and the DUT, in particular regarding the collaboration between UNESCO-IHE and the Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences.
Qualifications
The candidate is expected to answer to the following qualifications:
 Proven long term professional experience in hydraulic engineering as for instance
comprehensive planning and design, consulting services and construction supervision and
research and development work for hydraulic structures;
 Show a clear vision on the role and importance of hydraulic engineering within an integrated
river basin development context including understanding of issues such as future global
population growth, economic growth, climate change and environmental development
expectations;
 Hold a degree in Civil Engineering with a PhD in a relevant field of speciality from an
accredited university;
 A record of papers in reputed, peer reviewed, scientific journals;
 Able to combine academic and practical experiences for capacity building and research
applications;
 Worked in hydraulic engineering and river basin development for at least 10-15 years;
 Have teaching experience at universities on postgraduate level and with proven update
didactic qualifications and qualities; good teacher and team worker;
 Have experience and have worked in a multicultural environment; participated in teaching,
research and projects activities undertaken in developing countries and countries in transition;
preferably have worked abroad for a number of years;
 Have a broad network and active connection to relevant scientific research and consultancy in
Hydraulic Engineering and Integrated River Basin Development organisations and
associations in both developed and developing countries and countries in transition;
 Proven competency in project management and acquisition;
 Good command of English and preferably one additional international language such as
French or Spanish;
 Should preferably have good contacts within UNESCO-IHE partner countries and institutions;
 Willingness to frequently travel and work abroad for short and medium term assignments;
 Be professorable (ability to promote PhD students on the basis of a solid scientific reputation
and status).
UNESCO-IHE and Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and
Geosciences (DUT, CiTG) have established a Memorandum of Understanding on collaboration
in international education and research for water management, water science and engineering.
Within this framework of this MoU it is the intention that the successful candidate for the
position of Professor of Hydraulic Engineering and River Basin Development at UNESCO-IHE
will also acquire the position of Extraordinary Professor at the DUT in the Faculty of Civil
Engineering and Geosciences.
Conditions of Employment
UNESCO-IHE is operating under the direct responsibility of an international governing board
assigned by UNESCO. UNESCO-IHE staff is contracted by the Netherlands registered IHE
Foundation. The position is based in Delft, the Netherlands. A competitive salary is offered
depending on qualifications and experience and in accordance with conditions of employment for
Dutch universities. The candidate would enter into the Netherlands Civil Service Pension Fund
(ABP) and be liable to the Dutch labour law system.
contact: n.douben@unesco-ihe.org
For more information on UNESCO-IHE visit: www.unesco-IHE.org
Deadline 15th June 2004