Professor, Maritime and Ocean Socioecology (Nippon Foundation Chair)

Organizational Unit: Faculty

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

 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 (Provost) for the coordination and delivery of teaching, research and MSc/PhD student supervision. 

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 (Provost), 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 (social and environmental sustainability, occupational safety and health (OSH) in maritime and fishing communities, 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, Professional Development Courses (PDCs), and capacity-development 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-development, research and consultancy);
• Supervising research staff, visiting professors, and related support staff;
• Supporting WMU’s activities and undertaking other duties, as required. 

EDUCATION

Essential 

• PhD in social science, environmental science, or other discipline relevant to maritime and ocean affairs. 

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 development and international cooperation in developing countries and experience of working with maritime and fisheries stakeholders;
• Evidence of working and cooperation with international organizations related to maritime and ocean affairs;
• Proven experience in building/managing teams of researchers and faculty members;
• Record of cooperation and collaboration with other organizational partners;
• Evidence of having successfully worked in a diverse and inclusive work environment. 

Desirable

• Professional experience in shipping, fishing or other aspects of maritime/oceans management;
• Expertise in safety at sea, social protection and human factors in maritime and fisheries;
• Experience 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 social and environmental sustainability of the maritime, fisheries and ocean domains and interest to apply interdisciplinary thinking in teaching and research;
• Knowledge of international legal instruments, especially those from IMO, ILO, FAO and WHO related to shipping and fishing;
• Knowledge of States’ duties in marine environmental and social protection as flag State, port State and coastal State;
• Ability to assess compliance, monitoring and enforcement challenges in shipping and fisheries
• Knowledge of the links between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and marine environment and social protection;
• Proven track record in academic outputs in international maritime and ocean affairs;
• 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 social and environmental sustainability in maritime and/or fisheries;
• Diversified working experience, especially at the international level;
• Computer literacy and awareness of current academic issues in IT such as artificial intelligence;
• 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. See https://www.wmu.se/about/careers for WMU’s recruitment diversity statement. Applicants 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: 1 December 2024

Planned starting date: 1 April 2025