Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory at The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago

by EES Social Media Fellow
The Director will be responsible for the efficient and effective running of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and for reporting on the status of the volcanic activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano in a regular and timely manner to the appropriate authorities, as defined by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory Act (Cap. 10.11) of the Laws of Montserrat. He/she will have overall responsibility for the health and safety of the staff of the MVO during the performance of their duties.

Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate must possess a PhD in a volcanological related subject (e.g. Earth Science, Volcanology, Seismology, Geophysics).

Candidates should also have:

  • Extensive experience as a practicing earth scientist in geoscience projects or an equivalent professional background, a considerable amount of which should be at the project management level
  • Special expertise in Financial, Human Resources and Project Management Leadership, Communication and Strategic thinking
  • Experience as a practising earth scientist in geoscience projects
  • Experience in outreach programs

Experience in management of scientific organisations, residential experience at a volcano observatory or an institute similar to the SRC and experience in interacting with civilian authorities will be assets.

Special Responsibilities

  • Ensuring the efficient collection and analysis of the data necessary to monitor the status of the Soufriere Hills Volcano
  • Assigning duties amongst the scientific, technical and administrative staff and assuring the quality of their work
  • Maintaining and developing collaborative links with regional and extra-regional centres of expertise in Seismology and Volcanology and other disciplines relevant to monitoring the volcano
  • Ensuring that a programme of public education is formulated and carried out
  • Ensuring the efficient use of MVO resources and making recommendations on purchase of equipment and spares to facilitate the primary mission of the Observatory
  • Attending meetings of the National Disaster Preparedness Response Advisory Committee (NDPRAC) in order to provide advice related to volcanic activity
  • Ensuring that any advisory statement issued from the observatory represents the best consensus of the scientific/technical staff of the observatory and where possible, other authorised collaborators.
  • Ensuring that all reports (currently consisting of weekly reports, comprehensive quarterly administration and scientific reports, and an annual report) are disseminated on time to the relevant designated authorities and public in a timely manner
  • Providing required advice and information to the Board of Directors and Board of Operations (see further particulars)

Personal Attributes
The Centre places high priority on individuals of integrity who can work well in a team and student friendly environment. Candidates should also possess good communication and interpersonal skills. A good command of both oral and written English is essential. Candidates must also:

  • Be calm, sensible, honest, flexible, determined, motivational, inspiring, enthusiastic
  • Have good work ethic
  • Possess knowledge of volcano monitoring techniques
  • Be flexible with the ability to motivate and build a team
  • Have strong leadership skills and be able to think strategically

The appointment is for a fixed term ending no later than 2021 September 30.

Detailed application and full curriculum vitae should be sent to the Campus Registrar, c/o HR Division (Appointments Section),
Main Administration Building, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. via e-mail: HRApplications@sta.uwi.edu. Three (3) referees (one of whom should be from your present organization) must be indicated. Application forms may be obtained at http://www.sta.uwi.edu in the Faculty & Staff, Staff Vacancies section. Further particulars including remuneration package may also be obtained at the above address. In order to expedite the appointment procedures,
applicants are advised to ask their referees to send their references under CONFIDENTIAL cover DIRECTLY to the Campus
Registrar at the above address without waiting to be contacted by the University.

Applications received after the deadline date will not be considered.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Postal Address:
Ms. Ayana Gloudon
Human Resources (Appointments)
The University of the West Indies – St. Augustine
The Campus Registrar
St. Augustine 00000
Trinidad and Tobago
Phone:
1 (868) 662-2002
Fax:
1 (868) 663-9684
Online App. Form:
http://sta.uwi.edu/jobs/procedure.asp
Email Address:
HRApplications@sta.uwi.edu
Extracted from The University of the West Indies’ Rules for Academic and Senior Administrative Staff:

PREAMBLE

The Charter of The University of the West Indies states:
“4. Men and women shall be eligible for……..appointment to any authority office or employment of or under the University.”

“5. (i) No religious, political or racial test shall be imposed on or required of any person in order to entitle him to be a member of the University or to occupy any position in or on the staff of the University.”

EQUAL TREATMENT FOR MEN AND WOMEN
There shall be no discrimination on the grounds of sex in regard to conditions of service.