Senior Researcher for Low Carbon Strategies and Mitigation Actions in Africa

Technical University of Denmark - UNEP Risø Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development

The UNEP Risø Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development, which is an integral part of the Systems Analysis Division at Risø DTU, is looking for a senior researcher to work on activities related to energy and carbon finance with a focus on Africa.

The Centre has over the last 20 years become a leading international research and advisory centre on energy, climate and sustainable development. We work in close partnership with the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and have project activities in more than 50 developing countries. The Centre collaborates with a large number international and especially developing country government and research institutions. The successful candidate will join an international team of approx 40 professionals in an interdisciplinary work environment.

Job description
Within the framework of climate and development in developing countries the research area will relate to the "new" mitigation framework relating to Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and Low-carbon development strategies (LCDS). The envisaged tasks will be focused on enhancing the understanding of sustainable development mechanisms to further develop the global carbon market, which is crucial for the implementation of national and global climate policies. A specific emphasis for the position will be to contribute research that will deepen and widen the understanding of capacity development, institutional and political conditions in developing countries, as crucial conditions for integrating NAMAs into national strategies for low-carbon development and green growth.

The position will include teaching and course management, project participation and management of international, cross-disciplinary projects, often focused towards implementation of institutional capacity development in partner countries.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent within geography, international development studies, economics, political science or other relevant discipline with a focus on climate and development as well as academic qualifications equivalent to those obtained by holding a position as Researcher or Postdoc.

A track record of independent research within the area along with relevant experience in teaching and course management is a requirement. With the inter-disciplinary and multi-cultural work environment and large number of project activities in developing countries the successful candidate should have significant work experience from developing countries covering preferably both natural and social sciences. Knowledge of international climate negotiations and the new NAMA and LCDS directions will be an advantage.

Experience in project management, planning and implementation in a developing country context is a prerequisite and longer-term field work in developing countries, particularly Africa, is an advantage. The working language at the Centre is English.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to:

• scientific production and research potential at international level
• innovative skills and the ability to generate new ideas
• the ability to communicate at all levels such as the provision of scientific advice to public sector authorities
• experience in teaching and education
• the ability to promote and utilize research results
• an all-round experience basis, preferably including international experience
• the ability to contribute to development of the department's internal and external cooperation

Application
The online application must be received no later than 6 October 2011. Apply online at www.dtu.dk/career

Further information
Further information about Centre activities is available on uneprisoe.org.