PhD Researcher for Niger case study

The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security offers a PhD scholarship (Niger Case Study) within the CLICO (Climate Change, Hydro-Conflicts and Human Security) project.
This position belongs to the UNU-EHS Section on Vulnerability Assessment, Risk Management and Adaptive Planning in close collaboration with other sections at UNU-EHS.

Under the authority and supervision of the Director of UNU-EHS / Vice-Rector in Europe, the successful candidate will carry out research linked to the Niger case study area. He/she will:
-Investigate the existing and foreseen impacts of climate change on coupled socioecological systems in the Agadez (Northern Niger) and Tillabéri (Southern Niger) regions and the potential links to existing or future conflicts linked to degraded water resources. The results of the research will be instrumental to produce a “hydrosecurity” profile of the region of concern.
-An important part of the work will consist in field work in Niger to
1. collect quantitative data of both sub-systems for vulnerability and adaptive capacity assessment,
2. conduct historical analysis (using archives or secondary literature), and
3. conduct stakeholder analysis and personal/group participatory interviews for identification of vulnerabilities / explanation of conflicts.
-Contribute to the development of a project-wide integrated theory on threats to security from climate change impacts on hydrological systems concentrating particularly on the concept of vulnerability.

Required qualifications and competencies:

-Upper class MSc (or equivalent) in Geography, Environmental Sciences or Social Sciences but with good knowledge of water-related issues;
-Strong research and analytical skills;
-Excellent command of oral and written English;
-Good command of French;
-Willingness to conduct field research in remote areas of Niger in challenging environments;
-Strong interpersonal skills;
-Good leadership and team spirit;
-Proven interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multiethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Desirable experience and competencies:

Previous field work in sub-Saharan Africa.