Researcher in climate change with a focus on adaptation aspects of technology needs assessments

Background

The UNEP Risø Centre, which is part of the Systems Analysis Division at Risø DTU is looking for a researcher to participate in the Centre’s climate change adaptation activities with a focus on adaptation aspects of national technology needs assessments and technology action plans.

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

Job description 

The successful candidate will participate in UNEP Risø Centre’s international projects and analytical programmes with a particular focus on the following areas:

- Developing methodological guidance and building national capacity related to technology needs assessment and technology action plans for adaptation
- Methodology development and analyses related to vulnerability, adaptation and development in developing countries, including:

• Integrated analysis of vulnerability, adaptation and development issues
• Assessment of avoided damage costs and social costs and benefits of climate change adaptation under risk and uncertainty
• Frameworks for mainstreaming of adaptation in national, sectoral and local development plans and processes with a particular focus on agriculture, health, and energy
• Potential synergies and trade-offs between development, mitigation, and adaptation priorities at different spatial and temporal scales

Qualifications

- The position requires a degree in economics, agricultural economics or other relevant discipline at PhD or equivalent level and working experience within climate change and development, and relevant academic publications.

- Experience from international projects in developing countries, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, and demonstrated ability to initiate and implement new activities and projects in collaboration with international and developing country institutions is expected. Experience with the UN system is an advantage.

- Experience and insight regarding adaptation aspects of the international climate change negotiation process and emerging issues in connection with these, especially with respect to technology issues.

- 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
- The ability to promote and utilise research results
- An all-round experience basis, preferably including international experience
- The ability to contribute to further development of the Centre’s internal and external cooperation