STEPS Centre Summer School 2016 16-27 May 2016 at the Institute of Development Studies in Brighton, UK The STEPS Centre Summer School aims to bring together an exceptional group of people who are exploring ideas and research methodologies for pathways to sustainability. Through a mix of lectures, walks, discussions and public events, participants will challenge the STEPS team and each other on questions of science, society and development. Who should apply? Applications are invited from highly-motivated doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, working in fields around development studies, science and technology studies, innovation and policy studies, and across agricultural, health, water or energy [...]

SARChI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2016-2017) DST/NRF SARChI Research Chair in The Sociology of Land, Environment and Sustainable Development Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology Stellenbosch University, South Africa A postdoctoral fellowship, tenable for two years, is attached to the SARChI Chair in the Sociology of Land, Environment and Sustainable Development, recently awarded to Prof Cherryl Walker at Stellenbosch University. Applications are invited from suitably qualified researchers who are keen to contribute to this new research programme through an individually designed research and publication programme as well as their active participation in the work of the broader research team. Scope of [...]

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS VACANCY:  SCIENTIST (ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL SCIENCE) PATERSON GRADING D3 SCIENTIFIC SERVICES, RONDEVLEI, GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK   Closing date:  14 October 2015   A vacancy exists in the Conservation Services Division in the Scientific Services Unit, based at Rondevlei in Garden Route National Park, for a Scientist (Environmental Social Science). The successful candidate will be expected to conduct monitoring and research on interrelations between humans and both marine and natural terrestial environments. The Garden Route National Park, which includes the former Tsitsikamma and Wilderness Parks, and Knysna Estuary, will be the primary area of responsibility.   Key [...]

The SARChI Chair in Interdisciplinary Science in Land and Natural Resource Use for Sustainable Livelihoods in the Department of Environmental Science at Rhodes University is currently held by Professor Charlie Shackleton. The focus of the Chair’s is interdisciplinary research into understandings of natural resources in rural and urban livelihoods for poverty alleviation. Applications are currently open for one post-doctoral position, one PhD and three Masters candidates. These opportunities are ideal for natural, social and economic scientists interested in research on the ecology, use, trade and management of biological natural resources in rural and urban settings drawing upon a social-ecological systems [...]

2016 Mäler Scholarship in Environmental Economics The Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics (www.beijer.kva.se) is pleased to announce a new round of the Mäler Scholar competition. The institute is an international center of excellence at the interface of ecology and economics. It is based in the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden and has a small staff of researchers who work on a variety of ecological-economics issues. The institute is now accepting applications from researchers who are interested in spending up to 6 months at the institute during January 2016– June 2016 or August 2016 – December 2016. The [...]

SUSPLACE is a Marie Curie Actions Initial Training Network funded by the European Commission that will kick-off October 1, 2015. SUSPLACE aims to train 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESR) in innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to study sustainable place-shaping practices. These 15 ESR positions at six universities are now open for application till October 1, 2015. See the list of the 15 individual research projects and host universities below. The SUSPLACE approach will provide insight into how to utilize the full potential of places and communities for development and help to build capacities of people to engage in place-shaping processes and thus strengthen connectivity [...]

Natural Resource Co-management Facilitator This fixed-term contract position has opened at the Association of Water and Rural Development (AWARD), an NGO based in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province. This position will form part of the AWARD team within the USAID RESILIM-Olifants program, the purpose being to reduce vulnerability through building improved transboundary governance and management of the Olifants Catchment so as to enhance the resilience of its people and ecosystems through systemic and social learning approaches.  The post is based at AWARD’s office in Hoedspruit. This is a middle to senior management post which includes administrative responsibilities Job Purpose: To contribute to [...]

Abstract submission is now open for Urban Transitions 2016 which will take place 5-9 September 2016 in Shanghai. Cities are incredibly vibrant centres of innovation, education, employment and commerce. Today, more than half of the world population lives in urban areas, and each week, the urban population increases globally by 1.3 million. As we become a mainly urban species, we have significant challenges and exciting opportunities ahead of us, as we try to transition towards a more: Economically competitive urban future Sustainable and resilient urban future Equitable and inclusive urban society Digitally supported urban future Contributions are welcome to each [...]

The Sustainability Research Unit (www.nmmu.ac.za/sru) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University  (NMMU) has opportunities for post-graduate students at PhD and Master's level with a keen interest in transdisciplinary research at the interface between society, ecosystems and sustainability in the Garden Route. Examples of topics include: risk, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change;  incentives and motivations for ecosystem stewardship; collaborative management of watersheds; conceptualizing and modelling human-nature relationships; perceptions of ecosystem degradation and restoration; framings, mental models and mind-sets about nature; management decision making about natural resources, and especially the management of invasive species and / or water-linked ecosystems. Innovative proposals for [...]

ESPA (Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation) is seeking a dynamic and experienced specialist to support our global science and development programme. Leading in East and Southern African you’ll help ESPA build impact benefitting society, the environment and economy. You role will be to help connect to ESPA’s world-class research to create and influence change at all levels in this region. You will work with ESPA’s researchers and wider group of stakeholders influencing policy, and practice. You will be working as a key member of an international team at the forefront of research and development impact, connecting to and linking over [...]