Seeding Labs dedicated to help talented scientists in developing countries

Seeding Labs, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping talented scientists in the developing world conduct life-changing research, is now accepting applications for its Instrumental Access programme.

Through Instrumental Access, Seeding Labs connects university departments in low- and middle-income countries with high-quality surplus laboratory equipment provided by our donors. Participating departments are selected through a competitive application process. Participants select equipment from our available inventory to meet their needs, and Seeding Labs ships the equipment to the nearest or most convenient port.

Participation in Instrumental Access is economical, but not free. Participating departments pay a fee that helps to defray some of the costs of procuring, storing, handling, and shipping equipment as well as administering the program.

Participants are expected to use the equipment they receive from Seeding Labs for research and/or education and to share equipment with as many potential users as can feasibly be accommodated.   Proposals to use equipment for faculty research projects, graduate student theses or dissertations, classroom teaching, other educational purposes, or a combination of the above are welcome. We also encourage proposals to use equipment to build or enhance a core facility or resource that will be shared with other departments or institutions.

Eligibility: Applicants must be academic departments at a degree-granting institution of higher education located in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) as defined by the World Bank. Departments must have a need for equipment typically used by biology or chemistry labs. Individuals may not apply on their own. Unfortunately, we are also unable to partner with institutions located in the following countries at this time: Burma, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

Please see the Request for Applications for full program and application details. The deadline to apply is 15 July 2015.

2015 Request for Applications for Instrumental Access

 

Purpose:

This Request for Applications is for university departments in low- and middle-income countries seeking to participate in Instrumental Access, a Seeding Labs program that provides high-quality scientific equipment for research and education at an affordable price.

Program Description:

Seeding Labs is a US-based non-profit corporation dedicated to helping talented scientists in the developing world conduct life-changing research. For more information about Seeding Labs, please consult our website:  http://seedinglabs.org.

Instrumental Access aims to remove a key barrier to research and science teaching by making research equipment affordable to university departments in low- and middle-income countries.

The equipment available through Instrumental Access is donated to Seeding Labs from a variety of sources, including research institutions and manufacturers. We work with our donors to obtain high-quality equipment to meet the needs of our participants. Some items are new and others are gently used, but all items are fully functional at the time of donation. We do not accept broken or partially-functioning equipment.

Inventory fluctuates throughout the year as equipment donations are received by Seeding Labs and shipments to other participants are fulfilled. During the months immediately prior to shipment, participants are invited to select items from our available inventory. Selected items are packed into a 20-foot shipping container and sent to the nearest or most convenient port via ocean freight.

Participation in Instrumental Access is economical, but not free. Participants pay a fee that is adjusted to income level of the country in which the participating department is located (according to World Bank classifications) as follows:

Low-Income Country:   $18,000

Lower-Middle-Income Country: $25,500

Upper-Middle-Income Country: $32,000

The fee covers all services provided by Seeding Labs, including program administration, equipment warehousing, equipment packing, and ocean freight costs. Additional fees are possible if the equipment selected exceeds the program’s base guidelines for shipment size. Any costs associated with customs clearance and transportation of the equipment from the port of entry to the university are not included and are the responsibility of the participant.

We estimate the average total value of the items included in a shipment, if purchased new, would cost between $127,000 and $212,000. Ocean freight from the US typically would cost an additional $2000-$4000 per container. Sample shipments can be found on the Seeding Labs website.

Participants are expected to use the equipment they receive from Seeding Labs for research and/or education and to share equipment with as many potential users as can feasibly be accommodated. A concrete plan for use is required as part of the application process. Proposals to use equipment for faculty research projects, graduate student theses or dissertations, classroom teaching, other educational purposes, or a combination of the above are all welcome. We also encourage proposals to use equipment to build or enhance a core facility or resource that will be shared with other departments or institutions.

Acceptance into Instrumental Access is the beginning of an ongoing relationship with Seeding Labs. Participants will be expected to periodically submit reports on equipment use and resulting outcomes. Participants also gain access to the Seeding Labs network of scientists around the world and may be eligible to participate in additional Seeding Labs programs under development.

We expect to accept 15-17 new participants in 2015. Successful participants will be assigned to a target window during the 2016 and 2017 calendar years for equipment selection and shipping.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be academic departments at a degree-granting institution of higher education located in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) as defined by the World Bank at the time the application is submitted. Individuals may not apply on their own. Unfortunately, we are also unable to partner with institutions located in the following countries at this time: Burma, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

Because most of the equipment in our inventory is designed for biology and chemistry, applicant departments should specialize in a related discipline. However, exceptions can be made with pre-approval from Seeding Labs. If you would like to discuss whether your department qualifies, please contact us at: application@seedinglabs.org.

Process to Apply:

The 2015 Instrumental Access application form must be submitted via our online portal:  https://www.grantinterface.com/seedinglabs/Common/LogOn.aspx. Please use a current version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer when accessing this portal; use of other browsers may cause you to lose your application data.

The application requires applicants to describe the following:

• Why equipment is needed
• Existing facilities, personnel, and support environment at the applicant department
• Specific equipment needs
• Plans for coordination, distribution, and sharing of equipment
• Proposal to use equipment for education/training, research, and/or to build a core facility or shared resource

Letters of support from the university’s Vice-Chancellor or equivalent and two additional department faculty members are also required.

Applications are typically submitted by a department head, professor, or administrator on behalf of the department. Applications must be submitted in English.

Evaluation:

The Instrumental Access application process seeks to identify participants for whom access to equipment will unleash extraordinary potential. In particular, applications will be evaluated according to three criteria:

• Applicant’s need for equipment to accomplish specific research and education objectives
• Applicant’s potential for effective use of requested equipment
• Anticipated impact of equipment use

For More Information:

For full program details, visit:  http://seedinglabs.org/equipment/instrumental-access

Seeding Labs will hold two webinars for interested applicants. Webinar participation is not required but may be useful to orient applicants and answer questions. To access the webinar, follow these links on the date and time of the webinar:

• May 22 16:00 UTC/12:00 pm EDT: http://bit.ly/May22IA
• May 26 10:00 UTC/6:00 am EDT: http://bit.ly/May26IA

Please direct all inquiries regarding the program and application process to:application@seedinglabs.org

Important Dates

May 8: Online Application Portal Opens:https://www.grantinterface.com/seedinglabs/Common/LogOn.aspx
July 15, 21:00 UTC/5:00 pm EST: Deadline for Application Submissions
September 2015: Award Notifications Made

Please Share Your Thoughts:

We want to hear your opinions and suggestions about Instrumental Access and the application process! Whether you decide to apply or not, please consider responding to our anonymous feedback survey.

ARPPIS-DAAD doctoral scholarships

ARPPIS-DAAD doctoral scholarships available for study at icipe, Kenya

3­–year doctoral training in insect sciences for development

Deadline: 6^th June 2015

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Kenya, in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Programme and African university partners, requests applications for doctoral research scholarships in the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Sciences (ARPPIS).

icipe is an international scientific research institute, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya that works towards improving lives and livelihoods of people in Africa. The centre’s main objective is to research and develop alternative and environmentally-friendly pest and vector management strategies that are effective, selective, non-polluting, non-resistance inducing, and which are affordable to resource-limited rural and urban communities. icipe's mandate also extends to the conservation and use of the rich insect biodiversity found in Africa. icipe works in a holistic and integrated approach through a 4-H paradigm - Human, Animal, Plant and Environmental Health - with the aim of improving the overall health of communities in tropical Africa by addressing the interlinked problems of poverty, poor health, low agricultural productivity and degradation of the environment (for more information go to www.icipe.org).

DAAD is the German national agency for the support of international academic cooperation, and offers programs and funding for students, faculty, researchers and others in higher education. They also represent the German higher education system abroad, promoting Germany as an academic and research destination, and help build links between institutions around the world (for more information go to http://nairobi.daad.de/en/).

ARPPIS PhD Programme

Capacity building of individual researchers and institutions in Africa is an integral part of icipe’s research and development activities. icipe's Capacity Building Programme aims to promote the development and use of sustainable arthropod management technologies by enhancing the research and training capabilities of countries in Africa. ARPPIS is a partnership with African universities - with financial support from DAAD - offering three-year doctoral research scholarships aimed at preparing young researchers from Africa for regional leadership roles, as well as internationally competitive research careers, in arthropod-related sciences.

At icipe ARPPIS scholars are provided with excellent research conditions in an interdisciplinary environment within a structured, three-year training programme that includes research, training, and participation in scientific meetings and international conferences. Scholars conduct their research at icipe’s laboratories and field sites located in various agro-ecological zones.

• Twelve DAAD-ARPPIS PhD scholarships are available in 2015.
• Scholarships cover all costs of the PhD programme, including travel, living expenses, medical insurance, university fees, and research and training costs. Financial support for the scholarships is provided in part by DAAD and also by icipe.
• Successful candidates will carry out their research in selected projects at icipe (see Annex 1 for a list of Eligible Projects and specific applicant requirements).
• Successful candidates will develop a full proposal and register with an ARPPIS partner university in Africa after they commence their PhD programme at icipe.
• The PhD programme will commence in September 2015.

Eligibility criteria

• A national of any country in sub-Sahara Africa.
• A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum pass of second-class, upper division.
• A Master’s degree taken with both coursework and research in the field of natural sciences or other field relevant to the PhD project.
• The Master’s degree must have been completed less than six years ago at the time of application.
• Qualified female candidates and candidates from less privileged regions or groups as well as candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
• Qualified nationals of French- and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa are also encouraged to apply.
• Preference will be given to applicants with a maximum age of 36 years (men) or 40 years (women) by 31^st December 2015.
• Additional specific entrance requirements will be considered for admission, depending on the PhD project selected by the candidate (see Annex 1 for specific requirements).
• A good command of the English language (written & spoken).
• Completed application forms and accompanying supporting documents.

Deadline

Deadline for applications: 6^th June 2015. Any application received after this date will not be considered or acknowledged.

Application Procedure

Please note that there are two parts to the application: (1) an application to icipe, and (2) an application to DAAD.

1. Applicants must submit all the following documents to icipe by email to arppis2015@icipe.org (please submit the documents in English where possible):

• Fully completed ARPPIS PhD Scholarships – 2015 Application Form (Annex 2)
• Curriculum Vitae (please use the Europass Format: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu)
• Certified copies of official university certificates and transcripts, and any other professional or academic certificates
• Copy of a signed letter of nomination for the ARPPIS PhD Programme by the employer (if currently employed) or University where MSc was undertaken. The letter must be on institute letterhead.
• Copy of passport-style photograph (colour)
• Copy of National ID
• Copy of Passport (biodata page)

In case of any questions regarding the submission to icipe, kindly contact:

Ms. Lilian Igweta, Training Officer, Capacity Building and Institutional Development Programme, icipe, ligweta@icipe.org, Tel: +254 20 863 2272

2. The following documents must be sent to DAAD by email to applications@daadafrica.org

• All documents requested by icipe (see 1, above)
• The completed DAAD Application Form (Annex 3)
• All additional documents requested by the DAAD Information Sheet for Scholars (Annex 4)
• A signed copy of the DAAD Information Sheet for Scholars

In case of any questions regarding the submission to DAAD, kindly contact:

Mr. Bonface Nyagah, bonface@daadafrica.org or Ms. Inse Boehmig, boehmig@daadafrica.org

Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.

http://www.icipe.org/index.php/component/content/article/43-capacity-building-/937-daad-arppis-doctoral-scholarships-available-for-study-at-icipe-kenya.html

Ph.D. Fellowships under DAAD’s In-country

Call for Applications for Ph.D. Fellowships under DAAD’s In-country/In-region Fellowship Program

About the organization:

The World Agroforestry Centre (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry or ICRAF) is an independent research institution that generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes. The Centre uses its research to inform policies and practices that benefit the poor and the environment– through developing agroforestry and landscape management innovations, tools and policy recommendations, for increased food security and ecosystem health. ICRAF regards MS and PhD fellowships as important means of developing excellent research capacity in developing countries.

The Centre’s headquarters is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research and development activities are conducted in 33 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. ICRAF is supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and is a recipient of funding from over 50 different donors.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org

About DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), through its in-country/in-region fellowship initiative, is considering to fund Ph.D. Fellows who will conduct their Ph.D. studies in various aspects of agroforestry with ICRAF at its ongoing projects in East African offices (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania). For more information about DAAD in-country/in-region scholarships, please visit http://nairobi.daad.de/en/22515/index.html

ICRAF is thus inviting applications from qualified Ph.D. candidates against the following topics for the likely locations of research indicated against the topics:

Serial No.	Title (a brief description of the relevant ICRAF projects is in the file named: ICRAF project briefs)	Location	Required qualification: Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in:
1	Assessing temporal variation in terrestrial rainfall recycling within Africa using dendrochronological and isotopic techniques of analysis	Rwanda	Biology, Ecology or Forestry/Agroforestry  preferably with experience and skills in ecophysiology, dendrochronology, hydrology, and climate science
2	Investment models for agroforestry interventions in Eastern and Southern Africa: ex-ante appraisal of selected agroforestry value chains using business analysis techniques	Kenya	Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management or related field
3	Assessing governance systems and land and tree tenure for enhancing community resilience in agro-pastoral areas of Kenya/Tanzania	Kenya or Tanzania	Sociology/Anthropology/Political ecology
4	Development of a framework and methods for application of remote sensing in project based monitoring and impact assessment	Ethiopia	Impact Assessment/ M&E/ Remote Sensing/GIS
5	Dynamics of adoption of improved mango cultivars and its role towards food and nutrition security in Kenya in the face of climate change	Kenya	Horticulture or related fields

The fellowships comprise a stipendium, medical and accidental insurances, hosting costs at ICRAF, university registration and tuition fee, and research costs (for pertinent details, see the attached document Information Sheet for Scholars, 2015/2016). The actual details of fellowship may vary depending upon the agreed arrangements between DAAD and ICRAF. The scholars will need to register at one of ICRAF’s partner universities at the location of the project and commit to complete their Ph.D. degree within 3 years from the date of start of the fellowship.

Qualifications:

1. A completed Master’s degree in the indicated field obtained in 2009 or later from an accredited academic institution with above average results;
2. Full-time availability of the candidate for studies and research (part-time PhD candidates do not qualify for this call);
3. Being a national of Sub-Saharan Africa;
4. Excellent command of English language (demonstrated through a Master’s level thesis written and defended in English and IELTS/TOEFL scores or a proof of registration for one of these tests to be undertaken before June 7^th, 2015);
5. The applicants must be below 36 years of age.

Staff Members of Academic and/or Research Institutions are encouraged to apply but will require to produce a letter of release / approved study leave from their respective institutions.

Period of Fellowship

Earliest: Sept 2015 – August 2018 (initially for one year which can be extended annually depending on the performance). The dates may vary depending upon the contractual arrangements between ICRAF and DAAD, or with the academic institutions where candidates are registered.

Terms and conditions

1. The scholarship will initially be granted for one year and may be extended upon individual request and receipt of a complete application by using the provided forms and satisfactory performance;
2. In some instances, candidates may have to travel to other countries for data collection/ and or analysis, or for a placement in Germany
3. For the payment of stipendium, the selected candidates will be treated as locals for the locations of research (example: a Ugandan selected for work in Ethiopia. The difference in cost of living will not be considered in the stipend).
4. Any attempt to influence the short-listing or selection process at ICRAF or GIZ will lead to rejection of the applicant. 

Application

Female candidates and candidates from less privileged regions or groups as well as candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.  Please apply electronically by email to i.ingumba@cgiar.org with a copy toapplications@daadafrica.org by 31^st May, 2015. The essential documents required for applications are mentioned below. Applications received on or before  31^st May, 2015 (23:59 Nairobi time) will be considered. The applications received afterwards will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Before preparing applications for submissions, please read the guidance document titled “DAAD Guidelines for In Country_InRegion Scholarships_Eastern Africa_2015”

Documents to be submitted with applications:

1. A letter of motivation (2 pages or less explaining your motivation for the topic, the relevance of previous studies, experiences and skills to that of the proposed research as well as your view on how the proposed PhD will allow you contributing to the development of your society) (word document);
2. Filled and signed DAAD Application Form for In-Country/In-Region Scholarships
3. Signed curriculum vitae; please use the Europass CV template (http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu)
4. Signed copy of the attached DAAD Information Sheet for Students
5. Certified and scanned copies of all university degree certificates
6. Certified and scanned copies of all university transcripts
7. Original Ph.D. research proposal (Plagiarism will be checked!) and a detailed work plan (10 to 15 pages word document) describing the following:
   
   
   1. Abstract of proposal on one page (including research title, name of applicant and proposed university/faculty/ institute where the candidate intends to register or is already registered as a PhD candidate. The abstract should capture the essence and innovativeness of the proposal)
   2. Introduction, the development challenge that this research addresses or contributes to, scientific problem and knowledge gap articulation, and the objectives of the proposed research (up to 3 pages)
   3. Data requirements, research methods proposed to collect the data, and analytical techniques/tools/approaches (2-3 pages)
   4. Envisaged outputs and publication plan (1 page) with tentative titles of the proposed research articles
   5. Proposed Work Plan (activities, milestones, timelines/timeframe) (1 page)
   6. Required resources (costs, research assistance, etc) (1 page)
   7. Supervision plan (proposed academic institutions, faculty/department school, lab) (1 page)
   8. References (up to 2 pages)
8. Confirmation of the study leave from your employer, if employed.
9. IELTS/TOEFL Score cards or proof of registration for a test by June 7^th, 2015 (Scores can be submitted via email later if short-listed)

Please Note: All electronic files submitted should be named in such a way that the filename indicates what the document is and whose document (candidate’s name) it is.

(Example: UpdatedCV_Alexandar_Abacha.docx)

Note: only short listed candidates will be contacted.

http://worldagroforestry.org/learning/individual_learning/other_opportunities

MA in Global Studies

Call for Applications: Joint MA in Global Studies

Students of the Joint MA programme pose for photos at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa March 31, 2015 Are you interested in the impact of globalization on peace and security in Africa? Would you like to study globalization from a multidisciplinary perspectives while living it? Would you like to be part of an immersive cultural experience that takes you out of your comfort zone? The MA in Global Studies might be just the thing for you.  In collaboration with the Global and European Studies Institute at the University of Leipzig, the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) of the Addis Ababa University would now like to solicit applications to the MA in Global Studies. The joint MA in Global Studies is a two-year programme where students travel to Germany and Ethiopia as part of their studies. Click here to read a blog from Zekarias Sintayehu, an alumnus of the programme. For more information on the programme, please click HERE. The deadline for applications is 30th June 2015. The criteria for admission to the programme are: academic excellence (study results and quality of higher education institution) motivation, academic potential and recommendation letters match of previous degree with our master’s course work experience and professional qualification language skills Information about the programme and instructions on how to apply can be found here.  Please contact Solomon Hassen (solomon.h@ipss-addis.org) and Claudia Baumann (claudia.baumann@uni-leipzig.de) for more information about admission. Application and Admission Call for Applications 2015 Are you interested in the impact of globalisation on peace and security in Africa? Would you like to study globalisation from a multidisciplinary perspectives while living it? Would you like to be part of an immersive cultural experience that takes you out of your comfort zone? The MA in Global Studies might be just the thing for you.  In collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) of the Addis Ababa University the Global and European Studies Institute at the University of Leipzig, would now like to solicit applications to the MA in Global Studies. The joint MA in Global Studies is a two-year programme with three semsters in Addis Ababa and one in Leipzig. The deadline for applications is 30th June 2015. Who we are looking for We are looking for talented students who finished their first academic degree in social science, politicial science, history, international relations, law, humanities and economics with good or very good results. Students applying for this programme should have an interest in conflict prevention as well as peace and security. Our students are quick learners and distinguish themselves by displaying outstanding analytical skills and refined sensitivity towards conflictual topics. Students are guided by professors and staff, but venture out independently to explore new research avenues. Our students are from diverse backgrounds enganging in lively debates and approaching topics from different perspectives. They work together in groups and become cultural mediators with a high degree of mutual respect. Due to its unique composition of students this programme provides a learning environment which emphasizes jointness --the learning from and with each other. Admission Criteria 1. academic excellence (study results and quality of higher education institution) 2. motivation, academic potential and recommendation letters 3. match of previous degree with our master’s course 4. work experience and professional qualification 5. language skills Application Documents 1. application form (download above) 2. certified or original hard copy of high school leaving certificate 3. certified or original hard copy of university diplomas 4. certified or original hard copy of transcript of records 5. English test results if English is not your primary language of communication TOEFL (international): minimum score of 550 paper-based (or 213 computer-based or 80 internet-based). Please notice that the code number for the Master's course in Global Studies is: 4688. IELTS: minimum score of 6,5 CPE: Grades A, B, C (Certificate of Proficiency in English) CAE: Grades A, B (Certificate in Advanced English) UNIcert III Applicants who acquired a degree from a college or university where English is the language of instruction do not have to provide the above mentioned proficiency tests. 6. curriculum vitae (not longer than three pages) 7. letter of motivation 8. recommendation letter (optional but recommended) 9. copy of passport 10. two passport size pictures *Please note that a certified copy is not a normal copy, but is approved and stamped by an official office. A certification can be obtained from any authority that does hold an official seal (for example town halls, police, courts, rectories and notaries). gesi.sozphil.uni-leipzig.de/masters/ma-global-studies-peace-and-security-in-africa/application-and-admission/

LLM IN ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE LAW

LLM IN ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE LAW

Energy, environment and climate change are topics of increasing significance and concern in the 21st century. Dealing with their substantial and specific economic, societal and legal challenges increasingly requires specialized education. Recognizing the need for specialized legal education, the Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Energy, Environmental and Climate Change Law aims to provide for a thorough insight into the synergies between energy, environmental and climate change law. These areas of law are booming areas of legal practice and academic research due to the legal, economic, and societal importance of energy, environmental and climate change regulation. 

This Master of Laws is being offered on a collaborative basis by the Faculty of Laws of the University of Malta and theInstitute for Environmental and Energy Law (IEEL) of the University of Leuven. Years of undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, counseling, continuing education and publications in the area of energy, environmental and climate change law have given the faculty of law at the University of Malta and the Institute for Environmental and Energy Law (IEEL) of the University of Leuven renowned expertise and international recognition. Over the years a close collaboration resulted in joint research, joint publications and joint initiatives like the Malta Legal Forum on Adaptation to Climate Change and this Master’s degree programme now held in Malta.

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Energy, Environmental and Climate Change Law is unique in its approach. This programme provides for a thorough study of energy law, environmental law and climate change law from the point of view of international, European Union as well as comparative law, as regulation in these areas with strong roots in public law is increasingly driven by developments at the international and the European Union level. The list of the international teaching faculty can be found here. Apart from expert teaching, the programme consists of special seminars, an internship and a dissertation. The programme aims to deliver three key anchor points of legal resources: knowledge and know-how, skills (both verbally and written), and the professional approach and intuition required. More information on delivery can be found here. The one-year (three semester) programme will be offered again in 2015/6, commencing on 14th September.  

http://www.um.edu.mt/icp/lllm-energy-environmental-climate-change-law

PhD Scholarship Wageningen University on economic impacts of private forest investments in East Africa

PhD candidate economic impacts of private forest investments in East Africa

he Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group at Wageningen University seeks a PhD candidate for a project on the evaluation of the economic, social and environmental impacts of private sector investments in planted forests and associated industrial operations in East Africa. Private forest sector investments in East Africa are expected to lead to primary outputs in terms of enhanced plantation (i.e. forest management) and industrial operations, and the products thereof, and community development as a secondary output. These outputs are expected to create improved economic (positive impacts suppliers and customers, workers incomes, increased government revenues and a good return for shareholders), social (improved worker's living conditions, safer and healthier working conditions, employment, good stakeholder relations and other social outcomes) and environmental outcomes (climate change mitigation/carbon sink).

In this project, data will be collected through household and worker surveys and through interviews with customers and suppliers. Secondary data on environmental, social and economic parameters will also be included in the analysis. The quantitative data will subsequently be analysed using econometric and qualitative techniques for impact evaluation. The project is for 5.5 years, during which the PhD candidate will visit three regions in two countries in East Africa two times each (baseline measurements and impact study).

Within the project, the candidate's main tasks are

• Refining research design; sample selection; preparation of questionnaires; collection of secondary data
• Field visits for two rounds of data collection in three regions in the two countries
• Data analysis and writing of reports

Project data will be used for writing publishable papers, culminating in a PhD thesis.
The project is joint with the Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group and the Environmental Economics and Natural Resources Group of Wageningen University.
 

As a PhD candidate in the Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group you are expected to:

- hold an MSc in agricultural/development/environmental economics or development studies (MSc students who are currently close to completion are invited to apply as well);
- have strong econometric skills;
- be fluent in written and spoken English;
- have excellent and demonstrable communication and writing skills.

Experience with field work in Africa and coordinating field work teams of enumerators is considered a strong asset. We are looking for a candidate who can start as soon as possible but no later than August 1, 2015.
 

The contract starts with a 0.7 FTE PhD appointment for a period of 18 months. Continuation of the 0.7 FTE appointment with another 48 months will be based on performance evaluation. Salary will increase from € 2125 in the first year up to € 2717 in the fourth year and later, based on a full-time appointment. Opportunities for additional sources of income can be discussed. We offer additional courses in relevant fields at the PhD level. Furthermore, we offer excellent secondary working conditions.

More information

Please apply by uploading your CV and letter of motivation no later than 17 May, 2015, at www.wageningenur.nl/en/Jobs/Vacancies.htm

For more information about the position, please contact prof. dr Justus Wesseler, head of the Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group, at justus.wesseler@wur.nl.

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.

Wageningen University is a leading international research and teaching organization in the area of life sciences. The main research focus of the Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group is the economic analysis of agriculture, food and rural areas. Special attention is given to:

- production, trade, processing and consumption of agricultural and food products
- the development of rural areas
- agricultural, rural and food policies
- institutional and organisational aspects of agriculture and rural areas.

More information about the Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group can be found at www.wageningenur.nl/AEP.
 

http://www.wageningenur.nl/en/Jobs/Vacancies/Show/PhD-candidate-economic-impacts-of-private-forest-investments-in-East-Africa.htm