About the position

The Multifunctional Landscapes-Low Emission Food Systems research area is seeking 5 visiting researchers (master’s or PhD students) interested in conducting their internship or research stay with an international research organization and carrying out activities and responsibilities related to:

§     Trade-offs in sustainable land use systems in Colombia

This research aims to analyze the potential trade-offs and synergies among sustainable land use systems for cacao and livestock production in Colombia and their implications for the country’s biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development commitments. By synthesizing previously collected field data and integrating prior research studies from the region, this project will elucidate the trade-offs and synergies associated with the scaling of these smallholder land use systems.

§     Prioritizing indictors and metrics for national monitoring of biodiversity and climate change mitigation targets

Indicators play a pivotal role in tracking progress towards sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation goals. While global frameworks have identified an extensive list of indicators, operationalizing these indicators into on-the-ground projects while aligning with national priorities remains challenging. As national monitoring efforts are constrained by finite resources, prioritizing indicators that can monitor progress towards multiple national commitments is critical. Using Colombia as a case study, this research will explore how existing metrics and assessment frameworks for sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration align with the Global Biodiversity Framework targets and indicators and assess intersections with monitoring of Nationally Determined Contributions. We will explore the suitability of available tools and methodologies for assessment across scales, identify gaps, and provide insights to inform evidence-based decision-making and formulation of national monitoring plans.

§     Literature review on the divergence of climate security from environmental security: insights for climate peacebuilding

A literature review will be conducted to trace the evolution of climate security and environmental peacebuilding from their roots in environmental security, examining the contextual factors and key milestones that have shaped their emergence over time. The study aims to apply insights from climate security to the field of environmental peacebuilding, exploring how lessons learned from the former can inform and enhance strategies for fostering climate action in environments impacted by armed conflict. Through this interdisciplinary approach, we aspire to contribute novel perspectives and practical recommendations to the burgeoning field of climatic peacebuilding.

·         Literature review on non-market incentives toward low-emission development

This proposed research aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review of non-market incentives for sustainable commodity production to inform discussions surrounding non-market approaches under Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement. The study will explore the existing evidence on how various non-market incentives to effectively encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. By systematically evaluating the efficacy of these incentives, the research will provide actionable insights on creating policies and frameworks that align with international sustainability goals, highlighting best practices and challenges. Ultimately, this study will support decision-makers in crafting robust non-market approaches that promote low-emission development.

·         Chronological and thematic analysis on the evolution of the concept of Multifunctional landscapes

This study explores the historical development and contemporary applications of multifunctional landscapes. Through a combined chronological and thematic analysis, we will explore the roots of multifunctional landscapes, tracing their evolution from the concept of rural planning. This investigation is crucial for understanding how the concept has accommodated a wider range of objectives beyond just production, integrating ecological, social, political and economic considerations into the planning process.

·         Exploring blended finance approaches for sustainable (yet not profitable) land use systems

Sustainable land-use systems have been promoted in the global south as a solution to multiple environmental problems. However, despite good intentions, these systems are not always profitable for small-scale farmers, hindering their wider adoption. To unlock the full potential of sustainable land-use systems in reducing emissions and deforestation, we propose investigating the role of blended finance mechanisms as a fostering factor for increased adoption

The position will be based at the Hub of the Americas, located at the Palmira Campus in Colombia.

Responsibilities

•   Elaborate a bibliographic review related to research topics.
•   Support data processing and analysis.
•   Prepare a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
•   Prepare reports and progress reports.

Requirements

Education and requirements

•  Master’s or doctoral students in geography, biology, environmental science, sustainable development, public or environmental policy, economics, agricultural sciences, agronomy, conservation or related fields interested in doing an internship or research stay.
• Experience in environmental development, rural development, or related studies.
• Knowledge of public policy guidelines/design/management.
• Experience with research methods, data collection and analysis.
• Use of analytical or geographic information systems (GIS) software, such as R, Stata, ArcGIS/QGIS,
• Ability to write and prepare technical reports and scientific manuscripts.
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of tropical farming systems, preferably cacao or livestock systems.

Skills

• Good teamwork skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Time planning and organization.
• Ability to work autonomously and independently.
• Proactivity and critical thinking.
• Flexibility and adaptability to change.

Benefits

Terms of engagement

This call is global in scope and the contract will be a fixed term contract for a period of six (6) months, subject to a probationary period of two (2) months, with the possibility of renewal according to performance and availability of funds. The Alliance offers a multicultural and academic research environment and a monthly stipend according to the guidelines of the institution or project[1]. We are an institution that believes that diversity contributes to excellence, that advocates equal employment opportunities and, consequently, does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, age, marital status or other personal characteristics of its employees or candidates for positions.

We only accept applications from candidates enrolled in Master’s or Doctoral programs or recent graduates who have finished their programs within six months of the start of the research stay.

Applications

Applications should be sent via e-mail to [email protected] attaching your resume and cover letter containing information about your research project of interest and university studies. The subject of the e-mail should clearly indicate: “Application: Visiting Researcher – Multifunctional Landscapes – Low Emission Food System”

Application deadline: May 24, 2024.

Learn more about us at: www.bioversityinternational.org / www.ciat.cgiar.org / www.cgiar.org