Researcher (Ocean Governance), Potsdam, Germany

Closing date: Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies e.V.

The Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies e.V. (IASS) is an international, interdisciplinary research institute located in Potsdam, financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Federal State of Brandenburg. It is devoted to promoting science and research for global sustainability, particularly in the areas of climate change, the earth system and societal pathways to sustainability. Under the responsibility of IASS Executive Director Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer, we focus on the societal and political transformations that must take place if we are to achieve sustainability.

As a part of the institute's programme of work, the IASS established a research focus on Ocean Governance that seeks to identify pathways for transformative changes towards sustainability in the Ocean. The work on Ocean Governance is an integral part of IASS' inter- and transdisciplinary work in Sustainability Governance. In this field IASS is working closely with and advising governmental and intergovernmental institutions. Current research within the Ocean Governance Group includes:

• Advancing governance of areas beyond national jurisdiction
• Building a partnership for regional ocean governance
• Blue growth and ocean sustainability
• Transparency in high seas governance and deep sea mining
• Seas and soils in the nexus (land-ocean connections)

For more information, please have a look at: http://www.iass-potsdam.de/research-clusters/global- contract-sustainability/sustainability-governance/ocean-governance

To strengthen our Ocean Governance team, the IASS is currently seeking a Researcher (m/f) Ref-Nr. OGG-03.

The researcher will contribute to IASS' programme of work, in particular through the systematic analysis of governance approaches for sustainable marine resource management and how they can contribute to transformational responses to issues such as overfishing, pollution or unsustainable land/coast interactions. A focus will be given to moving away from sectoral management towards integrated approaches for seemingly competing interests for ocean and coastal resources such as food security or conservation.

Tasks:

• Develop a research agenda for sustainable marine resource governance, paying particular attention to the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda
• Contribute to a systematic analysis of the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Ocean and Coasts, through and by Germany
• Support the development of a partnership for regional ocean governance, in close cooperation with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and other project partners
• Establish and maintain cooperation with partners at national, European and global levels

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in a vibrant research environment in ocean governance research and sustainability science in general
• Excellent contacts to a range of national and international political and research organizations
• A dynamic, multicultural and interdisciplinary working environment
• The position will be remunerated in accordance with the German salary group TVöD 13 or, if suitable, as an IASS international fellowship (tax-free stipend).

Requirements:

• Relevant training: PhD in Resource Economy, Resource Management, Marine Science, Political Science or a related relevant field. In cases of exceptional qualification, applicants without a PhD will also be considered;
• Experience in and in-depth knowledge of the sustainable development in the ocean and coasts and related resources use challenges (at least five years of related experience preferred)
• Proven networking capacity and interest in working in a multicultural, interdisciplinary working environment
• Proven research capabilities, with published peer-reviewed articles
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of German, as well as French or Spanish is an asset but not required
• Proven experience in application for third-party funding is a strong asset
• Enthusiasm, flexibility and commitment to working within a transdisciplinary, policy-relevant field

This position will be filled as soon as possible and is initially foreseen until 31 December 2016 with the possibility of extension thereafter. Applications, including a cover letter and a full CV with two referees, should be received no later than 31 March 2015 by e-mail to Ms. Judith von Pogrell (Judith.vonPogrell@iass-potsdam.de). For further information and details on this position, please contact Mr. Sebastian Unger, Head of Ocean Governance (Sebastian.Unger@iass-potsdam.de).

The IASS particularly encourages applications from female researchers; handicapped applicants will be given preference in case of equal qualifications.

Contact: IASS, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies e.V.

Judith von Pogrell

Berliner Str. 130

14467 Potsdam

E-Mail: Judith.vonPogrell@iass-potsdam.de