The Climate Change Team is seeking to recruit a Research Fellow with proven expertise in the relationships between low-carbon development, low-carbon energy and adaptation, proven expertise in securing research grants, awards and consultancies, and with experience of working on policy-related issues.

The Climate Change Team seeks to contribute to reducing poverty and promoting social justice in a changing climate. We focus on the linkages between climate impacts, climate policies, poverty and equity across all our activities, including rigorous research involving strong partnerships, the provision of relevant knowledge services and policy engagement. The distinctive approach of the Team lies in a common intellectual concern with the political economy of climate impacts and climate policy processes. Across our activities, we have a particular interest in how different actors organise and mobilise economic and political power in formal and informal institutions, how knowledge and information is used by different actors, and whose voices and interests are dominant and which marginalised.

A major challenge in eradicating global poverty in the era of climate change lies in extending modern forms of energy to the billions who still lack access to it, while moving away from reliance on fossil fuels that will exacerbate climate change further. The challenges lie in the development of new and existing low-carbon technologies, and making them accessible and affordable. These challenges are closely related to a range of older problems, including energy reform, how to build innovative capacity, and the impacts of technological change on society. However, they also represent opportunities for new perspectives and action on those problems. Low-carbon energy can also contribute to increasing adaptive capacity, by increasing livelihood options. We are seeking an outstanding individual to develop a research programme in this area.

IDS expects research fellows to contribute to our teaching programme, including the MSc in Climate Change and Development and to our research and policy advisory work.

The successful candidate will be expected to have a doctoral level qualification in Economics or a related discipline (an outstanding research career and practical experience may be taken as equivalent to a doctoral qualification). The candidate should have an excellent research and publication record related to or relevant to low-carbon development, energy policy or low-carbon technology policy. A proven capacity to work in a multi-disciplinary team, in policy environments, with overseas partners and practical experience in developing countries are also essential, and language abilities beyond English will be an advantage. Experience of working in China or India would be desirable. Analysis of complex policy problems, experience of post-graduate teaching and presentation skills and experience of identifying and securing funding are all essential to the post.

Salary: £32,658 – £51,274 per annum

Closing: 13 September 2011 at 12 midday UK time

Telephone interviews: 30 September 2011

Interviews at IDS: 20 October 2011

For further information please click on the links below

Climate Change Fellow Further Particulars

Fellows application form

IDS values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities; applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates who meet the stated criteria.