Call for Applications – Closing date: 31 Jan 2012
1. Proposed Project Title
Multi-level participatory planning for aiding the development of meso-scale(1) institutions for natural resource management
(1)Sub-national or resource relevant management scale
2. Objectives
The general objective of the study is to develop and test a participatory planning framework which can contribute to the building and the viability of meso-scale institutions dedicated to natural resource management (water, soil, biodiversity, forests…).
Meso-scale is understood as an intermediary level between local (or community) level and national level. At this level national policies are being disseminated or interpreted (scaling down) and/or local experiences aggregated and disseminated (scaling up and out). Meso-scale institutions can also have their own perspectives and can hold specific functions such as conflict management, support for operational management (such as planning), as well as issue scoping and framing.
The main assumption is that a participatory planning process can lead to:
1. Stable and productive interpersonal relationships between various stakeholders embedded in co-management, including at different institutional levels;
2. Natural resource management strategies which can support in the long term the viability of the social-ecological system;
3. Implementation protocols and arbitration processes to support coordination mechanisms and conflict mitigation within the local communities.
The specific objectives of this PhD project will be to:
1. Assess and compare different participatory planning methods (e.g. participatory modelling processes, participatory GIS, participatory rural appraisal) and match their known outcomes with the expectations of meso-scale institutions emergence and stability, as described by the literature;
2. Based on the target case studies, assess locally with the help of the AfroMaison project partners, the specific needs and conditions for these meso-scale institutions, in terms of stakeholders inclusion, issues, and usable procedural resources (finance, political mobilization, knowledge, time)
3. Define evaluation criteria and protocol, including the scientific conditions for validating the actual contribution of the participatory planning process vs. alternative drivers of meso-scale institution building.
4. Co-design with representative stakeholders or experts a prototype methodology and pre-test it with low-sensitivity sample groups
5. Adjust and implement this method and its related evaluation protocol in at least two comparable case studies
From this research, development of a set of good practice guidelines for the establishment of meso-scale institutions for natural resources management will be sought as one of the outputs of the AfroMaison project.
1. Conditions
• Working units : Joint research unit G-EAU Cemagref (Montpellier – France ) & Crawford School, Australian National University (Canberra, Australia)
• The PhD will be hosted by the European project AfroMaison which deals with meso-scale water and NRM institutions in Africa, based on 5 country case studies (South-Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Mali), plus comparative sites in Australia and/or Mozambique.
• Office locations: France (Montpellier), Australia (Canberra), Mozambique (Maputo), plus temporary case study sites visits.
• The candidate will need to spend working time in the field in different African countries and Australia, and must have the capacity to meet visa requirements for these countries.
• Cotutelle PhD between AgroParisTech (France) and Australian National University (Crawford School). These institutions will be the host academic entities and will provide their own entry requirements. Please refer to their websites and application forms for details (e.g. www.anu.edu.au/sas/forms/sas25international.pdf; http://www.agroparistech.fr/Inscription-reinscription,1416.html)
Under co-tutelle rules, the PhD time will be shared between Australia and one of the French research centres in Africa or France – minimum 30% residency requirement at both the French and Australian institution.
• Supervision :
o France:
Academic : Dr Olivier Barreteau. G-EAU Cemagref-IRSTEA, Montpellier
Project : Dr. Nils Ferrand, G-EAU Cemagref-IRSTEA, Montpellier – Dr. Raphaële Ducrot, G-EAU CIRAD-IWEGA, Maputo, Mozambique
o Australia :
Academic : Prof. Quentin Grafton, Crawford School, ANU, Canberra
Project : Dr. Katherine Daniell, Dr. Daniel Connell, Dr. Jamie Pittock, ANU, Canberra
• Salary and expenses:
o 3 years full salary based on standard Australian & French rates (Half time on F: 22224€/annum gross, eq. 18120€/annum net, tax due, other half : AU : 23728 AUD/annum tax free)
o French student social security will be included. French superannuation payment included in the French system. Travel and medical insurance will be required for Australia and case study countries.
o All specific travel and operational expenses covered
4. Selection Criteria
Candidates should have:
• A MSc in a relevant field of expertise: environmental engineering, environmental policy, management sciences, etc.
• At least one proven experience with field based research including interaction with stakeholders
• The capacity to produce scientific publications
• The capacity to work independently, in teams and in different cultural contexts
• A demonstrated capacity to use and preferably design models (quantitative or qualitative). Specific capacity with participatory methods and / or strategic planning methods is preferred.
• Good oral and written English communication skills. A working knowledge of other relevant languages would be also be appreciated (e.g. French), but not required.
African candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
5. Application procedure
Applications with the following documents are to be sent by email to the contacts below before January 31, 2012.
• Statement of interest – please address the selection criteria (< 300 words / criterion) and comment on the proposed topic
• Long CV including work experience, publications, other activities and contact details for 3 referees
• Sample publications (if any)
• MSc transcripts & other diplomas
Applications will be assessed by a committee of project partners, followed by interviews (by phone/skype).
The successful candidate will then be supported to submit a full application to the host institutions for final approvals.
Contacts
Dr Nils FERRAND
Chargé de Recherche
UMR G-EAU Cemagref-IRSTEA
361 Rue JF Breton BP 5095, 34196 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
Tel: +33 (0)467046320 Mob: +33 (0)673993693
skype nilsferrand / email nils.ferrand@cemagref.fr