Introduction
During the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2009, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees described climate change as a risk multiplier and an accelerator of human mobility. Changing weather patterns, which include less predictable seasons and increasingly erratic rainfall, are one of the most important but least understood impacts of global warming. CARE International and the UN University have formed a strategic partnership to explore the differential impacts of changing weather patterns on livelihoods, food security and human mobility. Research will be conducted during mid-2011 in eight countries (Guatemala, Peru, Kenya, Ghana, India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam).
They are seeking to hire a Senior National Researcher for a period of 32 working days in mid-2011 to help carry out a part of this work.
Background
Emerging research indicates that environmental changes including climate change currently play a role in human migration and displacement. As environmental changes increase, migration pressures related to these changes may also grow. For many areas in the world, more erratic weather, rising sea levels and other climate change impacts will motivate voluntary migration, forced migration, resettlement, or other forms of human mobility. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) updates in late 2009 indicate that some observed impacts of climate change – especially changes in rainfall and sea level rise – are unfolding at rates not anticipated previously. It is, therefore, possible that widely held expectations underestimate the problem. If true, then environmentally-induced migration and displacement may become the defining humanitarian issue of coming decades.
Despite the significance of this challenge, we still have little research-based knowledge or conceptual understanding about how climate change actually affects human migration and displacement – despite widespread anecdotal evidence, generalized assumptions and recent research findings. Research and policy dialogues are beginning to address these gaps. Nonetheless, informal assessments indicate that some of the most complicated, and important, questions are being bypassed or explored at scales too small to yield the kinds of insights and understanding that are required.
The objectives of the project are to a) Conceptualize the relationship between changing weather patterns (specifically rainfall and shifting seasons), food security, social inequalities (especially regarding gender) and different forms of human mobility; b) Assess the potential for changing weather patterns to become a major driver of human migration and displacement in coming decades (from the present to 2030 or 2040); and c) Enable a range of stakeholders, including southern civil society organizations, to influence policies, plans and practical interventions in processes such as the UNFCCC climate talks, the work of UN humanitarian and development organizations and specific committees such as the Economic and Financial Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, and regional discussions about human mobility.
Supported by MacArthur Foundation and AXA Re, the “Where the rain falls: climate change, hunger and human mobility” is co-chaired by UNU and CARE International. This multi-year activity aims to help stakeholders better understand and effectively address the relationship among changing weather patterns, food security, social inequalities, and human mobility. In doing so, it will enhance societal resilience and stability in the face of climatic and other environmental changes. The project will undertake fieldwork in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and will move methodological approaches for investigating the relationship between climate variability and climate change, and societal phenomena like migration forward.
Role of Senior National Researcher:
Primary responsibilities
- Under supervision of the UN University’s Research Director for “Where the Rain Falls,” the Senior National Researcher’s primary responsibilities will include:
- Collaborating with a CARE/UNU International Researcher to lead a four-day training and preparatory workshop (prior to fieldwork).
- Support CARE to field test the research methods (Household survey questionnaire and PRA tools) and to make the necessary changes in the research method in collaboration with UNU
- Conducting expert interviews prior to and/or after fieldwork.
- Managing a team of four junior national researchers, two local interviewers, and two village facilitators during fieldwork.
- Jointly with UNU Research Director, ensure the timely and quality implementation of the research methods (both qualitative PRA tools as well as the HH survey questionnaire)
- Assembling field reports/surveys from the research team and submitting them to the Research Director.
- Ensuring the quality of reports prepared by junior researchers.
- Leading a village-level “feedback” and triangulation workshop on the last day of fieldwork.
- Preparing and writing the final country research report (approximately 30 pages) in English.
- Presenting research results to senior stakeholders in a national-level workshop.
In some countries, the Senior National Researcher may also be asked to manage a small budget for costs incurred by the research team during field work (e.g. paying village facilitators, re-stocking flip charts, etc.).
Required qualifications:
- Expertise in social science research and practical experience in designing, conducting and leading mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) research and surveys
- Expertise and practical experience in conducting participatory research and surveys.
- Knowledge of the agro-climatic-Natural Resource sector highly preferred;
- Proven experience in management, data analysis, processing and data triangulation techniques. Please also state which computer software you are proficient with to support these processes
- Proven computer skills applied to research;
- Good communication skills.
- Excellent facilitation and training skills
- Familiarity with culture, economy and environment of research site.
- Ability to write reports in English. Please provide at least 2 writing samples
- Flexibility and willingness to work under difficult conditions for long hours, as required by fieldwork. Note: research teams are likely to work, eat and sleep in remote villages with few amenities.
- Knowledge of the dialect spoken in research sites (highly desirable)
Remuneration:
To be agreed by CARE International in Viet nam and the consultants.
Duration of contract
32 days, with the following approximate breakdown:
National expert interviews (3 days)
Training (4 days)
Fieldwork (14 days) and transport (2 days)
Compiling final report (7 days)
Preparing for and presenting in national-level workshop (2 days)
Start Date: Early September
Final report to be submitted by: 10 November:
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit their documentation by e-mail [email protected] [1] by 18 July. Documentation must include the following:
Letter expressing interest and availability (specifying dates that will not work for you);
A written statement (max 4 pages) setting out (1) how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position. This statement will demonstrate your experience and expertise related to each of the bullets listed above under “required qualifications” and (2) how you have understood the above described tasks and your role in the research. Please be as concrete as possible and provide specific examples of experience/expertise.
Curriculum vitae.
Contact information of three referees (preferably “clients” who have hired you for research assignment in the not too distant past).
Example of a recent professional publication or report in English or national lingua franca.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Unsuccessful applications will not be acknowledged.
Note: The contribution of national research teams will be fully acknowledged in the final report and all other materials generated through the “Where the Rain Falls” action-research programme.