UNU-FLORES Research Fellowship 2022: Impact of Ukraine conflict on food security with a focus on East Africa

UNU-FLORES Research Fellowship: Impact of Ukraine conflict on food security with a focus on East Africa.

When is Application Deadline?

9th October 2022

Tell Me About Award:

This project aims to research the impact of the Ukraine conflict on food security with a focus on East Africa. While Africa is yet to recover from the repercussions of COVID19, the Russia-Ukraine war has posed an additional challenge for most African countries to manage food supply chains, access fertilisers and protect food security. Currently, 15 countries, including 4 in East Africa, import more than half of their needs in wheat from Ukraine and Russia ( Benin, Somalia, Egypt, Congo, Namibia, Rwanda, DRC, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Tanzania, Sudan, Cabo Verde, Tunisia, Burundi, Libya), and they remain highly dependent on these imports for staple goods. Food prices have soared in these contexts, and social protection programmes are too weak to offset the impact on vulnerable groups, compounding hunger and undernourishment risk. The effect will be felt for years regarding the availability and pricing of food items. This project is funded by the Saxon State Ministry for energy, climate protection, environment and agriculture (SMEKUL) and conducted in close collaboration with the United Nations Development Coordination Office within the context of the design and operationalisation of the UN Sustainable Development project with a focus in Tanzania.
Key Questions:

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• What sort of policy transformation(s) are needed to optimise the resilience, productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems in countries that are heavily dependent on food imports as currently from Russia and Ukraine?
• How can a recovery strategy for food security be leveraged to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the Ukraine crisis has put at risk? What synergies, trade-offs and financing mechanisms are needed to design and implement the strategy through an SDG lens?
• How can climate mitigation and adaptation tools be integrated into planning and decision-making processes about recovery from the Ukraine crisis? What policy innovations are needed for food systems to incorporate and address climate risk?

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of supervisors at both UNU-FLORES and Technische Universitaet Dresden. Students will also collaborate with fellow doctoral students and senior scientists in research, event organisation and participation, publications where possible, and contribute to the Implementation Plan of UNU-FLORES and the mission of the United Nations. As a facet of the project, the students must consider the impact of their research on communities, and the potential for their research to be transferred upon completion of the doctorate.

What Type of Award is this?

Fellowship

Who can apply?

• An excellent academic profile including a Master’s degree at least grade 2.5 or equivalent according to the German system in Political Science, Economics, Agro-economy, Governance, Systems Analysis, Environmental Policy or other relevant disciplines with an emphasis on food system transformation;
• Relevant professional experience of at least one year, predominantly in time and preferably in an East African regional setting;
• Experience with the agricultural-based economic development of Tanzania is an asset;
• Knowledge and concepts of food system resilience research;
• A strong methodological skillset for qualitative and quantitative analyses is required;
• Demonstrated ability to synthesise complex information, regulations and policies and translate them into impactful communications and publications;
• Excellent writing and communication skills (academic and non-academic) are required;
• A team player with strong interpersonal skills, Initiative seeker; Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, strong ability to carry out work independently; interest in interdisciplinary and multicultural, multi-ethnic work environments;
• Must be flexible with the ability to establish priorities and work within prescribed timeframes;
• Demonstrated proficiency in English is required; 
• Proficiency in Swahili is required; Knowledge of German and/or another UN official working language is an asset.

How are Applicants Selected?

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Which Countries are Eligible?

African countries

Where will Award be Taken?

Remote

How Many Positions will be Given?

Not specified

What is the Benefit of Award?

UNU-FLORES will provide a monthly salary of EUR 1,566 for the duration of the Doctoral Research (up to a maximum of 3 years). Funding is provided by the Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture (SMEKUL). This stipend is expected to cover relocation, living and education expenses. While the Doctoral programme is tuition-free, semester fees of approximately EUR 250-300 will need to be paid directly to TU Dresden for enrollment. For additional information on the programme and the admission procedure, please visit our website.

How Long is the Program?

The duration of the initial contract is for one (1) year. This is a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract is offered as a full-time position with UNU-FLORES, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed three (3) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA is 65 years.

 Starting Date: as soon as possible

How to Apply for Program?

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply line
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
• Please submit the following documents as one PDF file (on the apply page where it requests the P11 form):

1. fill out the UNU P11 form (please do not use similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
2. A completed and signed Doctoral Programme application form
3. A short research proposal (max two pages) describing how you would approach the research topic;
4. Copies of ALL university transcripts, including the German equivalent grade;
5. Copy of TOEFL/IELTS or evidence proving that English was the language of instruction for at least one of the previously completed degree programmes, in the form of a letter issued by the relevant university authority
6. Abstract of MSc thesis (or equivalent);
7. Two reference letters;

Candidates who do not provide all required documents will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Visit Award Webpage for Details