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Scottish Science Advisory Council Adaptation Internship

ECCI is pleased to share an exciting Intership opportunity with Scottish Science Advisory Council, hosted here at ECCI and supervised by ECCI co-director Dr Kate Donovan.

  • Title: Place based approaches to adaptation
  • Organisation: Scottish Science Advisory Council / CREW
  • Duration: 3-4 months, full-time (or part-time / flexible)
  • Proposed project start date: late November/early December 2022
  • Remuneration: £ 4,000-8,000 (dependent on duration) + travel costs
  • Location: Hosted at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, University of Edinburgh and hybrid working options available.

Summary Project Title: An audit (or mapping) of place-based adaptation in Scotland and a synthesis of research findings exploring the processes adopted and identifying what has or has not resulted in change

Place-based adaptation is considered critical for the delivery of a resilient nation. However, we do not have a comprehensive understanding of the extent of place-based initiatives that are addressing adaptation (as primary or secondary focus) in Scotland, the approaches that are being taken, or the research and learning that underpins these interventions. We are aware that there is considerable research directed at specific initiatives and places, but the research findings are not coordinated. There is a need to collate and synthesise the research findings.

We do not have a national view of the common successes, challenges and opportunities for placebased approaches in Scotland. The next Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Program requires this evidence base to develop appropriate and feasible policy for future place-based adaptation.

Aims and objectives

The researcher will work with the SSAC Adaptation sub-group (Dr Kate Donovan, Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, to supervise) to review and map recent and current research and research driven development projects on place-based adaptation across Scotland to provide an input into Scottish Government preparations for the next Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme, (SCCAP) both in terms of identifying individuals and groups working in this space and providing a summary of lessons learnt so far

Methodology

Phase 1: First the researcher will work with relevant academics and SNIFFER to define place-based adaptation and the scope of the mapping exercises. Then identify key researchers, and their nationally focussed projects.

Phase 2: Create a spreadsheet/database of projects and key experts in the field that can be kept updated as required. Design and implement a survey to explore the Strength: Weaknesses: Opportunities: Threats (SWOT) of these research projects.

Phase 3: Provide a synthesis, including categorising of projects according to the focus on work, and key findings. Discuss outputs with key stakeholders via a roundtable event or similar. Results would then be presented via briefing/report to SG. 2

Deliverables

  • Define place-based adaptation in Scotland and mapping remit
  • Mapping of key place-based adaptation research nationally and associate research experts
  • SWOT analysis
  • Briefing with stakeholders and final report

Person specifications

We are looking for an Early Career Researcher or Graduate student:

  • Either working towards, or recently completed a PhD
  • Knowledge and/or experience of working in a policy environment
  • Knowledge of climate change adaptation.
  • Strong research data collection and synthesis skills.
  • Strong communications skills (written and verbal), as post holder will be working with various Stakeholder organisations.
  • Independent worker who can plan their own workload and is confident in their ability to deliver a well-written report.

How to apply

To apply, please provide a one-page cover letter detailing why you are the right person for this Policy Internship as well as a CV (2 pages maximum) to Caroline Murray at scottishscience@gov.scot

Please include one reference that you are happy for us to contact, should you be successful.

Deadline for applications is Monday 7 November. By applying you are confirming that you are available for an interview on Friday 11 November.