IDRC research award 2020: Climate Change

IDRC is offering a number of research awards providing a unique opportunity to enhance research skills and gain a fresh perspective on crucial development issues. These one‐year, paid, in‐house programs of training and mentorship allow research award recipients to pursue their research goals and work in one of IDRC’s dynamic program teams. 

During 2019 the program is conducting an external evaluation on its support for leadership and partnership efforts, documenting IDRC contributions to climate action, and scoping future needs for climate and resilience research. Moving forward, IDRC anticipates opportunities to grow its support for climate action from a gender and social equity perspective, and for catalyzing low-carbon climate-resilient development.

Research Topics:

IDRC is looking for a research award recipient to conduct research on either of the following areas of interest:

• First is addressing climate risks in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Recurring climate-related shocks are a major impediment to development, setting back poverty alleviation and leading to loss of lives and livelihoods. This work would inform scholarship and practice on approaches that can yield win-win opportunities for enhancing resilience and reducing fragility.
• Alternatively, the second area of interest is measuring the effectiveness of adaptation. Ahead of the UNFCCC Global Stocktake, there is a need to better define and compare the outcomes and benefits stemming from climate action. This work would contribute to advancing efforts to enhance ambition beyond 2020 and the field of measurement, 

The successful candidate will allocate 50% of their time for a research project relating to the above topic(s) under the guidance of a senior program officer. The awardee will be expected to prepare a research plan, provide progress updates during the year, and present their findings at the end of the year. The other 50% of the successful candidate’s time will include contributions to IDRC program operations, which may include analyzing IDRC contributions to climate action, scoping opportunities for research and partnering, and preparing for events such as Adaptation Futures and COP.

Applicants should clearly outline their qualifications for this position and explain how this opportunity will advance their career goals.

Required Qualifications:

• General interest in research on adaptation to climate change, climate science, and/or research for impacting policy & practice;
• Specific interest and some experience in climate adaptation in Africa, Asia, and/or Latin America and the Caribbean; 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Language requirements:

• Applicants must be fluent in either English or French
• Proficiency in a second official language (English or French) would be an asset

It is highly desirable that the candidate has completed a master’s program related to one of the following disciplines:

• Environmental studies
• Climate change
• Climate finance
• Environmental economics
• Public policy
• Geography
• Development studies/International development

The applicant research proposal should demonstrate: a clear research question connected to one of the two topics mentioned above, identifying source(s) of empirical data, and the analytical methods to be used. The proposal should also describe a potential audience that could benefit from this work, and outline approaches for reaching that audience and enabling the research to make a potential impact.

See more opportunities in Canada available on For9a

See more available competition and awards on For9a

See more scholarships available on For9a