UNHABITAT Urban Youth Fund 2011

This Fund supports urban youth in developing countries. It aims to advance the achievements of the Millennium Development goals and the Habitat Agenda by providing grants up to USD 25,000 to youth-led projects piloting innovative approaches to employment, good urban governance, shelter and secure tenure. The Urban Youth Fund aims to assist youth-led organizations to develop and implement projects that will contribute to sustainable urbanization in the developing world. The fund further aims to document best practices from successful youth-led projects, and create greater awareness of the need for youth mainstreaming in development policies and strategies.

The Urban Youth Fund has an annual budget of USD 1 million allocated for grants to youth-led projects in the developing world. Grassroots initiatives and projects are eligible for grants up USD 25,000.

ELIGIBILITY

* youth-led organizations (aged 15-32 years old)

* legally registered with relevant national, regional or local authority

* it is a non-profit, non-governmental organization

* from developing countries: registered in Africa, Latin-America and Caribbean, Asia, Oceania

* your organization does involved girls and young women in decision-making at all levels of the organization

* you have a valid bank account in the name of the organization

* your organization cannot be affiliated with political parties, or be a religious evangelization organization

PROJECTS

* Your project must contribute to sustainable urban development within one of the following areas:

·         Promoting youth participation in urban governance;

·         Piloting innovative approaches to adequate shelter and secure tenure for youth;

·         Promoting entrepreneurship and employment for youth;

·         Supporting the development of youth networks on sustainable urban development

* Projects must be implemented within a city or town with more than 10,000 inhabitants

* Projects must target disadvantaged youth with fewer opportunities, especially those living in urban slums.

* Projects must include girls and young women among targeted beneficiaries.

* The project should not start before January 2012, and last for 7-12 month.

HOW TO APPLY

[1] Register online here: http://www.unhabitatyouthfund.org/

[2] fill out the online application form (in English, French or Spanish)

[3] cover letter (signed and stamped by your organization)

DEADLINE

April 15, 2011 (12.00 p.m. GMT)

MORE INFO

For further details, please check the following website:

http://www.unhabitatyouthfund.org/Default.aspx

Call for abstracts on 'Media & Climate Change', AESS 2011 Conference on ‘Confronting Complexity’, June 23-26, 2011, Vermont USA

Dear colleagues,

Please consider submitting an abstract to the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) 2011 Conference - "Confronting Complexity". It will be held June 23-26, 2011, in Burlington, Vermont USA.

I am chairing a session titled 'Exploring how mass media confront complexity when covering climate change'.

The full description of the session can be found at the AESS website, but here is a portion of it: "Panel presenters in this session will work to make sense of media reporting on climate change as well as
explore what effects these practices and processes may have on the spectrum of possible responses to modern climate challenges. Moreover, this session will seek to better understand the crags, cracks, chasms and fissures along this highly-contested terrain of mass media-science-governance interactions, as participants examine possibilities to build, maintain and support bridges in communications. As we discuss these connected issues, we aim to facilitate ongoing considerations of how theoretical and
methodological tools from interdisciplinary environmental studies and sciences may be particularly well-placed to help grapple with the challenges and opportunities involved in these shifting landscapes."

The Deadline for Submitting Abstracts is March 15, 2011

For more information on the conference or to submit an abstract, visit the AESS Website (www.aess.info) and click on the 2011 Conference link on the left.

The participants are required to (1) register for the conference and (2) submit an abstract of their individual presentation.

Feel free to email me as well with any questions you may have about submitting a paper to this session.

Warm regards,

Max

--
Assistant Professor, CIRES Center for Science & Technology Policy

University of Colorado-Boulder

http://sciencepolicy.colorado.edu/boykoff/
boykoff@colorado.edu

Senior Visiting Research Associate, Environmental Change Institute

University of Oxford

http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/people/boykoffmax.php

Global Sustainability Summer School 2011, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

IBM and Universiti Brunei Darussalam are organizing a sustainability summer school in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. A first of its kind in Asia, this event will bring together researchers from leading colleges and universities across the world as well as the Sante Fe Institute, New Mexico, USA, which has held previous Sustainability Summer Schools, to discuss technology for sustainability. Further details, including eligibility and application requirements, are available at http://www.sustainability2011.org/. 

Climate Change Professional Fellows Program in USA, fully funded

On behalf of Baruch College and the International Center, I am writing to inform you about our Climate Change Professional Fellows Program. This is an international program which will convene professionals and young emerging leaders from Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States to explore the science, impact, adaptation, mitigation and actions related to climate change. This program is funded through USAID.

The program will create opportunities for professionals and young emerging leaders in the field of climate change to come together and share strategies for reducing carbon emissions. Fellows will participate in workshops and internships while in the U.S.  Many topics will be explored, including the management of climate change in urban settings – the development of Smart Cities and Smart Grids.

Eligible participants from Australia, China, Indonesia, and Japan can come to the U.S. in either the Spring (April 3, 2011 - May 6, 2011) or the Fall of 2011. Participants travel expenses, lodging, meals and educational materials are paid for by the program.

You may find additional details and an application packet at http://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/climatechangefellows/

Please share this posting. Thank you!

Please direct questions to Susannah.pasquantonio@baruchmail.cuny.edu or 646-660-6720.

Susannah Pasquantonio, MPA Candidate

Graduate Assistant, Climate Change Program

School of Public Affairs

Baruch College, CUNY

135 East 22nd Street, D-901e

New York, NY 10010

Tel.: 646.660.6720

Fax: 646.660.6770

Cell: 917-841-7871

Call for Abstracts: Indigenous Peoples, Marginalized Populations and Climate Change Vulnerability, Adaptation and Traditional Knowledge

Indigenous Peoples, Marginalized Populations and Climate Change
Vulnerability, Adaptation and Traditional Knowledge19 - 21 July 2011, Mexico City

---

Deadline for Abstracts: Friday, 18 March 2011


United Nations University (UNU), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are co-organizing two workshops on “Indigenous Peoples, Marginalized Populations and Climate Change.” The workshops will bring together representatives of indigenous peoples and marginalized populations, natural and social scientists, and other experts in relevant domains. The aim of the workshops is to identify, compile and analyse relevant indigenous and local observations, knowledge and practices related to understanding climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation. The workshops will provide a key opportunity to ensure that experience, sources of information and knowledge (scientific, indigenous and local), along with data and literature (scientific and grey), focusing on vulnerable and marginalized regions of the world are made available to the authors of the IPCC 5th Assessment Report and the global community.

The workshop secretariat is now calling for the submission of abstracts for the first workshop, which will focus on Climate Change Vulnerability, Adaptation and Traditional Knowledge. This workshop will be held in collaboration with the Mexican National Institute of Ecology (INE) from 19-21 July 2011 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Submissions should be relevant to the workshop theme – Climate Change Vulnerability, Adaptation and Traditional Knowledge. Submissions are sought from researchers and knowledge holders from around the globe. Contributions from individuals and communities in developing countries and/or marginalized regions are encouraged.

All submissions will be subject to review by an international panel of experts that is overseeing the organization of the workshop. An important objective of the workshop is to expand the baseline formation available in this thematic area, so please indicate on your submission form if you agree to the publication of your abstract and contact information in the workshop proceedings and subsequent publications.

A second workshop on “Adaptation, Mitigation and Traditional Knowledge” is planned for Cairns, Australia in late 2011. The call for submissions for the second workshop will be opened in March 2011.

The workshops will be held in English. Subject to demand and availability of funds, Spanish and/or French translation may be made available. A limited number of travel grants will be made available for selected participants.

Submissions will be accepted through the online submission form until Friday, 18 March 2011. For more information about the workshops, please visit the Traditional Knowledge Initiative website.

International PhD-Programme on Earth System Science in Germany

International PhD-Programme on Earth System Science in Germany

The Earth System Sciences Research School (ESSRES), funded by the German Helmholtz Association, offers 9 PhD-positions for internal scholarship as well as 15 additional unfunded positions in the second phase of ESSReS for outstanding young scientists in the topical field of earth system science, starting October 2011.

The Alfred Wegener Institute of Polar and Marine Research Bremerhaven, the Institute of Environmental Physics at the University of Bremen, and the Jacobs University Bremen, provide a unique research environment in Germany, bridging the gap between traditional disciplines. The ESSRES combines observations, modeling, and data analysis in order to understand and decipher the complex earth’s climate system and their interaction with the biosphere. Areas of study include:

• Biogeoscience (e.g., carbon cycle, ecosystem analysis)

• Climate dynamics (e.g., earth system modelling)

• Geoinformatics (e.g., data management, GIS application)

• Geology (e.g., sediment cores)

• Geophysics (e.g., structure of marine sediments, palaeo bathymetry)

• Glaciology (e.g., ice core analysis)

• Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere (e.g., trace gases, aerosols, clouds)

Accompanying courses in earth system science contain a great deal of necessary technical and specialised areas: specialists from the institutes as well as national and international collaboration partners will give lectures about fundamental concepts of the related research
fields, and provide knowledge through expert courses on special themes. Students of the ESSRES will be given the opportunity to attend conferences and summer schools, excursions, as well as visits at international partner institutes. Furthermore, the PhD-programme includes compulsory courses on presentation techniques, communication and scientific management.

The Helmholtz Research School on Earth System Science (ESSRES) invites suitable candidates to apply for a PhD position in our International PhD Programme which is going to start on 1 October 2011.

Applicants with a Master’s degree or a Diploma (or equivalent) in Biology, Biogeochemistry, Physics, Geosciences, Geology, Informatics, Mathematics, or related fields will be considered. Applicants are currently enrolled in a degree leading to a Master’s or equivalent must have been awarded their degree prior to the start of courses in October 2011.

The online application will accept submissions for with deadline 28 February 2011. Successful candidates will be notified in spring 2011. The PhD stipend is limited for up to 3 years. Students have the opportunity to obtain their PhD degree at the University of Bremen or Jacobs University.

More information on ESSRES and the application procedure can be found at: http://www.earth-system-science.org

E-Learning - Community based adaptation to climate change

E-Learning - Community based adaptation to climate change

The e-learning tool 'Planning for Community Based Adaptation (CBA) to Climate Change' supports training on community-based climate change adaptation in agriculture. The tool links research-based knowledge on climate change impacts with examples and experiences on CBA drawn from FAO field projects and a range of country-specific case studies. The intended outcoume of the tool is to assist all actors, who face the challenge of initiating and facilitating adaptation processes at community level. 

Modules

- Module 1: Climate Change;

- Module 2: Climate change and Food security;

- Module 3: Preparing for Community Based Adaptation;

- Module 4: Implementing Community Based Adaptation.

Modules 1 and 2 can also be used stand alone as introduction to climate change discourse.

Target audience

- development partners;

- agricultural extension staff;

- community based organizations;

- field practitioners.

Access

- Online version of the tool in  English (http://www.webgeo.de/fao-webgeo-2-intro), French or Spanish;

- Stand-alone CD-ROM version of the tool, which can be ordered free of charge.

Delivery method

- 2-3 days face-to-face workshops in a computer lab or a class-room

- Self learning course

The website (http://www.fao.org/climatechange/67624/en/) provides access to extensive support material and shares the field experiences of tool's application.E-Learning - Community based adaptation to climate change

The e-learning tool 'Planning for Community Based Adaptation (CBA) to Climate Change' supports training on community-based climate change adaptation in agriculture. The tool links research-based knowledge on climate change impacts with examples and experiences on CBA drawn from FAO field projects and a range of country-specific case studies. The intended outcoume of the tool is to assist all actors, who face the challenge of initiating and facilitating adaptation processes at community level. 

Modules

- Module 1: Climate Change;

- Module 2: Climate change and Food security;

- Module 3: Preparing for Community Based Adaptation;

- Module 4: Implementing Community Based Adaptation.

Modules 1 and 2 can also be used stand alone as introduction to climate change discourse.

Target audience

- development partners;

- agricultural extension staff;

- community based organizations;

- field practitioners.

Access

- Online version of the tool in  English (http://www.webgeo.de/fao-webgeo-2-intro), French or Spanish;

- Stand-alone CD-ROM version of the tool, which can be ordered free of charge.

Delivery method

- 2-3 days face-to-face workshops in a computer lab or a class-room

- Self learning course

The website (http://www.fao.org/climatechange/67624/en/) provides access to extensive support material and shares the field experiences of tool's application.

The First Global Conference of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI)

The First Global Conference of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI)

The first Global Conference of IPSI, consisting of the Assembly, Public Forum, and the Steering Committee meeting will be held in Aichi, Japan during 10-12 March 2011 (a half-day excursion to satoyama is scheduled for the 12th).

* The IPSI, an international platform launched at the Tenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), facilitates the implementation of activities identified by the Satoyama Initiative. The Partnership comprises numerous committed organisations including national and local governments, research institutes, international organisations, NGOs and private companies seeking to promote and support the accomplishment of the objectives of the Satoyama Initiative.

Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011, IPSI Assembly

Friday, 11 March 2011, Public Forum (9:30 to 17.15) 

Venue: Noyori Conference Hall, University of Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

More at:

http://satoyama-initiative.org/en/event/the-first-global-conference-of-the-international-partnership-for-the-satoyama-initiative-ipsi

Peace Conference of Youth Program to be held in Osaka from August 22nd to 28th (expenses covered)

Welcome message by the event convenor:


We are very pleased to introduce you to our new program "Peace Conference of Youth (PCY) ". Junior Chamber Internatonal Osaka has been vigorously conducting various projects every day with the aim of building a bright and prosperous society. The aim, which is the achievement of a bright and prosperous society of "World peace", is all mankind who live on earth have something in common. We need to work on world peace globally for the future, our children and their children.

We hope that multinational participants of PCY to become one during the program. ln addition to this, we expect them to be motivated enough to take actions within their own community with sincerity, passion and earnest as a delegate of their own country or region in order to make the world a better place.

We expect the youth gathering in Osaka in November 2010 to come up with strong message, which will stir the people toward the establishment of permanent and everlastimg world peace. Also, we hope that the youth will be the young leader of the next generation, who can actively take actions for peace of the world.


More at: http://www.pcy.jp/english/index.html

Call for applications for the 2011 ProSPER.Net-Scopus Young Scientist Award

Call for applications for the 2011 ProSPER.Net-Scopus Young Scientist Award

(Category: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management)

The Prosper.Net-Scopus Young Scientist Award in Sustainable Development is given annually to young scientists or researchers, based in the Asia-Pacific region, who have made significant contributions in the area of Sustainable Development.

For 2011, awards will be given in each of three areas:

1. ICT for Sustainable Development

2. Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management 3. Science & Technology with a Focus on Poverty Eradication

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS

The award is open to those engaged in graduate education and research activities that emphasize sustainable development in any of the above three areas. Candidates are expected to be employed at institutions of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding USA and Canada), and should have completed their PhD. degree between 1 July 2006 and 1 July 2011.

Candidates may be put forth by nomination or direct application. Nominations and applications must be supported by two letters of recommendation.

AWARD DETAILS

Winners will receive a cash award from ProSPER.Net-Scopus and will be offered a fellowship from the International Bureau of the German Ministry of Education and Research. These prestigious fellowships provide travel, supplies and living expenses to spend between six and twelve months collaborating with any research group of the recipient's choosing in Germany. Names and affiliations of winners will be widely publicised.

DEADLINES

Nominations and applications are open starting 01 March 2011 and will close at midnight GMT on 30 April 2011.

Full details at www.ias.unu.edu/efsd/prospernet/ysa

Second International Conference on Mountain Environment and Development, China

The Second International Conference on Mountain Environment and Development, ICMED2, continues the series of ICMED, following with ICMED 1 in 2002.

During 2002, declared the International Year of Mountains (IYM) by the United  Nations General Assembly, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and State Forestry Administration of China (SFAC), jointly held the First International Conference on Mountain Environment and Development. In order to implement Chapter 13 of Agenda 21 of the UN further, enhance academic exchanges and promote sustainable mountain development all around the world, CAS, SFAC, NSFC and IGU  will jointly hold the second ICMED on October 15-19, 2012.

For further details, please visit the event website: http://icmed2012.csp.escience.cn/dct/

Goldschmidt 2011

Goldschmidt 2011

August 14 - 19

Prague, Czech Republic

www.goldschmidt2011.org

abstract deadline April 15th

early registration deadline June 15th

Dear Goldschmidt Delegate,
The abstract and registration/accommodation forms for Goldschmidt2011 are now live and can be found from the conference website (www.goldschmidt2011.org). The abstract deadline is April 15th, and the last date for early registration is June 15th, 2011.

A large team of geochemists from across the globe has put together a superb science program. There are over 170 sessions divided into 22 themes - see http://www.goldschmidt2011.org/themes for a list of sessions and keynote speakers. Once again the Goldschmidt conference should offer an outstanding opportunity to share in the progress taking place in our field.

There is also a range of exciting field trips and workshops planned for before, during and after the conference, with a packed social program during the conference itself, with the conference banquet in the stunning Municipal House, one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau structures in Europe.

Prague is an amazing city, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities, hundreds of restaurants, and a whole range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Please do join us in August.

Bernard Marty
Bernard Bourdon
Martin Novák
Chris Ballentine
for Goldschmidt2011

INTERNATIONAL CONCLAVE ON CLIMATE CHANGE (ICCC-1)"Clean Energy & Energy Security" 12 -14 Oct 2011

Center for Climate Change, Engineering Staff College of India, Hyderabad, AP, India (VENUE : HITEX, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India)

Introduction: Climate change now has become one of the most crucial environmental challenges of the 21st century. It is the main environmental problem facing humanity. “Climate” refers to the average weather experienced over a long period, typically 30 years and this includes temperature, wind and rainfall patterns. Climate change is a gradual process that happens over decades. It is the cause of the  multiplication of extreme weather events, such as drought, floods, heat and cold waves etc. Its consequences are aggravated desertification and erosion processes as well as irreversible changes in ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. Climate change and subsequent changes in the environment will affect societies in complex and broad-ranging ways as technological,
economic, social and ecological changes take place across regions, groups and sectors.

Objectives

·         Providing national information about climate change, its natural and human causes, and consequences.

·         Climate change impacts on livelihoods and poverty: a challenge for adaptation

·         Describing international mechanisms that address the challenge of climate change

·         Climate change Impacts at the local/ regional level

·         Enhancing linkages between mitigation, adaptation and sustainable development

·         Focus on Role, limitation and challenges for monitoring in mitigation and adaptation

·         To provide inputs to national decision makers for effective implementation of national & international policies

·         To provide inputs in role of engineers in innovation & implementation of clean technologies

·         Promoting dissemination of clean technologies

·         Bringing policy makers, Policy Implementers, Scientists, Engineers, Managers, Stall Holders & NGOs on one platform

CALL FOR PAPERS: ESCI INVITES  THE DELEGATES  TO SUBMIT THEIR TECHNICAL PAPERS AND TO ATTEND THE CONCLAVE & PRESENT THEIR PAPERS/ POSTERS. Online Registration, Online Paper / Poster submission and Online Exhibitor Registration is available on website www.iccc-esci.com

THEME: Clean Energy & Energy Security

SUB-THEME-A 1. Technology Transfer 2. Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV)     2. a. International Consultancy & Analysis (ICA) 3 National Action Plan on Climate Change (India) – 8 Missions 4. State Level Action Plans on Climate Change 5. Climate Change Mitigation – India’s Preparation 6. Climate Change Adaptation – A Mandatory Requirement 7. Green House Gas Accounting - Requirement for MRV.

SUB-THEME-B
1. Renewable Energy 2. Prospects for micro investment in Green Energy in developing countries 3. Reducing risks of Green Investment in developing countries
4. Policy Frame Work for cost effective Green Energy 5 Carbon dioxide emissions from Power Sector- Green Strategies / Technologies 6. Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency for climate change abatement.

TARGET DEADLINES:

SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS                                                                    : Open Now

LAST DATE FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION                                               : 30 June 2011
INFORMATION ABOUT SELECTION OF ABSTRACT                               : 20 July 2011
LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF COMPLETE PAPER                           : 30 Sept 2011

EXHIBITION SPACE BOOKING                                                                   : Open Now
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AVAILABILITY                                                    : 15 March 2011
LAST DATE FOR EXHIBITION SPACE BOOKING                                      : 15 July 2011

KEY SPEAKERS

Confirmed Key Speakers

1.       Plenary Session: 12 Oct 2011, 10AM
Mr. Massamba Thifoe, (Chief Speaker) Manager of the Standard Setting Unit, Sustainable Development Mechanisms Programme,  United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC)

2.       Environment Minister, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

Plenary Session: 13 Oct 2011, 10AM.

1.       Dr. R. K Pachauri Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tentative key Speakers

2.       Shri Jairam Ramesh Honorable Minister of State (Independent Charge)  Environment and Forests, Government of India

3.       Lord Nicholos Stern Professor, London School of Economics

Representatives from MoEF, DST, GTZ, UNDP, UNEP  and Clean Energy Companies etc.

 
VISIT www.iccc-esci.com for submitting the Abstract / Poster, Conclave and Exhibition details.

PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEGA-EVENT FROM CENTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE, ENGINEERING STAFF COLLEGE OF INDIA (ESCI), HYDERABAD, AP, INDIA

Note: Download the brochure / registration form OR Register online on www.iccc-esci.com. Details about exhibition and exhibitor forms available online.

Best Regards,
 

Secretary General, International Conclave on Climate Change (ICCC-1) & Head
Center for Climate Change Engineering Staff College of India Hyderabad- 500032, Andhar Pradesh
INDIA Email: iccc.esci@gmail.com   URL: www.iccc-esci.com   URL: http://www.climate-connect.co.uk/Home/?q=node/27

Vacancy Announcement @ LI-BIRD, Nepal

LOCAL INITIATIVES FOR BIODIVERSITY, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (LI-BIRD) is a Pokhara-based non-profit making Non Governmental Organization working for research and development in the field of agriculture, biodiversity and natural resource management. It is committed to capitalise on local initiatives for sustainable management of renewable natural resources and improved livelihood of people in Nepal through participatory research and development programmes. Applications are invited from qualified Nepali citizens for the following positions.

1. PROJECT OFFICER (Level 6) – 2
Qualification, competences and requirements
• Bachelor degree in Agriculture or equivalent degree from recognized university preferably with horticulture elective (Required No.-1, Khotang based), Masters Degree in Agriculture from recognized university with Plant Breeding or Agronomy as specialization (Required No.-1, Jhapa based)
• Working experience in relevant fields;
• Ability and willingness to work in the field and coordinate with partner organisations;
• Willingness to work in remote villages with poor and disadvantaged groups;
• Computer literate and excellent interpersonal skills with proven written and spoken English.


3. Technical Assistants (Level 3 to 4) – 3
Qualification, competences and requirements
• Minimum Intermediate in Agriculture or JT/ JTA course from recognized institute with plant science major;
• Field experience in working with farming community in the relevant discipline;
• Skill and experience in social mobilisation and communication;
• Willingness to work in remote villages with poor and disadvantaged groups.

LI-BIRD offers competitive salary and other benefits as laid out in its Personnel Policies.

All positions are field-based. Interested candidates for above positions should submit their applications along with the copies of Curriculum Vitae, citizenship certificate and copies of all the relevant testimonials before 6 March 2011 (22 Falgun). Application can also be sent by email (info@libird.org). Please do NOT send copy of your certificates through mail. Only short listed candidates will be called for the interview. Please visit www.libird.org for the details about the organization.

"LIBIRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers competitive salary and benefits as laid out in its Personnel Policies. Applications from women and members of indigenous and disadvantaged groups are highly encouraged."

12 PhD positions in Hydro-Meteorological Risk Assessment

Changing Hydro-meteorological Risks
– as Analyzed by a New Generation of European Scientists

The Marie Curie Initial Training Network “CHANGES” started on January 14th 2011 with a kick-off meeting at the ITC, Enschede - the Netherlands. The project will last until December 2014.

12 PhD positions are available with the partners. More information you find in the attachment - or on the site www.itc.nl/changes

Please distribute this announcement within your own network. If you know eligible candidates, let them apply for the position of choice as indicated in the document.
Deadline for applications is 1 April 2011 - unless otherwise indicated.

The CHANGES network will develop an advanced understanding of how global changes, related to environmental and climate change as well as to socio-economical change, will affect the temporal and spatial patterns of hydro-meteorological hazards and associated risks in Europe. The network will focus on how these changes can be assessed, modelled, and incorporated in sustainable risk management strategies, with emphasis on spatial planning, emergency preparedness and risk communication.

Social Innovation Fellows Program: 2011 Call for Nominations

Nominate a PopTech Social Innovation Fellow for 2011

The Social Innovation Fellows Program serves visionary change agents who are incubating high-potential solutions to pressing national, regional and global challenges. Our program is designed to provide a powerful toolkit for creating real and lasting impact. Fellows also gain increased visibility, access to a year-round community of peers in many sectors and a world-class network of experts and supporters.

The program is highly selective, with 10 to 20 Social Innovation Fellows selected annually from among hundreds of nominations.

Before submitting a nomination, please read carefully the following eligibility criteria. Successful candidates:

·         Work in critical fields such as energy, green technology, empowering adolescent girls in developing countries, distributed health diagnostics, healthcare modeling, the environment, performing arts, water, education and other areas with significant beneficial impacts.

·         Are working with highly disruptive breakthrough innovations to solve previously intractable problems.

·         Have a positive track record as leaders in social innovation.

·         Work in organizations that are well positioned for sustainable growth and high impact.

·         Are passionate leaders with a high potential for collaboration and success.

Fellows may be working within various models – for-profit companies, not-for-profit organizations, hybrid efforts and open-source platforms. Fellows come from a wide variety of geographies, and international candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Fellows may be nominated by another individual or organization, self-nominated, or nominated from within the PopTech network. The open nomination process closes on March 31, 2011.

Vacancy: Director, Environmental Sustainability Programme, INBAR

INBAR VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) is an intergovernmental organization and the leading agency committed to reducing poverty and protecting the environment through the use of bamboo and rattan. With headquarters in Beijing, China, and offices in India, Ethiopia, Ghana and Ecuador, INBAR works with 36 member countries worldwide.

INBAR is currently seeking outstanding candidates for Director, Environmental Sustainability Programme position in Beijing:

The closing date is 15 March, 2011.

Contact info: Mrs He Lin, HR manager (lhe@inbar.int)

For further information about the vacancy visit http://www.inbar.int/Board.asp?Boardid=72

Helen HE (Ms)
Financial and Human Resource Officer
International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)
8, Futong Dong Da Jie, Wangjing, Chaoyang District
P. O. Box 100102-86, Beijing 100102, P. R. China
Tel: +86-10-64706161 ext. 211
Fax: +86-10-64702166
Email: lhe@inbar.int
Website: www.inbar.int
In partnership for a better world

IDLO E-LEARNING COURSE - "LEGAL PREPAREDNESS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE" (May 9 – June 3, 2011)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to draw your attention to our E-Learning course on "Legal Preparedness for Climate Change”, (www.idlo.int/elearning) from May 9 to June 3, 2011.

The course will be conducted online for four weeks and would be highly beneficial for climate change, natural resources and energy, finance and environment specialists from developing countries, countries in economic transition and countries emerging from armed conflict working in the field of supervision and execution of development projects; lawyers and legal advisors who assist in the area of climate change, natural resources and energy, finance and environmental policy; Ministry and local government level climate change officers; Finance Officials from the Ministry of Finance and officials from National Authorities or UNFCCC National Contact Points.

Kindly find attached a course description for further information. Registration for the course is online using the following link:www.idlo.int/elearning Applications to attend the course should be supported by the candidate’s curriculum vitae. The course fee of Euro 350.00 should be paid by 22nd April, 2011 at the latest. The course is self-sustaining and the fee cannot be waived.  Currently, IDLO does not have scholarships or sponsorships to offer.

Ms. Joanne Fletcher is at your disposal for any further information you may require:

Tel:  (+39 06) 40403 265
Fax: (+39 06) 40403 232
E-mail: jfletcher@idlo.int

With best regards,

Prof Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, MEM (Yale) BCL & LLB (McGill) BA Hons
Chef, Programme de Droit du développement durable et de l'environnement Organisation internationale de Droit du développement Viale Vaticano, 106, 00165 Roma, Italia / www.idlo.int
+39 345 917 4983 (IDLO mobile) / +44 7748 105 570 (UK mobile)
mcordonier@idlo.int

Director, Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL) Affiliated Fellow, Lauterpacht Centre for International Law (LCIL), Cambridge University Visiting Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Chile mccs2@cam.ac.uk

Ahmed Shehata
E-learning Training Assistant
International Development Law Organization, Viale Vaticano, 106; 00165 Rome, Italy
Tel:  +39 06 40403313
Fax: +39 06 40403232
Email: ashehata@idlo.int
Website: <http://www.idlo.int>

Ramsar Small Grant Funds: Call for proposals

The Ramsar Small Grants Fund (SGF) was established in 1990 as a mechanism to assist developing countries and those with economies in transition in implementing the Convention and to support the conservation and wise use of wetland resources. Funds may also be used to provide emergency management assistance for Ramsar Sites under threat and to provide ‘preparatory assistance’ to allow non-Contracting Parties to progress toward accession.

From 1991 to 2009 the Fund has provided a total of 7.7 million Swiss Francs to 234 projects from 108 countries, making available up to 40,000 Swiss francs (presently about € 30,000) per project. Projects may be proposed and implemented by any agency, NGO or individual, with the endorsement of the Ramsar authority in the country.

The deadline for applications for the next round is 30 June 2011.

Please note that the deadline for sending draft proposals to receive advice from the Secretariat's Regional Teams is 30 April 2011.

The SGF Guidelines and relevant forms can be downloaded in Word and PDF formats at www.ramsar.org/SGF

Best regards,

The Ramsar Secretariat

Intern/Assistant Advisor - Asia/Oceania, Ramsar Secretariat, Gland, Switzerland

Intern/Assistant Advisor - Asia/Oceania

Status:	Open (currently receiving applications)
Vacancy #:	237
Unit:	The Ramsar Convention Secretariat
Location:	Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
Reporting to:	Senior Regional Advisor for Asia/Oceania
Work percentage:	100%
Function group:	-
Expected start date:	06 June 2011
Type of contract:	Max-term (until 05 June 2012)
Closing date:	13 March 2011

BACKGROUND

The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Ramsar Convention is independent of the United Nations system of environmental treaties and reports only to its own Contracting Parties, or Member States. The Secretariat operations are administered by IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The Convention Secretariat, which currently comprises 20 employees, is co-located with the world headquarters of IUCN in Gland (near Geneva), Switzerland.

The Secretariat initiated a regional internship programme in 1997 which allows four interns to assist the respective Senior Regional Advisors in their day to day work within the Secretariat. The tasks will rarely involve field work. Exceptionally interns could be asked to visit projects or participate in meetings abroad. There will also be opportunities to attend international meetings held in Geneva and to become acquainted with other international agencies based there.

With an upper age limit for applicants of 30 years old, the post offers an opportunity for young graduates to become acquainted with the workings of an intergovernmental treaty dealing with the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Candidates should be prepared to provide services for a period of at least 12 months. The assignment will be subject to a two-month probationary period. After six months of service, the Secretariat may offer an intern an extension of up to six months, i.e. for a maximum period of 18 months' service.

The intern will report to the Senior Regional Advisor for Asia/Oceania.

CONDITIONS

The Ramsar Secretariat will provide for each intern:

- a return train/boat or air ticket from and to a previously-agreed point of departure, using the most economical fare available (return fare offered only up to three months after end of the intern's tenure in the Secretariat);

- monthly remuneration, from which the rental of a Ramsar studio apartment* is deducted, as well as roughly 18% for statutory Swiss social security and unemployment schemes and for pension and internal tax. Interns “take home” a net salary of approximately SFR 2,000.- per month;
- CHF290 gross per month as a contribution towards his/her premium for medical insurance coverage;

- a half-price tariff ticket on the Swiss railway system, to allow travel at reasonable cost on the excellent Swiss rail network;

- a subsidized mid-day meal in the IUCN cafeteria;

- IUCN applies for work permits (and if required an entry visa to take up employment in Switzerland);

- Working hours: 40 per week;

- Leave: 25 days per year.

* the Ramsar Secretariat rents and equips studio apartments at a short distance from the office; Notes: (1) Interns do not have the choice of living elsewhere, since they are rented on a permanent basis for the purpose of providing accommodation for interns. (2) Owing to the type of accommodation, level of salary, and Swiss health insurance and residency conditions, candidates should be aware that it is not possible for interns to bring members of their families to live with them during their internships. Of course, holiday visits are possible with a tourist visa (at the cost of interns).  

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Evaluating data sheets ("Ramsar Information Sheets") and preparing related documentation to accompany the designation process of Ramsar Sites and their updates;
   
2. Entering data in RSIS (Ramsar Sites Information Service ) database for new designations and updates;
   
3. Evaluating/assessing project proposals for the Convention's small grants assistance programmes and monitoring projects over their cycle, maintaining contact, checking reports and results. This may also include a field visit evaluation;
   
4. Dealing with the conservation and sustainable use issues of individual wetland sites in the respective region and particularly assisting with the procedure concerning adverse changes in the ecological character of Ramsar Sites (Art 3.2);
   
5. Maintaining routine contacts with governments of Ramsar member and non–member countries, as well as with national NGOs and international partner organizations and other relevant bodies in the respective region;
   
6. Promoting use of the mechanisms for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands that have been developed under the Convention, especially the technical guidelines related to the work on Ramsar Information Sheets, and the development of management tools;
   
7. Contributing to the preparation of regional meetings, annual meetings of the Ramsar Standing Committee and the triennial Conference of the Contracting Parties (the next one will be in Romania in the Spring of 2012);
   
8. Assisting in activities related to spreading the 'Ramsar message' to governments, decision-makers, the media, the private sector, and the public at large (e.g., the World Wetlands Day initiative) and participating in other events, and possibly delivering presentations;
   
9. Dealing with routine administrative work, such as preparing correspondence, sending faxes, making photocopies, assisting with bulk mailings, translation;
   
10. Occasionally collating and analyzing information on technical and policy issues related to wetland conservation and sustainable use, as required by the Strategic Plan 2009-2015 and the work plan of the Ramsar Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) (copies of both documents available upon request and on the Ramsar Web site);
    

REQUIREMENTS

• For this internship, candidates should be nationals of the Asia/Oceania region and have lived most of their lives in that region.  
• The principal qualities required are enthusiasm and a commitment to nature conservation and sustainable use issues.  
• Interns should have a university degree (preferably a post-graduate degree) in a subject relevant to wetland conservation and sustainable use, such as geography, biology, hydrology, marine sciences, natural resources management, land use planning, or anthropology/sociology. Experience of field work in wetland subjects will be a clear advantage.  
• In addition, interns should have well-developed computer skills (Word for Windows, Excel, e-mail) and be able to perform routine secretarial tasks efficiently (typing in particular).  
• The Ramsar Secretariat’s working languages are English, French, and Spanish. Full ability to work in English is required for the Asia/Oceania regional internship position.  

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

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IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, was founded in 1948 and brings together over 1,100 members (States, government agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 11,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies. IUCN has approximately 1,100 staff, most of whom are located in its regional and country offices while some 150 work at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. IUCN is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified women and men.