Job Vacancy for Senior Researcher for “Climate and conflicts: Redress  and prevention” project

The Centre for European Studies looks for Senior Researchers within “Climate and conflicts: Redress  and prevention” project. It is a two-year project supported by the Global Campus of Human Rights and Right Livelihood partnership project implemented by two Campuses – Global Campus Caucasus (Yerevan State University) and Global Campus Central Asia (OSCE Academy, Bishkek). It addresses the human rights challenges posed by war, conflicts, poor governance, and environmental degradation in three key regions: Nagorno Karabakh, Transnistria, and the Fergana Valley.

Climate and conflicts: Redress and Prevention project is a two-year project supported by the Global Campus of Human Rights and Right Livelihood partnership project implemented by two Campuses – Global Campus Caucasus (Yerevan State University) and Global Campus Central Asia (OSCE Academy, Bishkek). It addresses the human rights challenges posed by war, conflicts, poor governance, and environmental degradation in three key regions: Nagorno Karabakh, Transnistria, and the Fergana Valley. The project aims to highlight the missing scientific data and research on climate challenges in these regions, particularly regarding climate change mitigation and poor governance, and to explore how international human rights mechanisms can act locally in de facto states and regions with poor governance.

The project aims to promote a human rights-based approach to climate change and conflict prevention in Transnistria, Nagorno Karabakh, and the Fergana Valley through cross-regional cooperation and academic research. The project consists of three components: mapping, research on strategies for effective policy implementation, and workshops and an international conference. The project’s objectives include identifying and analyzing the current civil society landscape, developing effective strategies for climate change policy implementation, and promoting human rights-based approaches to climate change and conflict prevention in the region.

To effectively implement the second component, the project team aims to recruit four senior experts, with two experts envisaged to work on the Fergana Valley case and two on Nagorno Karabakh.

In case of Armenia, senior experts will conduct comprehensive research on environmental and human rights-based climate policies and state strategies of Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabakh, assess international responsibilities of countries in mitigating climate-induced conflicts, and examine public discourse on the given conflicts. As a result of their work, the experts will develop a comprehensive research report detailing their findings, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, and outlining strategies for effective mitigation of climate issues arising from conflicts, displaced communities, and climate change policy implementation. This report will serve as a valuable resource for addressing the complex interplay between climate change, conflict, and displacement in these specific regions.

Requirements

  1. Advanced degree in environmental policy, human rights law, international relations, or a related field, with expertise in climate change and conflict studies.
  2. Extensive experience (at least 5 years) in conducting comprehensive research and analysis on environmental and human rights-based climate policies, particularly in the context of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Nagorno Karabakh region.
  3. Strong knowledge of international legal frameworks, including familiarity with the European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence on environmental matters and climate-induced conflicts.
  4. Proven ability to develop research methodologies, including participatory research methods, and to create research tools such as questionnaires and interview guidelines.
  5. Excellent analytical and writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality research reports and actionable policy recommendations for diverse stakeholders.
  6. Fluency in English is required.

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 Application procedure

The candidate is expected to submit an up-to-date detailed CV, highlighting the experience as a researcher, and the list with relevant testimonials and research examples. The applicants are required to send their documents to info@ces.amwith the CC to m.muradyan@ysu.am by February 13. Please mention in the “Senior Researcher” in the subject line.

Organization

The work will be conducted under the close supervision of project coordinator, Center for European Studies (CES), Yerevan State University. Should you have any questions concerning the position , please send them by February 11 to m.muradyan@ysu.am.