Postdoctoral Fellow - Community-based Adaptation Planning

Massey University

Palmerston North

18h ago

Applications are invited from driven researchers to commence a two-year Massey University Post-Doctoral Fellowship that focuses on working with mana whenua and local communities to develop and implement community-based adaptation plans in the face of climate change.

This action research project is centred in four communities : Putiki and Tangimoana in Manawatū-Whanganui; and Waitōtara and Rohutu Block at Waitara river mouth in Taranaki.

Working in partnership with mana whenua, Rohutu Trustees, community organisations and members, including tamariki and rangatahi, and governing authorities from local to regional level, the project will develop (in year 1) and implement (in year 2) an adaptation pathways plan with each community.

Co-led by Professors Bruce Glavovic (School of People, Environment and Planning), and Huhana Smith (School of Art), you will work with a small group of researchers on the Deep South National Science Challenge programme entitled Living with Uncertainty.

Massey University’s School of People, Environment and Planning is a rich mix of applied and fundamental social science disciplines that tackle questions like : How should we live together?

How do we shape the natural, built, and social environments that we live in? How do these environments shape us? How can we do better?

Massey University’s School of Art pushes the boundaries of contemporary art in tackling crucial cultural, environmental, and political issues.

This Post-Doctoral Fellowship opens-up exciting synergies across Schools, disciplines, theory and praxis, and art, science, and the humanities.

It seeks to make a real difference by learning how to unlock the capabilities of mana whenua and local communities to address the drivers and root causes of climate compounded risk

To be considered for this appointment you will have;

A completed doctoral degree relevant to climate change adaptation, Mātauranga Māori, and working in an empowering way with mana whenua and local communities.

A track record of impactful independent research and academic publications.

Relevant practical experience and knowledge about the barriers and opportunities mana whenua and local communities face in a changing climate, as well the skills to build local adaptive capacity.

Proven ability to work in a complex, changing and contested setting, with excellent skills in communication, whakawhanaungatanga, and enabling collaboration between diverse parties.

The willingness and capacity to travel and work closely with the four selected communities for extended periods of time throughout the two-year contract (associated travel, accommodation, etc.

costs will be covered by the project).

Fluency in Te Reo Māori and experience in Kaupapa Māori research is advantageous.

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship is open to permanent residents and citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand who meet relevant requirements to work in the lower North Island from mid-2022 to mid-2024.

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by videoconference with the successful appointee commencing ASAP 2022.

Applications are to be submitted via the online application process and are required to contain a written statement (1,000 words max.

outlining your interest and envisaged contribution to the Post-Doctoral Fellowship, a detailed CV, and contact information for at least two independent academic referees.

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