water management | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans

Small Grants Program in Science funded by Ian Potter Foundation, Australia: ecological sustainability of Australian biodiversity, future water management and the recovery of degraded landscapes

To support innovative scientific research by early career researchers who are well supported by and through their host institutions .To encourage the development of infrastructure available to early career researchers who are well supported by and through their host institutions .To back high quality scientific research directed at ecological sustainability of Australian biodiversity, future water management and the recovery of degraded landscapes. Purposes which are core to the operations of the organisation and should more appropriately be funded from institutional operating funds .Research projects for which there would be a reasonable prospect of attracting commercial funding.

The Foundation is able to support exceptional and visionary individuals, including those in their early career. Projects often link with the Foundation’s Environment & Conservation and Education programs.

Scholarship Application Deadline:30 May 2011.

Further Scholarship Information and Application

2 PhD Scholarships – New Environmental Governance: Examining new approaches to governing climate change and groundwater, Australia

Two outstanding doctoral candidates are sought to undertake studies in either of the projects below. Both projects are focused on novel forms of governance that seek to address two of the greatest environmental challenges facing Australia and the international community: climate change and scarce groundwater resources.

Climate Project: Given the continuing failure of governments and multilateral treaties to deliver effective climate outcomes, this project investigates an emerging, but potentially powerful new ‘actor’ in climate governance regimes both in Australia and globally. These new actors take the form of climate change civil society movements (eg ‘Get Up’, ‘1 Million Women’, ‘350.org’ and ‘1010’). The project examines the circumstances under which these new movements can shape law, policy and practice (eg direct action mechanisms, lobbying and partnerships) to produce effective and legitimate climate outcomes. The project aims to develop principles to guide these new movements to better influence climate law regimes and deliver improved climate outcomes.

Groundwater Project: This project responds to the recent call for a ‘water reform revolution’ to empower communities to collaboratively manage water buy-back and entitlements in Australia. The project will examine the circumstances under which collaborative forms of groundwater management are likely to be effective both as a standalone governance approach and as a component of wider legal and regulatory systems. It aims to provide necessary guidance and prescription to policy makers so they can deliver this ‘revolution’ and mobilise collaborative groundwater governance to achieve improved environmental outcomes for Australia.

The successful applicant will join an innovative team of researchers at Macquarie Law School who are undertaking interdisciplinary research on contemporary issues related to legal governance and public policy.

These scholarships are open to both domestic and international applicants, although only one is currently available for an international student.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 22 May 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Postdoctoral Fellowship-Systemic Analysis of Irrigation Systems, Syria

If you possess a PhD in water sciences or geography, or an equivalent discipline, and have at least 3 years’ experience in systemic analysis of irrigated agriculture using approaches that combine technical understanding of water management and farming systems, and have the ability to coordinate and carry out research activities on irrigation scheme development and management in northeastern Syria and contribute to studies on irrigation, water management, agricultural performance, poverty reduction and investment strategies, then this could be the job for you. This position reports to François Molle, Senior Researcher, at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) office in Aleppo, Syria.
You will:
• examine irrigation development policies and strategies in Syria, compile and synthesize existing scientific information on
irrigation and water management in the Euphrates Basin, with emphasis on the Syrian part;
• contribute to designing and carrying out research activities on water and agricultural management in the irrigated systems supplied by
waters from the Euphrates;
• contribute to advising Master’s students involved in specific field research; and
• contribute ideas and assist in bibliographical searches regarding research activities to be carried out in other parts of Syria
(e.g., Orontes or Quweq river basins).
You must possess:
• PhD in water sciences or geography, or an equivalent discipline;
• ability to carry out a systemic analysis of irrigated agriculture using approaches that combine technical understanding of water
management and farming systems, together with consideration of institutional dimensions, as demonstrated in successfully completed
reports, a dissertation or journal articles;
• sensitivity to, and interest in, social and institutional dimensions of water resources management;
• computer literacy, with skills in handling and quality controlling hydrological and water management data;
• ability to articulate quantitative and qualitative analyses;
• good communication and writing skills, with an excellent command of both oral and written English;
• ability to effectively establish priorities, plan, organize and monitor own work in an interdisciplinary and multiple task environment;
• strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural, multiethnic environment with
sensitivity and respect for diversity; and
• ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, with local and international partners.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 25 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application