PhD Studentship: How to Enhance Climate Governance to Achieve Effective Funding for ‘Loss and Damage’ at the Local Level

Overview 

This is an opportunity to conduct fully funded interdisciplinary research under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex. 

The project will focus on the exploration of solutions to aspects of the development of ‘loss and damange’ climate funding and support at the local level. Supervision for this project will be led by Essex Business School with secondary supervision from Essex Law School. 

The efforts to establish 'loss and damage’ climate funding to aid countries impacted by climate disasters underscore the need for collective approaches to transform financial institutions and governmental practices to ensure that support local needs. Structural challenges such as resource distribution, access to finance, corruption, multilevel governance systems and participation in decision-making can all complicate 'loss and damage’ implementation for disadvantaged or vulnerable communities at the local level.

More specifically analysis is required to consider the component factors that contribute to the facilitation of ‘loss and damage’ support for local communities in developing countries. This can include the sources of finance and support and their adequacy, the governance systems that facilitate the distribution of that finance and support, the governance mechanisms associated with that distribution process, and the accountability of actors at all levels. Analysis is required of the extent to which existing systems are effective and how they can be improved or redesigned.

Interdisciplinary focus

The interdisciplinarity of this project area lies in the roles that governance, accountability, and law all play in the outcomes at the local level relating to ‘loss and damage’ climate funding. Therefore the design of effective systems to respond to the challenges faced by local level communities requires interdisciplinary cooperation, approaches and research methods. 

Training and Support

You will be supported through the Sustainable Transitions training programme which provides initial training in interdisciplinary research methods, training in the secondary discipline within the project area and ongoing training throughout the duration of the programme. All doctoral scholars benefit from the support of Proficio  entitles you to £2,500 that can be used to purchase training courses either within or external to the University. Additionally, all scholars are entitled to an additional £10,000 that can be used for research costs and training. Doctoral scholars are encouraged to audit/attend University masters and degree level courses where appropriate. You will also have the support of the Sustainable Transitions management team as well as your own supervisory team. All Sustainable Transitions scholars will become part of the University of Essex ‘Centre for Environment and Society’ through which ongoing events and networking opportunities are available.

Person specification

This opportunity would suit a candidate with a masters level education that incorporated governance and/or business accountability. The candidate should have an interest in law although a legal education is not a requirement. The successful candidate will be interested in developing solutions to the barriers in achieving ‘loss and damage’ finance at the local levels.

Research Proposal 

The project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team. 

Closing Date: 31st  May 23:59 GMT