Researcher positions in Ocean and Coastal law and governance

Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) is experiencing increased interest in our expertise in sustainable management of oceans and coastal waters. We are engaged in many projects in which we study regulations and management of our oceans and coasts, and the activities that affect them.  We now need to strengthen our capacity in social sciences and environmental law and aim to recruit one or possibly two researchers with profile in marine and environmental law and governance. Depending on your level of expertise, we can offer positions either as a researcher, or junior researcher. Candidates may work in Oslo or Tromsø. 
The positions are placed in NIVA’s section for Water and Society with about 25 researchers covering competencies mostly in social sciences, including law, policy sciences and economics. Our research address societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and competition for space and resources between new and traditional users and opportunities eg. provided by marine resources. We study the functionality of existing legal and management instruments with a preference for integrated approaches and engage with stakeholders in suggesting improvements. We work nationally and internationally, from local to global levels of governance. In addition to typical research projects, we also advise the public and private sectors on capacity building, business development and innovation matters.

Assignments

• Contribute to the newly awarded EU project ‘CrossGov’ on coherent approaches to EU’s Green Deal in the oceans and coasts . We need researchers for legal analysis of international and national laws, and for undertaking European case studies on integrated planning approaches and on internalising marine biodiversity into sectoral decisions. We also need capacity in project management and support
• Contribute to other research and advisory projects related to integrated ocean and coastal management, water management plans, marine spatial planning and co-existence (for example aquaculture and ocean wind) 
• Work in an interdisciplinary manner with NIVA’s other researchers and externally
• Initiate new projects in dialogue with clients, users and research colleagues
• Communication with various stakeholders

Qualifications

We search for candidates with different levels of qualifications, both as junior experts and more experienced researchers: 

• Minimum a master’s degree, preferably a PhD, in relevant disciplines such as environmental or water law, law of the sea, spatial planning, political sciences or professional educations directed at marine issues
• Working experience from marine or environmental management issues or spatial planning in the public or private sector is appreciated, but also candidates without such experiences are encouraged to apply  
• For researchers with experience, background from research on relevant topics
• Demonstrated project management experience for those more experienced

We need candidates with: 

• A good knowledge of marine governance in Norway and/or in the EU, preferably both
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, often in transdisciplinary settings
• Strong ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge and mastery of a Scandinavian language for undertaking research in Norway; and if not be willing to learn Norwegian
  
  

Personal abilities

We are looking for team players who are good in cooperation, but who also may work independently. You will work with experienced people, and your tasks and responsibilities will be adjusted to your experience and capacities. We hope that you are curious, ask questions about the functionality of our governance arrangements and are interested in communication across disciplines, stakeholders and nationalities. Good abilities in academic and non-academic communication, both written and oral, is needed

Inclusion and diversity

NIVA’s work environment is distinguished by respect and equality. We treat each other equally and do not discriminate based on gender, age, functional ability, religion, ethnic and cultural background, or any other defining aspect of an individual. We wish to attract diversity as different perspectives promote innovation.  We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions at NIVA.NIVA’s work environment is distinguished by respect and equality. We treat each other equally and do not discriminate based on gender, age, functional ability, religion, ethnic and cultural background, or any other defining aspect of an individual. We wish to attract diversity as different perspectives promote innovation.  We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions at NIVA.

NIVA offers

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a leading international applied research institute with considerable societal impact
• An opportunity for professional and personal development in an organization where responsibility and initiative are highly valued
• Flexible working hours, good pension, welfare and insurance schemes, and competitive salary
• To be part of a network of national and international researchers from many disciplines 
• A multicultural, social, and creative work environment 
  

Applicants might be evaluated and contacted before the application deadline.