Norwegian Institute for Water Research

The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) is Norway's leading research institute for the aquatic environment, working across a wide range of environmental, climate and resource issues. Our high-quality research is characterised by its relevance, and its holistic and interdisciplinary approach, combining research with monitoring, assessment, problem solving and consulting. The NIVA group has approximately 500 employees and is headquartered in Oslo, with branches in Bergen, Grimstad, Hamar and Copenhagen, together with a marine research station in Drøbak, and subsidiaries in Tromsø, Chile and China.

NIVA is looking for researchers/ senior researchers/ senior advisors with competence and experience in marine and coastal governance and management. Do you want to impact policymaking and decision-making and contribute to a more sustainable governance of coastal and marine environments in Norway, across Europe, or in the Arctic? 

NIVA’s Section Water and Society is one of Europe's leading research groups within this area and excels in developing cutting-edge research and innovation actions, in close collaboration with relevant policy actors and stakeholders. With an expanding portfolio of Horizon Europe projects, especially within the Mission Ocean program, we now need to further strengthen our capacity and expertise. We are therefore looking for researchers, both newly graduated and more experienced, but also civil servants working on the development and/or implementation of marine policies and relevant mechanisms, can be particularly relevant.

Work assignments

The section is engaged in various Horizon Europe projects, including Coordination & Support Actions; Innovation Actions; and Research & Innovation Actions. In the area of marine and coastal governance, we coordinate several European projects and lead work packages or tasks in various other projects. The successful candidates are expected to contribute to these ongoing and forthcoming Horizon Europe projects. Examples of projects lead by NIVA are CrossGov (policy coherence and cross-compliance) and C-Blues (blue carbon). Examples of projects that we participate in are BlueMissionAA, BlueGreen Governance, and the forthcoming Blue Connect project (Marine Protected Areas). In addition to contributing to the implementation of these research projects, successful candidates are also expected to contribute to the development of new research applications for funding from national and/or European research programs.

The candidate must, among other things:

• Actively contribute to ongoing European projects related to marine and coastal governance/ management.
• Contribute to impact being delivered by the projects, from national to EU level
• Have a European mind-frame, given the character of the projects.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, authorities, and research environments, both at the Norwegian and European levels
• Lead or contribute to the preparation of reports and scientific publications.
• Coordinate and collaborate in the preparation of new offers and research applications, beyond the current project portfolio.
• Be skilled in working in interdisciplinary research teams. 

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with a master's or doctoral degree in social sciences or related disciplines, with a focus on environmental or marine governance or law, political sciences, or planning sciences. Candidates with a background in other relevant educational fields are also encouraged to apply. If coming from public administration, also natural science trained candidates, yet with relevant experience with governance, policy and management could be relevant.

Applicants should have experience and interest in several of the following areas:

• Competence and/or experience in marine and coastal governance/management.
• A good overview of the European policy landscape. 
• A good understanding of coastal and marine governance in Norway is beneficial. 
• If senior researcher, experience in writing funding applications and/or offers.
• Documented good writing skills to communicate research results in peer-reviewed and popular science journals and media.
• Documented good communication skills to present research results to different types of targets groups, including researchers, policy makers, public administration or civil society. 

Personal characteristics

We are looking for an enthusiastic, goal-oriented and resource-conscious candidate, who enjoys working in a team, yet with the ability to work independently. You should be strong in your field, willing to share your knowledge and eager to learn something new. We seek individuals who sees the opportunities to use their knowledge and skills in new areas. A positive attitude is essential, and you should have the desire and ability to work on complex tasks together with a strong team. Good communication skills in English are essential. Mastering a Scandinavian language is very beneficial.

Inclusion and diversity

NIVA’s work environment is distinguished by respect and equality. We 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 and encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions at NIVA regardless of age, gender, functional ability, nationality, or ethnical background. 

We offer

• Working within a strong and expanding group of researchers in the field of marine and coastal governance.
• Working with exciting and varied tasks and a dynamic project portfolio.
• An excellent and inclusive working environment with pleasant colleagues, social activities and welfare arrangements. 
• Very good pension and insurance schemes.
• The ability to choose which of our offices you wish to be affiliated with.
• Company cabin in Hemsedal.

Resume should include a list of publications.

Applicants can be evaluated and contacted before the application deadline

Webcruiter ID: 4758828426

Apply for position

Contacts

• Sindre Langaas (Research Manager), Phone: +47 982 27 747, Email: sindre.langaas@niva.no