The Institute of Forestry of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forests and Fisheries, at the Hamburg-Bergedorf location is looking for the following full-time position for a limited period of at least two years

Research scientist, Postdoc (f/m/d)

forest economics, agricultural economics, environmental economics

or related disciplines

The Thünen Institute is a federal research institute within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) tasked with providing science-based policy advice and expanding the scientific horizon of knowledge for the benefit of the common good. The position is located within the working unit “Forestry Worldwide”. The working unit deals with sustainable forest management in the tropics, the potential of forestry for sustainable development and its influence on the living conditions of rural populations in the tropics.

The Thünen Institute cooperates with the ITTO to promote valuable wood production in smallholder plantations in South-East Asia and Togo and contribute to better livelihoods and improved ecosystem services. One of the major barriers are short rotation periods and lack of adequate financing mechanisms. For this purpose, we are looking for a forest economist scientist or a specialist from related disciplines with knowledge and experience in tropical forestry. The role entails analyzing from a smallholder perspective, strategies to improve access to microcredits, carbon markets and financing mechanisms.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct a feasibility study on potential strategies for improving quality timber production, economic outcomes and ecosystem services in smallholder plantations. Particular emphasis will be placed on evaluating financial schemes and mechanisms, exploring opportunities within voluntary carbon markets, and establishment of grower associations,
• Design and conduct surveys in six partner countries to enrich the feasibility study with empirical data,
• Participate in workshops and conferences for science-policy dialogue,
• Publication of results in academic journals and other outlets for knowledge dissemination.

Requirements:

• Completed university studies (Univ.-Diplom / M.Sc.) in forest economics, agricultural economics, environmental economics or related disciplines, preferably with a PhD,
• Very good knowledge of sustainable forest management, in particular plantation forestry, especially within the smallholder context,
• Very good knowledge of financing mechanisms in the forestry and environmental sector,
• Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative and qualitative analytical methods and corresponding software,
• Experience in smallholder related problems in the tropics is an asset,
• Regional knowledge or working experience in Southeast Asia is an asset,
• Openness and suitability for missions abroad in the tropics,
• Very good English skills; knowledge of German is an advantage,
• Openness, creativity and high motivation when taking on new tasks.       

We offer the opportunity to work in an international, innovative and successful team at a federal research institute that serves the public and supports political decision-making processes.

We offer you a diverse and interesting job in an international environment. You will work on challenging tasks in a dynamic research institute, characterized by lively interdisciplinary exchange. Your research results serve the public and support political decision-making processes.

We support the compatibility of work and family and are holders of the audit berufundfamilie' certificate. The Thünen Institute offers flexible working time models, home office and telework within the scope of the official possibilities. Part-time employment is possible in principle.

The employment is governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD); the remuneration is paid if the tariff and personal requirements according to salary group 13 TVöD are fulfilled.

The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality among women and men and therefore welcomes applications from women in particular.

The Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore encouraged. They will be given special consideration in the selection process.

If you have any technical questions, please contact PD Dr. Sven Günter (sven.guenter@thuenen.de).

Written applications with a curriculum vitae in tabular form, presentation of education and professional career, copies of certificates and references, in the case of electronic application in a PDF file, are requested by 01.05.2024 (application deadline) under the password 2024-062-WF to

wf-bewerbungen@thuenen.de

oder

Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute

Institute of Forestry

Prof. Dr. Matthias Dieter

‚2024-062-WF‘

Leuschnerstr. 91, 21031 Hamburg

Informations about Artikel 13 DSGVO: www.thuenen.de/de/thuenen-institut/karriere