UNEP-WCMC Chevening Scholarships in Biodiversity

UNEP-WCMC Chevening Scholarships in Biodiversity

The UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, in collaboration with the
Foreign & Commonwealth Office of the British Government, is pleased to
offer up to six UNEP-WCMC Chevening Scholarships in Biodiversity,
beginning in October 2008.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to spend a full year at
the Cambridge-based Centre, where they will work alongside our
international experts to help build the knowledge base on biodiversity
that supports international policy and decision-making in the UN
Environment Programme, multi-lateral environmental agreements, and the
private sector.

As with all Chevening scholarships, candidates are expected to be of a
high academic calibre and to show leadership in their field. Applicants
for this prestigious award will be expected to demonstrate their
commitment to a future working in national and regional policy development
and resolving biodiversity-related challenges.

To read application guidelines and download an application form, please
see www.unep-wcmc.org.

Application form
The closing date for applications is 14th April 2008

About the Chevening Scholarship

Chevening Scholarships bring students from all regions of the world to
work for one year at the Centre in Cambridge. Scholars are expected to
work with the Centre’s staff on programmes ranging from managing data
about ecosystems and biodiversity, to interpreting and analysing that data
to provide assessment and policy analysis. The work will contribute to and
help to shape national and international decision–making processes and
help to place authoritative biodiversity knowledge at the centre of
decision–making.
Aims:
This scheme aims to help young researchers to prepare for a role in
national and regional policy development and decision–making to resolve
ecosystem and biodiversity–related challenges. With support from the
Centre’s staff each scholar will select a range of subjects as a focus for
their work.

Eligibility:
Scholars can be drawn from any country, except those in Europe, North
America and Canada. Candidates must be between 25 and 35 years of age and
be fluent in English (IELTS band 6.5 or above). They must hold a good
degree, and preferably also a postgraduate degree, in a biological or
environmental science or one related to economics, GIS and the
environment. The Centre does not award formal qualifications and the
scheme is not intended for those seeking higher degrees.

Funding:
Each scholarship is currently worth approx. £9,139 per annum, including
all allowances (under review). In addition one economy class air fare to
and from the UK will be paid and a small sum is available for local
travel. The scheme is supported by the UK Chevening Scholarships
Programme. Sponsors include the British Council, the British Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, the Salters' Company and UNEP.

Subject areas:
Applicants are free to propose biodiversity-related subjects of particular
interest to their region, and successful candidates will be encouraged to
bring supporting information resources. Preference will be give to
applicants whose interest closely matches the current work and expertise
of UNEP-WCMC. Please refer to our website for current subject areas of
interest.

All studies will be based in Cambridge and there will be no opportunities
for fieldwork.
How to apply:

Candidates should apply on the Chevening Scholarships form attaching a
c.v., publications list and covering letter explaining why they wish to
spend a year at the Centre. Application forms are available from, and
should be submitted through, any UK Embassy, High Commission or British
Council office, or to:

Chevening Administrator
UNEP-WCMC
219 Huntingdon Road
Cambridge CB3 0DL, UK.

Tel: +44 1223 277314
Fax: +44 1223 277136
E-mail: chevadmin@unep-wcmc.org.