Overview of The Fund
The Fund for Global Environment and Conflict Resolution (The Fund) is the result of a partnership between Columbia University Center for International Conflict Resolution, School of International & Public Affairs and the Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea of the Italian government. Over a period of three years, The Fund will provide support for research, teaching and fellowships. Thanks to The Fund, CICR will promote research conducted by prominent scholars at Columbia University, in Italy and in other countries relating to the issue of the global environment and conflict resolution.
The Fund has three major focus areas. First, it will look at the relationships between sustainable development and post-conflict issues in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Peru and Colombia—areas where the Italian Ministry has ongoing activities. Second, the research will focus on the prevention of potential conflicts over natural resources, paying particular attention to China, the Middle East and North Africa. Third, the research will focus on the relationship between climate change and international security. The Fund will also provide opportunities for fellowships and scholarships to scholars and students interested in these areas.
Candidates must be from Italy, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Peru, Colombia, China, the Middle East, and/or North Africa and/or be at Columbia University. Exceptions to this will be made on a case-by-case basis where the researcher in question has demonstrated excellence or expertise in one of the above fields or case-studies in a way not met by the other candidates.
Call for Proposals
The Fund for the Global Environment and Conflict Resolution at CICR would like to invite all interested applicants to submit proposals for research before June 30. Proposals should look generally at the Environment-Conflict nexus and specifically be related to one of the following areas of interest:
1. Researching the prevention and control of potential conflict in the use of natural resources with particular reference to China, Middle East and North Africa. Paying particular attention, where possible, to afforestation/reforestation land use efforts in China or the impact of economic development as a direct result of renewable energy projects as an impetus to security and stability in Northern African regions.
2. Researching environmental solutions and sustainable development policies in conflict and post-conflict areas, based on the ongoing activities of the Italian Ministry in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Peru and Colombia as case studies. Areas of research might also look into illicit land use for drug trade and terrorist efforts. Paying attention, where possible, to endeavors underway in Iraq, the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Montenegro and the Amazonas region of Peru and Caribbean coasts of Colombia.
3. Researching climate change and its relationship to international security as a whole with regards to water scarcity and food security. Paying particular attention, where possible, to researching the consequences of the current worldwide financial credit crisis sand how this impacts security as a whole in both developed and developing/emerging markets as climate change adaptation forces transnational border trade and migration. Paying attention, where possible to climate change phenomena and water scarcity.
The research should be problem driven and available, upon completion for wide dissemination in the form of policy papers, through books, journal publications, conferences and seminars both at Columbia University and in relation to avenues linked to the Italian Government.
Applications
1. Applications should include a cover letter stating the reasons for applying The Fund.
2. A CV detailing all education, work experience and publications.
3. One letter of recommendation
4. A Research Proposal of no more than ten pages, including:
a) Executive Summary
b) Project Description/Field-work outline
c) Rationale
d) Objectives
e) Outputs/Outcomes
f) Challenges
g) Budget
CICR is able to provide support for research proposals of around $10,000 per project and two to four proposals will be awarded funding. However, exact amounts to be provided will be decided by the selection committee; all decisions are final.
Candidates shall be hired as Consultants, or given Honorariums, depending on the specific tasks decided upon. Timeframes and financial compensation will be decided upon on a case-by-case basis. CICR cannot provide office space but will provide access to libraries on Columbia University campus.
All applications should be sent to Josie Lianna Kaye at cicrapplications@columbia.edu on or before 30 June.
