Job Description

About us

University College London (UCL) is one of the world\'s top universities. Based in the heart of London, it is a dynamic, outward-looking institution. At its establishment in 1826, UCL was radical and responsive to the needs of society, and this ethos - that excellence should go hand-in-hand with enriching society - continues today.

The UCL Department of Geography is a leading UK and global department, with a heritage of excellence in research across a broad range of research themes.

The successful candidate will be working with Professor Lewis who led the team that first mapped the central Congo peatlands, the world\'s largest tropical peatlands complex, an area spanning 16.7 million hectares, and a globally significant store of carbon. These peatlands are currently largely intact, but threats loom (oil drilling, logging, drainage for agriculture, climate change). There is a strong desire to protect them, both nationally in the Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the peatlands are located, and internationally. This project, \xe2\x80\x9cProtecting the Congo Peatlands\xe2\x80\x9d, funded by the Grantham Foundation, will investigate and publish a plan to protect the peatlands. Details on the peatlands can be found at

About the role

The Natural Resource Economist will first assess the natural assets of the peatlands and the current economic uses of the peatlands, from databases (e.g. World Bank) and by discussing with the various stakeholders, including Indigenous People and local communities, local and national governments, to collate information on their income and other benefits gained from the land (from local income to global benefits). Second, the post holder will collate information on what broad economic benefits each stakeholder expects in the future. Third the Natural Resource Economist will then assess potential future opportunities, including income streams, to meet the identified economic needs and wants (the post holder will work with the projects\' Development Specialist, also advertised, who will assess non-economic needs and aspirations).

The role may fit well as a secondment from government, and NGO, or the private sector.

This is a full time role funded for 11 months at .

Further details of the department are at .

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Simon Lewis at

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the department\'s research administration team:

About you

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant quantitative discipline, or professional experience (as mentioned, this role may fit well as a secondment from government, and NGO, or the private sector). They will also be required to have experience in assessing the economics of natural resources in a developing country setting, as well be proficient in verbal and written French.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days\' annual leave purchase scheme
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit: to find out more.

\xc2\xa350,085 to \xc2\xa358,895 per annum

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