Researcher nature-positive pathways

Functieomschrijving

We are looking for a postdoc level researcher with a social science background developing our work on nature positive scenarios, transformative societal pathways, reflecting multiple values of nature and using mixed method approaches. As our new colleague, you will become part of our International Nature Programme in PBL's Global Sustainability department (MD) and you will play a role in several exciting projects. Your main project will be "Pathways for a just and nature positive future", starting in 2025 (global level focus). This multi-phase project aims to develop a variety of just and transformative pathways towards a nature positive future, following the CBD targets, with social sciences at its core. More specifically, it will focus on 1) a conceptual framework on e.g. Values of nature (using the IPBES Nature Futures Framework), justice, and governance; 2) developing pathways based on existing visions in society, both from literature studies and using participatory, co-creation methods; 3) and a reflection on the quantification of these pathways (if appropriate, how etc.). Your contributions will mainly focus on point 2 of the project but we follow a reflexive, iterative process so contributions to all three parts are to be expected. There will be a lot of room to discuss with the project team your ideas on how to operationalise phase 2 of the project and to bring in concrete suggestions on methodologies here.

Other projects you will contribute to are:

• BioAgora: a Horizon Europe project that aims to connect research on biodiversity to the needs of decision-making in a targeted dialogue between scientists, other knowledge holders, and policy actors. PBL's contribution focusses on creating an overview of scenarios related to the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and to specific policies (European level).
• Visions and Visioning for societal transformation: building on work from 2024 about the transformative aspects of visions and visioning, this project will further develop this and test its application in ongoing PBL projects that focus on the future (both national and international focus).
• Valuing nature in Dutch society, a project in the PBL programme on visions for nature policy in the 21st century (national level).

Functie-eisen

• You have an PhD or similar experience in social sciences, natural resource management, conservation or environmental sciences, or a related study, with a proven affinity with nature and biodiversity.
• You have a demonstrable understanding of methods for visioning and participatory scenario and pathway development and experience in multi- or transdisciplinary research.
• You are familiar with IPBES work on scenarios, multiple values of nature, nature-positive approaches, and nature-inclusive society.
• You have an affinity with policy-oriented research and are able to operationalise this to reflect on and analyse policy.
• You have strong conceptual and analytical skills and are able to operationalise these for specific situations and contribute to other PBL projects in further developing these ideas.
• You are skilled in communicating your findings through presentations, policy studies, and articles, and you have excellent English language skills.
• You are experienced in working on a project with a team, including, ideally, in different international contexts, but are able to pick up your responsibilities independently and proactively.

The working language in our organisation is Dutch. There are, however, lots of non-Dutch-speaking colleagues, and part of our work is also aimed at international collaboration. To encourage internal communication, we expect that everyone makes the effort to learn both Dutch as well as English. Of course you will be supported through fitting training. Furthermore, some aspects are offered in both languages, and there is live translation available at important events.

Do you not (yet) comply with the requirements or do you need adjusted working circumstances? Please explain in your motivation letter how you can contribute to our organisation and what you need (from us). We'd like to see if we can make a good match where everyone is supported.