Duty Station: Malmö, Sweden
Duration of contract: 12-month fixed-term contract which may be renewed for a further period
subject to satisfactory performance
1. Organisational setting
The World Maritime University (WMU) is established by the International Maritime Organization.
WMU’s mission is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and ocean
education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting
sustainable development. With the University’s new strategic directions, specifically expansion of its
mandate to include ocean-related matters, and strengthening ocean research, WMU is well
positioned for this collaborative partnership with the Nippon Foundation.
The WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) has partnered with the University of
Gothenburg, Sweden, as well as Swedish academic institutions, Swedish government agencies and
administrations, as well as primary stakeholders in MISTRA’s C2B2 Project.
Funded by MISTRA, WMU is offering a Research Associate position to support the project team,
with a particular focus on multifunctional ocean governance and sustainable blue economy under
the auspices of the C2B2 programme. The aim of this programme is:
To analyse the current state-of-affairs in ocean governance at multiple levels;
To identify crucial international marine spatial planning out-of-the-box tools;
To co-create transition scenarios for a better blue that are adapted to the Swedish context;
and
To generate recommendations for the future governance of the blue economy in a changing
climate
2. Main purpose
The Research Associate will work under the supervision and guidance of the Principal Investigator
and will undertake research assigned by the Director of Research as a part of the research team
supporting MISTRAS C2B2 project through research, education and capacity building at the GOI,
hosted at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden.
3. Duties, responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate capacity for high impact, and ideally
interdisciplinary research activity both within and across groups in academic and/or industry settings.
The candidate must have a research profile as evidenced by publications in leading journals in the
field, presentations at significant conferences on research findings and strong endorsements by
referees
At WMU, the candidate should expect to:
Principal Duties: Undertake and contribute to research by undertaking the following tasks:
- Participate in C2B2 activities;
- Engage with WMU Principal Investigators (PIs) and researchers for advancing
- Work in close collaboration with C2B2 project partners and work package leaders to
- Publish high-impact, peer-reviewed scholarly articles; and
- Establish an international high-level task force and ensure adequate interface with
Supervisory Duties: Supervise and or support Principal Investigators in supervisory duties;
Event Organisation Duties: Assist the organisation of project-related workshops, events
and outreach activities from inception to implementation;
Reporting Duties: Create materials for circulation, and develop project workshop and event
reports;
Other Duties: Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by Principal Investigator,
Programme and Operations Manager, and Director of GOI.
4. Minimum requirements – education, experience and language skills
Education
Essential
The successful candidate will have a doctoral degree in any of the following fields:
o Stakeholder Engagement;
o Adaptive Ocean Governance & Blue Economy;
o Multifunctional and Sustainable Blue Economy;
o Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Coastal Management;
o Ecosystem-based Management & Sustainability; and
o Participatory Ocean Governance.
Experience
Essential
A minimum of 3 years experience in working in the higher education or related sectors in the
field of ocean governance;
A strong record of internationally recognised research and publication in relevant peer-reviewed
publications;
Demonstrated ability to use established, appropriate research methodologies and create highlevel stakeholder groups;
Familiarity with United Nations (UN) Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and the UN Decade of
Ocean Science for Sustainable Development;
Knowledge of UN institutions and other international organisations with the delivery of ocean
science-related mandates, and international ocean organisations, their aims, objectives and
activities.
Languages
Essential
Strong language proficiency in English and Swedish is essential. Applicants must be fluent in
Swedish and English reading, writing and speaking.
Desirable
Knowledge of another UN language would be an added advantage.
Desirable Qualifications, Competencies and Professional Experience
Candidates with academic and professional experience of the conduct of marine science and/or
ocean science governance would be advantageous.
An understanding of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as well as WMU and its mission,
and strong commitment to the delivery of the highest practicable standards in pursuing its
mandate;
Excellent communication skills;
Good networking experience, especially with Swedish stakeholders;
Good computer literacy.
5. Terms and Conditions
This vacancy is open to eligible candidates that satisfy the education, experience and language
criteria noted above, and Swedish nationals are highly encouraged to apply.
WMU is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WMU recruits
and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and
ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.
Application
The position offers a monthly stipend of 32,000 SEK free of income tax in Sweden and medical, life
and accident insurance coverage by Cigna International.
Applicants must apply by sending their complete application including all documentation below to
Head of Human Resources Mr. Marco Batista on mb@wmu.se with copy to
goisecretariat@wmu.se.
Deadline for Applications: 31 May 2023, 23:59 CET.
Desired Start Date: 1 September 2023
