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 of the scholarship:
The scheme aims to help young researchers prepare for a role in national and regional policy development and decision-making to resolve biodiversity-related challenges. Over a period of one year and with support from the Centre`s staff, they will:
• Analyse an aspect of the status of the world`s living resources, from plant and animal species to ecosystems. The topic should be relevant to biodiversity conservation and/or sustainable management and should link to the policy needs of the scholar`s region.
• Develop reports, tools, and other outputs relevant to the chosen area of work with specific recommendations for their implementation and use by policymakers and practitioners.

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. GBP8,812 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: Candidates are free to propose biodiversity-related subjects of particular interest to their region. The subjects should clearly tie in with the current programmes and expertise of the Centre. Successful candidates will be encouraged to bring supporting information resources. Candidates will be able to work with UNEP-WCMC on such areas as:
• Species conservation
• Ecosystem assessment and valuation
• Ecological restoration• Biodiversity scenarios
• Biodiversity indicator development and testing
• Coastal and Marine ecosystems
• Protected areas
• Biodiversity Information Service development, including GIS and databases
• Biodiversity and development goals
• Analysis of impact of industrial activity on biodiversity

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
Completed application forms should be returned to UNEP-WCMC together with:
• Your up-to-date CV, including publications.
• A covering letter explaining why you wish to spend a year at the Centre.
Closing date for applications: 24 March 2006. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 28th April 2006.