Vacancies Utrecht University School of Economics

Vacancies

Student Assistant Scalling Up Nature Positive Investments

Type:
Description

We are looking for a motivated student assistant to join our multidisciplinary team, consisting of experts in economics, finance, biodiversity, and sustainability, for an exciting project focused on integrating biodiversity into investment decisions in the financial sector, specifically in pension funds. The project is part of UUs Pathways to Sustainability: https://www.uu.nl/en/research/sustainability
You will primarily contribute to background research and provide valuable support in organizing meetings and workshops.

As a student assistant, you will have the opportunity to delve into the pressing challenge of biodiversity loss and the role of the financial sector in addressing this issue. You will assist in conducting research to understand the current state of biodiversity integration and identify the barriers preventing effective implementation in pension funds. This will involve analyzing existing guidance from scientific publications and grey literature and investigating the reasons behind the gap between guidance and practical application.

Tasks:
- Collecting and reviewing background literature on the topic, exchange with experts on the findings
- Assist in organizing and facilitating monthly meetings and workshops with external stakeholders

Learning outcomes:
In-depth understanding of biodiversity issues and their significance in the financial sector.
Familiarity with research methodologies, including literature review, data analysis, and synthesis of findings.
Understanding of stakeholder engagement and the importance of collaborative partnerships in driving sustainable change.

Supervision
-Bi-weekly supervision meeting (in-person or online)
-Goal Setting and feedback meeting
-Help on demand

Time investment:
8-12h a week

Further readings:
Dasgupta, P. (2021). The economics of biodiversity: The Dasgupta review: full report (Updated: 18 February 2021). HM Treasury.
Online: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/962785/The_Economics_of_Biodiversity_The_Dasgupta_Review_Full_Report.pdf

Watson, T. (2022). The Importance of Biodiversity Risks: Biodiversity & Natural Capital Working Party (discussion). British Actuarial Journal, 27(e15), 1–15.
Online:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/7FAEEEFA2511CB2E1BD23BB12AA00342/S1357321722000022a.pdf/div-class-title-the-importance-of-biodiversity-risks-biodiversity-and-natural-capital-working-party-discussion-div.pdf

Profile

Background in sustainability and/or finance

- Research Skills: Proficiency in conducting literature reviews, analyzing scientific / industry publications, and synthesizing information.
- Organizational Skills: Ability to organize and coordinate meetings, workshops, and events.
- Proactivity and self-motivated approach to taking ownership of tasks
Learning outcomes

Application Procedure

Please send to s.m.a.klein@uu.nl before the 23 of June your:
- CV
- a few sentences of motivation
- availability for the rest of the year
- availabilities for the 27th of June for the interview

Interviews will take place on the 27th of June.

Preference for bachelor or master student:
No preference
Starts:
August
Occupation:
Parttime
Language:
Dutch or English
Compensation:
paid
Apply Before:
26/06/2023

Organisation

Name:
Utrecht University

Contact details

Name:
Sophie Klein
Email:
s.m.a.klein@uu.nl
Telephone:
Teams