Partnership research project to address the challenges of urban housing reconstruction after disasters
International development charity Habitat for Humanity this week announced a new partnership with University College London to research market-based approaches to urban housing reconstruction after disasters.
The partnership centres on a 4-year EngD studentship, starting September 2013, in collaboration with the Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience at University College London, with funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
The research project will investigate market-based approaches to urban housing following natural disasters, in different contexts and at different points in the disaster response timeline. The output of the research will be a set of guidelines and tools for programme managers for use in designing and measuring post-disaster, market-based shelter responses.
Lisa Stead, Interim Programme Manager at Habitat for Humanity said, “As an international organisation, our offices have been helping communities to rebuild following disasters for 14 years. The knowledge gained through this project will help us to meet the challenges of disaster response in urban areas and will be a vital resource for the humanitarian shelter sector.”
Since 2012 Habitat for Humanity has been working with the Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience at University College London to research the impact of shelter assistance after urban disasters, on the recovery and long-term resilience of affected communities.
Current University College London and Habitat for Humanity research student Victoria Maynard said, “Supporting vulnerable individuals, households and communities in preparing for, preventing or recovering from disasters in urban environments presents unique challenges for the humanitarian community, partnerships with academic institutions are essential if we are to develop innovative solutions to the challenges we face.”
Habitat for Humanity works in over 70 countries worldwide, helping communities to fight poverty through building safe, decent homes. Since 1976 the charity has served over 3 million people through its building, renovation, disaster recovery and training programmes.
The closing date for applications is Friday 26th April 2013. For more information on applying visit http://engd-usar.cege.ucl.ac.uk/vacancies/#32
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For further information, photos or interviews please contact Eleanor Perkins, Press Officer. T: 01295 220322 F: 01295 264230. Skype: eleanor.perkins3. E: EPerkins@habitatforhumanity.org.uk. www.HabitatForHumanity.org.uk
Notes to editor
Habitat for Humanity is an international Christian charity that aims to break the cycle of poverty by eliminating poverty housing and homelessness. We believe that everyone, regardless of background, gender or belief, has a right to a safe, decent place to live. We champion that right and also take practical action, working with communities around the world to empower them to design and manage appropriate housing projects in their neighbourhood. Since 1976 we have helped over 3 million people. For more information go to www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk
The research will comprise:
• A literature review exploring best practice market-based approaches to housing in development and humanitarian contexts
• Identifying case studies for in-depth research
• Data collection through desktop research and interviews
• Field-based research through interview and workshops with post-disaster decision makers and affected households/communities who have received shelter assistance.
• Comparative analysis of case studies to identify common strategies for the design and implementation of market-based shelter strategies
• Developing evidence-based guidelines for market-based shelter interventions, and a mechanism for their on-going testing and improvement.
The successful applicant will possess a good honours degree (1st Class or 2:1 minimum) in a relevant subject. An interest in and knowledge of the humanitarian and/or housing construction sectors in low-income countries is desirable, and would ideally have some field survey and interview experience, and/or work experience in the humanitarian sector. Applications are invited from UK and EU members, residing in the UK, and must meet the EPSRC eligibility requirements.