The Environment for Development (EfD) Initiative, in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Policy-Relevant Environmental Economics, particularly focusing on the economics of fishery, aquaculture, and/ or marine resources. This unique position will be based at EfD Ghana and co-hosted by EfD Ghana and EfD Vietnam through Blue Resources for Development (BlueRforD). The role offers a collaborative research environment focused on advancing sustainable solutions for coastal and marine resource management, with an emphasis on fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal community resilience across SSA and the Global South.
Position Overview
The postdoctoral researcher will work at EfD Ghana in Accra and collaborate with researchers from EfD Vietnam and other EfD centers, engaging in cross-regional projects that address socioeconomic and environmental challenges in coastal and marine settings across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the Global South countries. Research will focus on areas critical to the sustainability and resilience of coastal communities, such as effective fisheries management, aquaculture economics, and strategies to adapt to climate change or combat marine pollution.
As one of the 11 Environment for Development (EfD) centers, EfD-Ghana (https://efdinitiative.org/ghana) contributes to the sustainable management of Ghana’s natural resources through capacity development, policy-relevant research, and policy engagement. EfD-Ghana is a network center with over twenty researchers from seven universities within Ghana. The Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at University of Ghana hosts the center. EfD-Ghana is reputable for bio-social-economics research in the Global South but also works on other natural management issues such as mineral extraction externalities and sustainable energy.
Key Responsibilities
- Dedicated to policy-relevant research addressing critical issues in fisheries and aquaculture economics, and coastal and marine sustainability.
- Committed to work closely with the BlueRforD coordinator, EfD Ghana researchers to organize policy engagement activities that involve policymakers in Ghana, Vietnam, and other EfD centers to align research objectives with local and regional policy needs.
- Capable to identify funding opportunities and lead or contribute to grant applications to support ongoing and future research efforts within the BlueRforD network, focusing on sustainability in coastal and marine environments.
- Open to travel in Ghana and abroad, to represent the research program in jointly meetings with other EfD centers, and to participate in policy engagement activities, workshops, seminars, and conferences.
- Proficient in conducting primary data collection, i.e., surveys and experiments, analyze the data, and preparing research reports and manuscripts for publication purposes.
Report & Evaluation: The postdoctoral researcher will report directly to the BlueRforD Coordinator at EfD Vietnam (Dr. Thong Ho @ thong.ho@eepsea.org) and the Director of EfD Ghana (Prof. Wisdom Akpalu @ wakpalu@yahoo.com). Regular updates, evaluations, and progress reports will be expected to ensure alignment with BlueRforD’s objectives and EfD Ghana’s goals, supporting effective collaboration and impact.
Qualifications
- Applicants should hold (or be close to finish their thesis) a Ph.D. in Economics, Environmental Economics, Marine Resource Management, Development Economics, or a closely related field;
- Strong expertise in fisheries or aquaculture economics, coastal community development, or marine environmental issues, with experience in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Global South;
- Solid background in both quantitative and qualitative research, with a potential record of publications in peer-reviewed journals;
- Experience with multidisciplinary research and effective engagement with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers is valuable;
- Interest in contributing to coastal community resilience and sustainability initiatives, particularly within low- and middle-income countries;
- Be citizens of an African country.
Benefits
- This position provides the opportunity to collaborate within a vibrant BlueRforD and EfD research network and conduct research with tangible policy impact. The role is well-supported through funding for collaborative efforts and data collection, as well as opportunities for professional development.
- The salary is competitive.
- The duration of the postdoc is expected to be 24 months, starting from May 2025.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following on or before April 11, 2025 CET, via emails at thong.ho@eepsea.org and copy to admin@eepsea.org.
- One page cover letter detailing research interests and relevant experience.
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
- Academic transcripts and diploma certificates.
- One recent and relevant research paper.
- Two letters of recommendation sent directly to BlueRforD coordinator at thong.ho@eepsea.org and copied to admin@eepsea.org.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via video link and invited to a research seminar.
For additional information, please contact: Dr. Thong Ho, BlueRforD coordinator, email: thong.ho@eepsea.org
Appointment Procedure
BlueRforD and EfD-Ghana promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity. Salary is determined on an individual basis. Female researchers are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.
BlueRforD and EfD-Ghana may reserve the right to declare the position unfilled.