Environment for Development Ethiopia (EfD Ethiopia) hosted by the Research Center for Sustainable Development (RCSD) under the ISER of AAU invites applications for a post-doctoral position.
EfD Ethiopia, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), supported by the EfD Global Hub and hosted by the Research Center for Sustainable Development (RCSD) under the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) of the Addis Ababa University (AAU), invites applications for a postdoctoral position.
This opportunity is open to early-career researchers who aspire to make significant contributions in collaboration with EfD-Ethiopia.
About the position:
The postdoctoral fellow will select and be responsible for leading one of the following four research and policy-driven initiatives focused on Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA):
- Climate policy and development;
- Sustainable agriculture;
- Sustainable Energy Transition;
- Sustainable green industrialization and urbanization.
The position provides a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with EfD-Ethiopia, engage with policymakers and stakeholders, and bridge the gap between academic insights and actionable policy. The postdoctoral fellow will be hosted at the Research Center for Sustainable Development of the Addis Ababa University (EfD-Ethiopia) and work closely with other researchers of RCSD and ISER to execute responsibilities.
Research Themes of Focus for the Postdoctoral Fellow
- Climate policy and development
Key topics include:
- Evaluating the progress made and challenges in implementing the CRGE initiative across key sectors like agriculture, forestry, and renewable energy;
- Strengthen institutional capacity, improve coordination among sectors;
- Efficient implementation of decentralized approaches to climate adaptation and resilience-building at local level;
- Analyze the landscape of climate finance in Ethiopia, the challenges in accessing international funds, and strategies to increase investment in climate action
- Sustainable Agriculture
Key topics include:
- Climate-smart practices for improving soil health, water and soil conservation, food security and building resilience in different Agro-ecologies;
- Farmers' decision-making and ability to adopt sustainable practices, considering financial constraints, access to inputs, and the role of extension services;
- Addressing post-harvest losses to enhance food security;
- Gender equality in agriculture and resource access
- Sustainable energy transition
Key topics include:
- Effectiveness of existing energy policies and regulatory barriers that hinder the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives;
- The linkage between renewable energy expansion, economic growth, and the achievement of sustainable development goals;
- Effective stakeholder engagement strategies for accelerating Ethiopia’s sustainable energy transition.
- Sustainable Green Industrialization and Urbanization
Key topics include:
- Assessing the coherence and effectiveness of current policies in promoting green industrialization and urbanization, and the need for reforms;
- The potential of circular economy principles (e.g., waste reduction, recycling) for creating green jobs, and policy instruments to facilitate their adoption;
- Key investment priorities for resilient infrastructure, and policy frameworks required to ensure their climate robustness;
- Strategies to mobilize adequate green finance and coordinate stakeholders for accelerated green transformation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and lead high-quality research project aligned with the Center's thematic priorities;
- Design and execute primary and/or secondary data collection and analysis, applying advanced quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies;
- Produce at least one manuscript which is publishable in a peer-reviewed reputable journal, and one policy-oriented output (e.g., a policy brief, news article, or blog post) per year based on research findings;
- Submit at least one grant proposal in collaboration with EfD-Ethiopia per year;
- Contribute to training packages, workshops, conferences and capacity-building initiatives of EfD-Ethiopia;
- Contribute to the supervision and mentorship of junior researchers and graduate students within the Center;
- Engage actively with other centers and fellows within ISER to foster collaboration and share insights;
- Contribute to policy engagement activities and advisory services, linking research outcomes directly to climate and environmental policy formulation in Ethiopia and SSA.
Additional tasks may include:
- Assist in drafting research reports and policy briefs;
- Participate in EfD-Ethiopia theme meetings and working groups;
- Contribute to public outreach and scientific communication;
- Organize and participate in seminars and workshops;
Duration and Start Date:
- The fellowship is for an initial period of one year, starting in February 2026, with the possibility of extension for an additional year based on performance and funding availability.
Eligibility:
- A PhD in Economics or related field of study;
- Early-career researcher: Having recently completed a PhD (within the past 5 years);
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and conceptual research skills;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English.
Application Process:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation, research interests, and how your expertise aligns with the required qualifications for the position and the Center's mission;
- A detailed CV with a list of recent publications and contact information for three referees;
- A research concept note (maximum 5 pages) outlining a potential research project to undertake during the fellowship, including objectives, methodology, and expected outputs; and how your work aligns with one of the above listed EfD Ethiopia’s thematic areas;
- Copies of academic credentials and evidence of relevant work experience
All applicants are required to submit their documents to: Hailu Elias at hailu.elias@aau.edu.et
The deadline for submission is 02 February 2026 Close of Business (5 pm EAT), and no late applications will be considered.
EfD Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.