The Natural Capital Collaborative Program (NatCap), funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and supported by the Environment for Development (EfD) is hosted by the Environmental Policy Research Unit (EPRU)-University of Cape Town, South Africa, invites applications for a postdoctoral position. This position focuses on developing a research-policy interaction agenda in the areas of water systems, biodiversity, and ecosystem services across Africa. This opportunity is open to early-career researchers from Africa who aspire to make significant contributions in collaboration with an EfD center located in an African country.
About the position:
The postdoctoral fellow will lead innovative research and policy-driven initiatives to advance water systems, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in Sub-Saharan Africa. This position provides a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with an EfD host centre in the region (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, or Uganda), engage with policymakers and stakeholders, and bridge the gap between academic insights and actionable policy. The postdoctoral fellow will be hosted at the Ugandan EfD-centre, but work closely with the NatCap coordinator (based at EPRU-EfD South Africa) and theme leaders to execute responsibilities.
Research Themes of Focus for the Postdoctoral Fellow
Water Systems
Key topics include:
- The impact of climate change on water supply and resilience.
- Inequalities in access to and conservation of water resources.
- Alignment of water management practices with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Fair approaches to infrastructure development, tariff setting, and water demand management.
Biodiversity and Eco-System Services
Key topics include:
- Valuation and integration of ecosystem services into decision-making.
- The role of ecosystem services in sustainable agriculture.
- Land use planning and habitat restoration.
- Links between ecosystem services and water resource management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct and publish high-quality research aligned with NatCap's objectives.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange between researchers and policymakers.
- Engage actively with other EfD centers and fellows in the NatCap network to foster collaboration and share insights.
- Coordinates and promotes policy engagement activities with the hosted EfD Center and other EfD Centers.
- Identify and actively support the development of funding proposals within the water systems and biodiversity and eco-system themes under NatCap.
Additional tasks may include:
- Assist in drafting research reports and policy briefs.
- Participate in NatCap theme meetings and working groups on water systems, Biodiversity and Eco-System Services.
- Contribute to public outreach and science communication.
- Organize and participate in seminars and workshops.
Duration and Start Date:
- The fellowship is for an initial period of one year, starting in May 2025, with the possibility of extension for an additional year based on performance and funding availability.
Eligibility:
- A PhD in economics or related field.
- Early-career researcher: Having recently completed a PhD (within the past 5 years).
- African: Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country.
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and conceptual research skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English.
Application Process:
Submit the following documents to felicity.downes@uct.ac.za by
March 18th:
- A cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position.
- A detailed CV.
- A research statement (maximum 2 pages) detailing how your work aligns with NatCap's objectives.
- Contact information for two referees.
The closing date for applications is 17:00 South Africa Standard Time (SAST) by March 18th 2025. No late applications will be considered.
For inquiries, please contact Prof. Amin Karimu at amin.karimu@uct.ac.za .
Join us in driving impactful research and policy interventions for sustainable water systems and biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa!
Sincerely,
Lindokuhle Njozela
PhD in Economics and Senior Lecturer
School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa
NatCap Coordinator
The Natural Capital Collaborative Program
EPRU EfD-South Africa