The Environment for Development (EfD) initiative, sponsored by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on supporting the efforts of the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCOPE) collaborative program to develop a policy-relevant research agenda in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The position will be based at EfD Kenya, closely collaborating with the SCOPE coordination team, EfD Kenya, and the EfD Global Hub.
As one of the 11 Environment for Development (EfD) centers, EfD-Kenya contributes to the sustainable management of Kenya’s natural resources through capacity development, policy-relevant research, and policy engagement.
About the Position:
The postdoctoral fellow will work with SCOPE researchers to promote sustainable consumption and production in SSA. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with researchers at EfD Kenya, policymakers, and key stakeholders, bridging the gap between academic insights and actionable policies. The fellow will engage in cutting-edge research, policy engagement, and external funding applications, focusing on food waste, fashion waste, and e-waste.
This is a two-year position, beginning in May 2025, with opportunities for extension based on performance and funding availability.
Research Themes of Focus:
Food Waste:
• Strategies to reduce food loss and waste across supply chains
• Consumer behavior and policy interventions for food waste reduction
• Circular economy approaches to food systems
Fashion Waste:
• Sustainable fashion consumption and production
• Environmental and socio-economic impacts of textile waste
• Policy measures to promote circularity in the fashion industry
E-Waste:
• Policy and regulatory frameworks for e-waste management
• Socioeconomic and health impacts of e-waste in developing contexts
• Recycling and circular economy solutions for electronic waste
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct and publish high-quality research on sustainable consumption and production and waste management.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders.
- Engage actively with EfD Kenya, SCOPE, and other EfD centers to foster collaboration and share insights.
- Lead and contribute to policy engagement activities at national and international levels.
- Engage with relevant NGOs and international organizations (e.g., UN) working on sustainable consumption, production, and waste management.
- Identify and support the development of funding proposals for external research grants.
- Draft research reports, policy briefs, and contribute to public outreach and science communication.
- Organize and participate in seminars, workshops, and policy dialogues.
Report & Evaluation:
The postdoctoral researcher will report directly to Pablo Evia, SCOPE Coordinator at EfD Central America and Mexico, and to Richard Mulwa, Professor and EfD Research Fellow at EfD Kenya. Regular updates, evaluations, and progress reports will be expected to ensure alignment with SCOPE’s objectives and EfD Kenya’s goals, supporting effective collaboration and impact.
Eligibility:
We are seeking applications from African researchers fulfilling the following criteria:
- PhD in environmental and resource economics or a related field (e.g., sustainability science, development studies, environmental policy).
- Being a citizen of Kenya and/or be closely familiar with Kenyan policy and research environment.
- Completion of a PhD within the past four years at the time of application.
- Strong commitment to addressing issues related to SDG 12 and to interacting with policymakers and key stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English.
Application Requirements:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents to richard.mulwa@uonbi.ac.ke with a copy to pablo.evia@catie.ac.cr by March 28th:
- Cover letter: Highlight your specific interests and experience related to sustainable consumption and production, especially in SSA countries that are part of the EfD network (i.e., Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Reference contacts: Provide names, affiliations, and email contacts for references.
- Writing sample: Submit a recent research paper, policy brief, or another relevant piece of work.
For inquiries, please contact pablo.evia@catie.ac.cr or richard.mulwa@uonbi.ac.ke