The Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre (REPRC), Environment for Development (EfD) Nigeria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on conducting policy-relevant research on climate finance policies in West Africa. This is a unique opportunity for early-career researchers from Africa to contribute to impactful work at the REPRC EfD-Nigeria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The REPRC EfD-Nigeria UNN is a research, capacity building and policy engagement centre with the goal of building capacity and conducting research in environmental and natural resource economics and management, climate, energy, pollution, and related fields, thereby facilitating and supporting evidence-based policymaking, effective policy implementation, and improved policy outcomes in the region for poverty reduction and sustainable development. The Centre, through a grant from IDRC, is conducting policy-relevant research on climate finance, titled “Innovative Climate Finance for Unlocking Development and Equity in Africa (INCLUDE- Africa)”. The overarching objective of the study is to ascertain and strengthen fiscal, financial, and policy frameworks for enhanced mobilization of public and private climate finance, generate innovative financial tools, and enhance institutional capacity towards the achievement of low-carbon, climate-resilient development in West Africa.
About the position
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the project and help achieve its objectives. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with REPRC EfD-Nigeria and other institutions in the INCLUDE-Africa research consortium, as well as with partners in Sub-Saharan Africa, policymakers, and key stakeholders, bridging the gap between academic insights and actionable policies in climate finance. During the two-year fellowship, the postdoc will work closely with the INCLUDE-Africa research team across the different work packages. The researcher is expected to produce high-quality research, contribute to policy engagement and capacity-building activities within the Centre, and present at internal and external seminars.
Eligibility
We are seeking applications from African researchers fulfilling the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of an African country;
- A PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics or a closely related field, with a strong focus on environmental and climate economics. To have finished a PhD program within five years at the moment of the application:
- Good understanding of empirical methods (demand systems, econometric analyses, CGE, ex-post analyses, etc.), experience in working with micro-level data and good knowledge of statistical software (such as STATA or R) are very strong assets;
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research in addressing climate finance challenges in Africa through innovative and collaborative approaches
- Proven ability to conduct independent research and publish in peer-reviewed journals;
- Demonstrable experience conducting high-quality and policy-relevant research;
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, oral and written fluency in English;
Application requirements
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Cover letter: Highlight your specific interests, motivation and experience related to climate policy research and policy engagement, especially related to the context of West Africa/SSA.
- Concept note (2 pages): It should explain a research question in line with the overarching objective of the project, motivation, method(s), and policy implications.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Overview of your academic and professional accomplishments.
- Reference contacts: name, affiliation and email.
- Writing sample: Submit a recent research paper, a policy brief, or another relevant piece of work.
The position is set to begin in September 2026.
Application deadline: Please send in your application by 24th August 2026 to Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone (nnaemeka.chukwuone@unn.edu.ng).
For enquiries about the position, please contact Nkem Mgbemene (nkem.mgbemene@unn.edu.ng).
We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment. REPRC EfD-Nigeria UNN is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, disability, or any other status protected by law.
We look forward to hearing from passionate and motivated researchers eager to make a difference across Africa!