Postdoctoral Opportunity in Water Systems, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Services in Africa
The Natural Capital Collaborative Program (NatCap), funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and supported by Environment for Development (EfD), invites applications for a postdoctoral position hosted by the Environmental Policy Research Unit (EPRU) at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
This position aims to develop a research-policy interaction agenda in the areas of water systems, biodiversity, and ecosystem services across Africa. It offers a unique opportunity for early-career African researchers to engage in high-impact research and policy collaborations within an EfD center in an African country.
Position Overview
The postdoctoral fellow will:
- Lead research and policy-driven initiatives on water systems, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Collaborate with an EfD host center (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, or Uganda).
- Engage policymakers and stakeholders to bridge the gap between academic insights and actionable policy.
- Be hosted at the Ugandan EfD-center, working closely with the NatCap coordinator at EPRU-EfD South Africa and theme leaders.
Research Themes
🔹 Water Systems
- Climate change impacts on water supply and resilience.
- Inequality in access to and conservation of water resources.
- Water management aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Fair infrastructure development, tariff setting, and water demand management.
🔹 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
- Valuation and integration of ecosystem services in decision-making.
- Role of ecosystem services in sustainable agriculture.
- Land use planning and habitat restoration.
- Links between ecosystem services and water resource management.
Eligibility Criteria
✅ PhD in economics or a related field (completed in the past 5 years).
✅ African nationality or permanent residency.
✅ Strong quantitative, analytical, and conceptual research skills.
✅ Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
📌 Cover Letter outlining interest and qualifications.
📌 Detailed CV.
📌 Research Statement (max 2 pages) aligning with NatCap objectives.
📌 Contact information for two referees.
Deadline: March 18, 2025, by 17:00 South Africa Standard Time (SAST).
📩 Submit applications to felicity.downes@uct.ac.za.
For inquiries, contact Prof. Amin Karimu at amin.karimu@uct.ac.za.
🌍 Join us in advancing impactful research and policy solutions for Africa’s water systems and biodiversity!
