The Collaborative Program on Natural Capital (NatCap), funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA) and supported by the Environment for Development (EfD), invites applications for a position as postdoctoral fellow in the Research Unit on Environmental Policies (EPRU) University of Cape Town, south Africa.

The goal of this position is to develop an agenda of interaction between research and policy in the areas of water resources, biodiversity and ecosystem services in the whole of Africa. It offers a unique opportunity for african researchers in the beginnings of their career to participate in research, high-impact collaborations in the field of policies within a centre EfD in an african country.

General description of the position

Postdoctoral fellow:

  • Lead research initiatives and policies on water resources, biodiversity and ecosystem services in sub-saharan Africa.
  • Collaborate with a center EfD (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania or Uganda).
  • Will engage with policy makers and stakeholders to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and applicable policies.
  • You will be welcomed in the center EfD Uganda, where it will work in close collaboration with the coordinator NatCap of EPRU-EfD south Africa and the makers theme.

Research topics

🔹 Water systems

  • Impacts of climate change on the water supply and the resilience.
  • Inequality in the access to and the conservation of water resources.
  • Water management in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS).
  • Infrastructure development fair, pricing and demand management of water.

🔹 Biodiversity and ecosystem services

  • Assessment and integration of ecosystem services into decision making.
  • Role of ecosystem services in sustainable agriculture.
  • Land-use planning and habitat restoration.
  • Links between ecosystem services and the management of water resources.

Eligibility criteria

✅ Phd in economics or a related field (obtained in the last 5 years).

✅ African nationality or permanent residence.

✅ Solid skills quantitative research, analytical, and conceptual.

✅ Excellent communication skills both written and verbal in English.

Application process

Interested candidates should send:

📌 Cover letter describing interests and qualifications.

📌 CV detailed.

📌 Research statement (max 2 pages) in line with the objectives of NatCap.

📌 Contact details of two reference persons.

Deadline: 18 march 2025, at 17:00, south Africa standard time (SAST).

📩 Send requests to felicity.downes@uct.ac.za.

For any query, please contact Prof. Amin Karimu in amin.karimu@uct.ac.za.

🌍 Join us to promote research and policy solutions for impact on water systems and biodiversity of Africa!