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!