The ACDI is in the process of developing its research strategy with regards to ecosystem based adaptation, in the broader context of UCT’s ecosystem services, livelihoods and climate change research. This research strategy will support the ACDI to leverage funding to identify and address critical research gaps that need to be addressed to make EbA a viable adaption intervention/ strategy under different contextual settings throughout Africa, and to train the next generation of African researchers in this key area.
The postdoctoral fellow will be undertaking a state of science review of academic literature, national and international policies and guidelines, and gray literature, to identify research gaps as well as policy gaps, in the South African and African context. The literature review will be complemented by telephonic and in-person interviews with key researchers in this area, to map the research expertise at UCT, and in South Africa to identify important stakeholders for future engagement.
The Fellow will be supported by an advisory committee of senior researchers working in aligned thematic areas. Outputs of this research will include: i) a literature review paper submitted to an academic journal; ii) a written report and presentation of findings to the advisory committee; and iii) a presentation of key research and policy gaps at the Adaptation Futures 2018 conference.Â
Academic / experience criteria: Â
Required
- A PhD, awarded within the previous five years, related to the topic of ecosystem services, climate change adaptation (specifically ecosystem based adaptation/natural capital/ ecological infrastructure) or integrated natural resources management.
- Demonstrated ability to produce peer-reviewed research articles.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Desire to work in an interdisciplinary research setting.
Desirable
- Interest and experience in strategy development.
- Interest and experience in stakeholder engagement.
- Good understanding of key experts in the field of EbA.
Conditions of award:
- Applicants must have completed their doctoral degrees within the past 5 years and may not previously have held a full-time permanent professional or academic post.
- No benefits or allowances are included in the Fellowship, but the fellowship stipend is tax free.
- The successful applicant will be required to register as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Cape Town immediately and will not be considered a UCT employee.
- The successful applicant will be required to comply with the university’s approved policies, procedures and practices for the postdoctoral sector.
- The fellowship is tied to the deliverables mentioned above.
Value and tenure:
- The value of the fellowship is ZAR 60Â 000 for 3 months.
Application requirements:
Applicants should submit (i) an application letter that includes a short description of their expertise and research interests, and how these relate to the position, (ii) a CV including a publication list, (iii) copies of academic transcripts and/or certificates, and (iv) email addresses of at least two references who been directly involved in their PhD and/or previous postdoctoral research.
Applications should be emailed to: nomabelu.somatube@uct.ac.za before 31 January 2018.
Selection process:
- Only eligible and complete applications will be considered by the selection committee.
- Interviews will take place in the week of 5-9 February 2018Â and the successful candidate is expected to start as soon as possible thereafter.
Closing date:
Applications received before 31 January 2018 are guaranteed to be considered. Applications received thereafter may be considered if the position has not been filled.
Contact details for submission of applications: Noma Somatube atnomabelu.somatube@uct.ac.za
Contact details for enquiries about the fellowship topic and ACDI:Â mark.new@uct.ac.za
Additional information on ACDI and UCT can be found at: www.acdi.uct.ac.za / www.uct.ac.za
The University of Cape Town reserves the right to disqualify ineligible, incomplete and/or inappropriate applications. The University of Cape Town also reserves the right to change the conditions of the award or to make no awards at all.
Source: IFPRS