Applications are invited for the post of Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow specialising in Climate Change Scenarios, Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation, at the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), Faculty of Science, University of Cape Town.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a Southern African regional research team, within the broader ASSAR (Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions) multi-region research project, and for cross-region research synthesis across other ASSAR regional research projects (West Africa, East Africa, South Asia). The post involves both research management and supervision, as well as significant personal research.

ASSAR is a five year research project that aims to deepen understanding of climate vulnerability and adaptation in semi-arid regions, and what is needed to transform current adaptation practice to a mode that achieves proactive, widespread adaptation. ASSAR is funded through the IDRC/DFID CARIAA (Collaborative Adaptation Research in Africa and Asia) programme, with a total budget of CAD$13.5M. This is a full-time, fixed-term Academic research appointment, equivalent to Lecturer or Senior Lecturer, for four and half years.

 

Requirements:

– PhD degree in relevant subject related to climate change scenarios, vulnerability, impacts and/or adaptation.

– At least three years post-doctoral research experience in climate change vulnerability, impacts and/or adaptation.

– A strong publication record, commensurate with research experience.

– Skills and capacity to work in an interdisciplinary research environment, and lead an interdisciplinary research team.

– Experience of collaborative research and/or engagement with policy makers, practitioners and/or local communities.

 

Responsibilities include:

– Research management, with support from project PIs, which includes: (i) design of research programmes, (ii) overseeing implementation of research, (iii) leading on research-level interactions between southern African and other regional research programmes; (iv) research reporting, internal knowledge management and research into use activities.

– Research, including: (i) field and desk-based research related to the regional research programme; (ii) writing up regional research into working papers and journal papers; (iii) assist and work with other researchers to design, write and edit working papers; (iv) work with consortium partners in cross-consortia activities such as write-shops, journal special issues and researcher training; (v) contribute research data to the knowledge management system.

– Research communication, including work with communications staff in conceptualizing, designing, providing content for, and reviewing, communications products.

– Supervision and mentoring of junior researchers, including: (i) junior post-doc fellows; (ii) PhD students; (iii) Masters student projects.

– Note that extensive travel will be expected.

 

Advantageous experience includes:

– Previous research experience in Southern Africa.

– Education, training and/or research experience that spans the natural science and socio-economic science aspects of climate change.

– Research project management or coordination.

 

The annual remuneration package (for 2014), including benefits, is between R 436 192 – R 500 000. The remuneration will be dependent on the level of appointment.

To apply, please e-mail the completed UCT Application form (HR201) and all other relevant documentation as indicated on the form, with the subject line “CARIAA Research Fellow: Climate Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation” followed by the reference number to Ms Celeste Booysen at recruitment05@uct.ac.za

An application form can also be downloaded at https://web.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/hr201.doc An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Address: Staff Recruitment and Selection, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7700.

Telephone: +27 21 650 2220

Departmental website: https://www.acdi.uct.ac.za

Reference number: SR 616/16

Closing date: 28 February 2014

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