Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are defined as “actions which are inspired by, supported by or copied from nature” & therefore encapsulate inter alia green infrastructure, blue infrastructure & biomimicry as tools for ecologically sensitive urban development. A NBS can involve conserving or rehabilitating natural ecosystems and/or the enhancement or creation of natural processes in modified or artificial ecosystems. They can be applied at micro- (e.g. within household) or macro- (e.g. landscape) scales.

An 18-month Post-Doctoral Opportunity (with an opportunity to extend to 24 months) is on offer in the Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology at Stellenbosch University to focus on 1-2 NBS Case Studies in the South African (Western Cape) peri-urban context. The South African studies are funded by the Water Research Commission & will contribute to a larger JPI project entitled: “Nature Based Solutions for Water Management in the Periurban”.

Project Description

The JPI Project aims to contribute to closing the water cycle gap by exploring the potentials that Nature Based Solutions (NBS) offer to address water management challenges in landscape areas that have been neglected because they lie in the transition zones between the urban and the rural, hereby referred to as periurban areas. The main objective is to exchange learning experiences among the partnership and promote the debate between science and society in order to increase awareness among practitioners and users on the application of NBS to manage water scarcity, pollution, and risks related to extreme hydrological events. There are 4 project sub-objectives aiming at (1) review of international experiences, (2) establish methodological framework to assess NBS, (3) apply the framework at each of the case study sites, and (4) create a common narrative. The project also includes case study sites in Norway, Sweden, Spain, Poland, India and Brazil at periurban areas where the project partners have established contacts and will focus.

The Post Doc will assist with 1-2 case studies (depending on case study selection) on Nature Based Solutions for water management in the South African (Western Cape) context. The successful candidate will be requested to contribute to and use an established methodological framework to:

  • Conduct an analysis of the SA case study sites (and produce research outputs)
  • Identify the main challenges for implementing NBS (e.g. ecological, socio-economic, technological, political, legal, planning governance, institutional);
  • Reflect on the socio-political context that favours the implementation of NBS.
  • Along with SA team leader (Prof Karen Esler) & international partners, assist in the creation of a common narrative. Narratives are an effective method to systematically gather, analyze, and represent people’s stories as told by them. It draws on reasoned analysis as well as empirical observation and as such is an ideal method for reflecting, together with relevant stakeholders, on principles and indicators for designing and implementing NBS in periurban areas.
  • Assist in the production of a Handbook for practitioners that can promote & inspire implementation of NBS in the periurban.

Skills Required:

  • PhD degree in Ecology, Conservation Ecology, Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related field (or evidence of PhD submitted & under examination)
  • An understanding of the interface between natural and social systems.
  • Knowledge of the water cycle and water management.
  • Computer skills for data processing and analysis.
  • Good people skills (stakeholder engagement).
  • Ability to work in a transdisciplinary environment.
  • Organization/co-ordination skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Experience or a desire to build experience, in communicating research to diverse non-expert audiences.
  • A South African Driver’s license.

Useful Skills:

  • GIS competency

Conditions of position:

  • Applicants must have completed their doctoral degrees
  • No benefits or allowances are included in the stipend, but it is tax exempt.
  • The successful applicant will be required to register as a researcher at the University of Stellenbosch.
  • The successful applicant will be required to comply with the university’s approved policies, procedures and practices for the postdoctoral sector.

Value and tenure:

R20833 per month (R250 000 per annum), tenable for 18 months (renew up to 24 months) on condition of satisfactory meeting of deliverables.

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 the most recent academic transcripts and/or certificates, and (iv) email addresses of at least two references who been directly involved in their masters, PhD and/or previous postdoctoral research.

Applications should be emailed to Prof Karen Esler: kje@sun.ac.za before 12 September 2019.

Selection process:

  • Only eligible and complete applications will be considered.
  • Interviews will likely take place in the week 16 September and the successful candidate is expected to start as soon as possible thereafter.
  • We reserve the right not to appoint anyone to this position, and will continue to advertise it until the appropriate candidate is found.

Closing date:

Applications received before 12 September 2019 are guaranteed to be considered. We will re-advertise thereafter if the position has not been filled.

Contact details for submission of applications:

Prof Karen J Esler
Email: kje@sun.ac.za
Phone: 021 808 4005