VACANCY: POST DOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW
Climate Resilient Development Pathways in Semi-Arid Regions

Closing Date: 16 Dec 2019

The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) wishes to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) on the project, Climate Resilient Development Pathways in Semi-Arid Regions. The PDRF will work with an international team of scientists who were part of the CARIAA (Collaborative Adaptation Research in African and Asia) research programme, to i) Synthesize a set of forward-looking findings from ASSAR, PRISE and other related projects (such as the FCFA-funded projects, FRACTAL and AMMA-2050) concerning the risks and opportunities for development in SARs; ii) Analyze national development priorities for countries that have large semi-arid areas, and the extent to which the evidence on climate change futures are compatible with existing development plans and what alternative pathways might deliver more climate-resilient futures; iii) Work with selected national and regional decision-makers in 2-3 case study countries on a specific policy areas or sectors, and seek to reorient the planned development pathway to one which is more climate resilient and equitable.

Qualifications, experience and skill criteria:
Required
• A PhD, awarded within the previous four years, in a field relevant to climate vulnerability, risk and adaptation and/or climate and development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in literature searches and use of reference management software.
• Experience, or a desire to build experience, in communicating research to diverse non-expert audiences.
• Excellent organisational capability, interpersonal abilities, and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Desirable
• A growing scientific publication record
• Experience in synthesising insights from multiple sources, including peer-reviewed and grey literature
• Knowledge of socio-economic, development and environmental issues in dryland / semi-arid settings.
• Relevant experience of a more applied nature (such as working within government or in the non-government sector on issues linked to policy development and implementation)
• Experience in science communication to policymakers

Value and tenure:
• A tax-free post-doctoral stipend of ZAR 25,000 pm
• The position is for 18 months.

Application requirements:
Applicants should submit, combined into a single PDF (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: rabia.karriem@uct.ac.za by 24.00 on 16 Dec 2019, to guarantee consideration.

Selection process:
• Only eligible and complete applications will be considered by the selection committee.

• Interviews will likely take place early in January 2020 and the successful candidate is expected to start as soon as
possible thereafter.

Further Information:
Contact details for submission of applications: Rabia Karriem: rabia.karriem@uct.ac.za
Contact details for enquiries about the Postdoctoral role and ACDI: mark.new@uct.ac.za
Additional information on ACDI and UCT can be found at: www.acdi.uct.ac.za / www.uct.ac.za
Additional information on the CARIAA programme, and especially the ASSAR and PRISE projects: www.cariaa.net

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.