Postdoctoral Research Fellow

                                                                        TERMS OF REFERENCE
Theme: Just Transitions, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Digitization
Host Institution: University of Cape Town/ University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Implementation Base: African Centre for a Green Economy (AfriCGE), Cape Town
Duration: 12 Months (with possibility of extension)
Start Date: As soon as possible

1. Background

Africa’s path toward a climate-resilient and low-carbon future must be inclusive, locally grounded, and justice-oriented. The continent’s communities, particularly those dependent on natural resources, are central actors in shaping this transition. Recognising this, the African Centre for a Green Economy (AfriCGE) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) have partnered to support a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship focused on deepening understanding and visibility of indigenous knowledge systems, climate change adaptation, and digital innovation.

The fellowship will support interdisciplinary research and knowledge co-production that informs both policy and practice, contributing to AfriCGE’s flagship initiatives such as the Just Transition Lab (JTL), Shaping Inclusive Transitions (SIT), and its climate governance and digitisation portfolios.

2. Objectives of the Fellowship

• Conduct applied research on just transitions, focusing on indigenous and local knowledge systems and their role in shaping locally driven climate solutions.
• Investigate how digital tools and platforms can be used to preserve, scale, and integrate traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary policy and adaptation strategies.
• Contribute to AfriCGE’s community-based dialogues, climate resilience initiatives, and knowledge production under the SIT and JTL programmes.
• Produce outputs that inform both academic scholarship and policy decision-making on inclusive climate transitions.

3. Key Responsibilities
   • Design and implement a research project aligned with the themes of just transition, indigenous knowledge, climate change, and digitization.
   • Conduct fieldwork and stakeholder engagement in selected communities, with a focus on traditional climate and natural resource management practices.
   • Collaborate with AfriCGE programme teams to integrate research insights into community dialogues, events, and policy engagements.
   • Produce at least two peer-reviewed journal articles and two policy or knowledge briefs during the fellowship term.
   • Develop an open-access digital product (e.g., visual story map, archive, knowledge dashboard) showcasing indigenous knowledge and local innovations.
   • Represent AfriCGE and the host university at conferences, webinars, or roundtables as needed.
   • Support mentoring or light supervision of interns or affiliated graduate students.

4. Expected Outputs
   • Inception report and work plan (Month 1)
   • Two academic journal articles submitted to high-impact, peer-reviewed publications
   • Two policy briefs or practitioner-focused knowledge products
   • A digital knowledge product (e.g. database, visual archive, digital storytelling tool)
   • A synthesis report outlining findings, lessons, and policy implications
5. Qualification and Experience
   • A completed PhD in a relevant field (e.g. Environmental Studies, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Climate Change, Natural Resource Governance, Digital Humanities, or Sustainability Science). PhD studies must have been concluded in the last 3 years.
   • Strong research background in at least two of the following areas: just transitions, climate adaptation, natural resource governance, indigenous/local knowledge, or digital innovation
   • A proven publication record and excellent academic writing skills
   • Experience conducting participatory and/or decolonial fieldwork, especially in rural or climate-vulnerable African contexts
   • Demonstrated digital literacy, including use of digital storytelling, open-access platforms, or spatial data tools
6. Supervision and Collaboration
   • The postdoctoral fellow will be formally registered at either UCT or UKZN, with academic supervision from an appointed faculty member.
   • The fellow will be based at AfriCGE’s Cape Town office, reporting to the Research and Policy Lead, with active integration into AfriCGE’s teams, fieldwork sites, and strategic programmes.
7. Stipend and Support
   • The position will offer a competitive monthly stipend, aligned with the host university’s postdoctoral funding policy.
   • Additional support for fieldwork, research, and travel will be available through AfriCGE and associated project grants.
8. Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A cover letter outlining research interests, motivations, and alignment with the themes
• A 2–3 page research proposal
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (including publication list)
• Contact information for two academic referees

Application Deadline: 5th September 2025
Submit Applications to: careers@africancentre.org

Deadline:
Submit applications to: careers@africancentre.org