AITTC - Postdoctoral Researcher – Climate policy

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and Faculty of Governance, Economics, and Social Science (FGSES) at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) are accepting applications for a full-time position as a Postdoctoral Researcher. The successful candidate will comprehensively review climate change mitigation and adaptation policies across Africa and conduct an ex-ante analysis of climate actions throughout the continent. The overarching goal is to identify policy barriers to effective climate action in Africa and provide valuable insights to guide the development of projects to overcome identified challenges.

We seek a highly motivated individual with a PhD in Policy, Governance, Economics, or related studies. Tackling intricate issues like climate change necessitates understanding various drivers of change at different scales, their interactions, and how policies in different sectors influence them. Greenhouse gas emission reductions are rarely a priority for many Global South countries relative to other development needs such as poverty eradication, security-related goals, and economic growth. Nevertheless, given the destruction caused by the impacts of climate change, human development should be linked more coherently with climate change mitigation. Achieving net-zero emissions globally by 2050 requires substantial cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Global North and the Global South. Commitments have long been discussed but lack implementation despite various announcements and initiatives to mitigate and adapt to climate change in the Global South. To untangle the policy and institutional complexities associated with climate action, the ideal candidate should showcase a capacity for transdisciplinary research. Previous experience in collaborative research teams that synthesize knowledge from diverse fields will benefit this position.

The selected postdoctoral researcher should be well-versed in global climate action discussions and able to communicate effectively with scientists in related fields. A willingness to integrate perspectives from multiple scientific domains is highly desirable. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about contributing to impactful climate change solutions and possess the required qualifications.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on climate policies supporting and hindering climate action in the Global South.
• Identify and analyze policy gaps and inconsistencies in various targeted African countries to provide insights into enhancing climate initiatives.
• Undertake a thorough review of existing ex-ante analyses on climate change adaptation and mitigation conducted in Africa. Lead the execution of a new ex-ante analysis on climate action, contributing valuable insights.
• Play a crucial role in developing and writing grant proposals aimed at securing funding for additional work on climate policies in Africa.
• Efficiently coordinate activities with fellow team members within the CFP, fostering collaboration and synergy. Participate actively in the training and supervising visitors, interns, graduate students, undergraduate students, and volunteer workers as needed.

Criteria of the candidate:

• Ph.D. in Policy and Governance or related fields.
• Background in agronomy, forestry, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, or related areas.
• Demonstrated capacity for transdisciplinary research, understanding diverse drivers of change and their interactions.
• Previous experience in collaborative research teams synthesizing knowledge from various fields.
• Excellent knowledge of global initiatives and climate agreements.
• Experience with policy analyses
• Capacity to initiate and manage projects with minimal supervision.
• Superior communication skills, including a demonstrated record of presentations to professional organizations and publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven supervisory skills and interest in mentoring students and other personnel.
• Aptitude for teamwork, problem-solving, and collaborative work that transcends disciplinary boundaries.
• Excellent English proficiency.
• The ability to understand French is desirable.
• Organizational ability and proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple goals.

• Positive attitude and a good sense of humour.

• Energetic, motivated, and proactive.

This position offers:

• Competitive salary.
• Life & medical insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Maternity leave, paid vacations.
• Work in teams with internationally prominent professors.
• Pathway to developing an academic career.
• Support for international research conference participation.

Contract Type:

CDD fixed-term contract of 3/4 years.