Research Officer, Climate Change Mitigation

RESEARCH OFFICER

CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION, ENERGY RESEARCH CENTRE

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The Energy Research Centre (ERC) at theUniversity of Cape Town is one ofSouth Africa’s leading institutions involved in energy research, employing about 25 people from a variety of backgrounds. The Energy, Environment & Climate Change (EECC) group at ERC pursues excellence in research at the intersection between energy, local environment and global climate change. Our research aims to contribute to minimising impacts of energy use and production, from social, economic and environmental perspectives.

We invite applications for one or two 2-year or 3-year contract positions of Research Officer, for immediate appointment.

This would be an ideal opportunity for established researchers to contribute to the implementation of a three-year programme on Mitigation Action Plans and Scenarios (MAPS) and the general work of the group on mitigation and scenarios for low carbon development. For emerging researchers, the opportunity is to build on their previous experience into the area of climate change mitigation. ERC will consider appointing candidates at the level of Senior Researcher or Researcher, depending on experience and qualifications.

These contract positions will entail a significant share of time spent on research for theMAPSprogramme and work on low-carbon development strategies (LCDS) and nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) in general. Work on theMAPSprogramme involves sharing experiences with other developing countries and supporting processes that develop scenario or plan to implement effective NAMAs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Researching climate change mitigation, including NAMAs and LCDS within the Mitigation Action Plans and Scenarios programme and other research projects
• Energy research, economic and policy analysis on climate change mitigation, as part of the overall research agenda of the ERC’s Energy, Environment & Climate Change programme, including technology, finance and capacity to support mitigation
• Analysis of energy for sustainable development, including renewable energy, and climate co-benefits, at City scale, inSouth Africa,Africaand other developing countries
• Analysis of uncertainty in decision-making and approaches to managing risk in the energy sector, including projections of trends and analysis of scenarios
• Assisting the ERC’s NAMA specialist in research activities for theMAPSprogramme, including assistance with management of research and representation ofMAPSin international fora, as needed 
• Full-time work as part of the EECC group at ERC, with a significant share of time spent on theMAPSprogramme. The precise allocation of time will be agreed with the ERC programme leader.
• Engaging in consulting, extension and advocacy activities with relevant stakeholders in the energy sector so as to utilise and advance ERC’s research agenda
• Striving for intellectual growth and experience in the energy sector and around climate policy issues, in particular on mitigation
• Teaching and capacity building on energy and climate change mitigation
• Participating in ERC’s internal seminars and discussions
• Any other delegated functions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A Master’s degree in Energy Studies or related disciplines related to climate change mitigation (e.g. Energy, Economics, Environmental Science, or Engineering). A PhD will be an added advantage
• Good writing skills and proficiency in the English language; Spanish language skills will be an added advantage
• Computer literacy (MS Word and Excel at least), further skills would be advantageous
• Interest in academic teaching and training
• Able and willing to travel, including overseas
• At least 1 year’s experience in climate change work, in research or in implementing mitigation projects and programmes; or 2 years’ experience in a highly relevant field (e.g. energy for sustainable development)
• Experience in research projects (beyond studies) will be an added advantage
• Expertise in economy-wide modelling is another advantage.

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is as follows: R427 311

Application process:

To apply, please e-mail the completed UCT Application form and all other relevant documentation as indicated on the form, with the subject line “Research Officer, Climate Change Mitigation” followed by the reference number to Ms S Swain, Staff Recruitment Office, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700.

E-mail: shandre.swain@uct.ac.za;

Telephone: +27 21 650 3003;

Centre website: www.erc.uct.ac.za

The application form can be downloaded at http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/hr201.doc

Please note:

• An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• ERC reserves the right to appoint one or two candidates, or not to make any appointment.

Reference number for this position:     SR250/12    

Closing date for applications:              16 February 2012 

UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at http://hr.uct.ac.za/policies/ee.php