Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Nature Based Solutions in Africa's Savannas) at University of Nairobi

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assembly, review and analysis of existing information and data on nature based solutions within Kenya and the broader savannah belt that stretches from East to West Africa.
• Carry out well-designed surveys to gain a better understanding of the climate changeenvironment/ecosystems-livelihoods-development nexus with a focus on nature based solutions and the science-policy-practice interface (SPPI).
• Using a suite of scenarios and risk assessment approaches, provide innovative and effective nature based solutions to counter the effects of climate change and environmental degradation on ecosystems and livelihoods.
• Contributions to and authorship of top-quality peer reviewed manuscripts in leading journals.
• Dissemination of research findings by presenting results at conferences, participating in workshops or exhibiting work at other appropriate events, and providing material for the project web site and the sponsors.

Essential Requirements

• Hold a PhD degree or other equivalent qualifications recognized by University of Nairobi Senate
• Applicants must not have worked for more than five (5) years since their graduation
• Have a solid knowledge base and demonstrated experience on sustainable development, climate change mitigation and adaptation in Africa’s savannas
• Strong on nature based solutions to counter the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, and links to livelihoods, ecosystems, policy and sustainable development
• Experience of undertaking high quality research in decision-support systems, ecosystem service planning process, environmental sciences, conservation planning and sustainable development
• Desire to learn and explore new intellectual territory
• Experience in use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) platforms in research
• Motivation and ability to work collaboratively in a large transdisciplinary project including multiple disciplines, cultures, languages and environments
• Willingness to undertake field and stakeholder-based research, and be based in Kenya for the duration of the contract
• Evidence of appropriate level of scholarship such as a relevant academic degree, recent contribution to relevant literatures or professional practice
• Willingness and ability to contribute to the academic programs and research profile of the University
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and to coordinate and oversee research assistants
• Dissemination of research findings by presenting results at conferences, participating in workshops or exhibiting work at other appropriate events, and providing material for the project web site and the sponsors.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience of reporting and presenting research findings to a variety of audiences
• Familiarity with multidisciplinary/transdisciplinary approaches to research
• Experience in working with industry 

Terms of appointment

• This a position whose tenure is one (1) year contract renewable based on performance and by mutual consent. The salary is negotiable depending on the level of education and work experience.