Job Description

Position Energy Transition Research Associate (Namibia/South Africa)
Location Namibia (Windhoek) or South Africa (Cape Town/Johannesburg)
Duration 4 months with possibility of contract renewal
Nature of Employment: Part-time remote work, deliverable based
Organization Africa Institute of Environmental Law

Overview
The Africa Institute of Environmental Law (AIEL) is a regional think tank dedicated to promoting sustainable natural resource governance across Africa. AIEL's mission is to engage and influence policymakers, regional bodies, development partners, government agents, industry representatives, and civil society to foster informed legal and policy actions for the sustainable governance of natural resources and the rule of environmental law. AIEL seeks to advance sustainable development by shaping policies and legal frameworks related to natural resource governance and environmental management. The institute's core areas of focus include research, capacity building, and high-level policy dialogues that address natural resource governance and environmental law across Africa.
AIEL is currently leading the Just Energy Transition (JET) project, aimed at responding to the critical challenges faced by African countries heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The project explores sustainable alternatives that can support these economies in the future. By focusing on agriculture and tourism as viable alternatives to oil and gas, the JET project provides evidence-based research and policy recommendations to guide countries like Namibia and South Africa in their energy transition. Through research, workshops, capacity-building initiatives, and stakeholder engagement, AIEL seeks to promote a sustainable energy future for Africa. To support the implementation of the JET project, AIEL is seeking two Energy Transition Research Associates, one based in Namibia (preferably Windhoek) and the other in South Africa (preferably Cape Town or Johannesburg). These Associates will play a key role in driving the project's objectives in both countries.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:
Research Support and Policy Analysis:
• Conduct research and analysis on energy transition policy issues, challenges, and opportunities in Namibia and South Africa.
• Support research processes, including data collection, literature reviews, and report writing, with a focus on climate change, decarbonisation, and renewable energy policies.
• Provide insights and feedback on project-related research papers, especially on alternatives to oil and gas.
Project Management and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Assist in planning and organising research workshops, capacity-building initiatives for civil society organisations (CSOs) and policymakers, and policy dialogues.
• Support the organization of high-level project meetings that bring together stakeholders such as civil society organisations (CSOs), policymakers, industry representatives, the media, and think tanks.
• Serve as a representative of AIEL at various platforms, conferences, and forums that focus on energy transition issues in Namibia and South Africa.
• Coordinate with project partners and participants to ensure clear communication and smooth coordination of project activities.
Capacity Building and Event Facilitation:
• Support in facilitating workshops and dialogues that enhance the knowledge and skills of stakeholders regarding energy transition policies
• Assist with the planning and execution of stakeholder engagement activities, ensuring an inclusive and participatory approach.
Communications and Networking:
• On behalf of AIEL develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the energy sector, including government officials, CSOs, industry leaders, and academic institutions.
• Support the dissemination of research findings and policy recommendations to relevant audiences through workshops, reports, and policy briefs.
• Engage in e-marketing efforts for events and participate in strategic communication initiatives related to the JET project.
• Produce high quality research papers and policy briefs on JET issues in Namibia and South Africa
• Ability to identify funding opportunities and develop winning proposals ???

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications and Experience:
• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master's or Post-Graduate programme in Governance, Public Policy, Law, Development Economics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in research, policy analysis and publications in peer reviewed journals particularly in the areas of energy transition, climate change, and decarbonisation.
• 2-3 years of experience working with think tanks, policy institutes, or similar organisations focused on governance, energy, or environmental issues.
• Strong knowledge of Namibia and South Africa's energy transition policies, laws , challenges, and opportunities.
• Proven experience in facilitating and organising high-level discussions and events involving policymakers, industry leaders, CSOs, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, including experience in event planning and management.
• Ability to represent AIEL at national platforms on energy transition climate change issues in Namibia and South Africa
• Strong networking skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government, industry, and civil society.
Additional Skills:
• Knowledge of key issues related to climate change,energy governance, sustainability decarbonisation, and sustainable energy policies
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and public policy dialogues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong project management and multitasking skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, sample of written work, and three references to [email protected] by 13 October 2024. Please indicate in your application whether you are applying for the Namibia or South Africa position.