Researcher / Junior Researcher: Global Resource Flows at Stellenbosch University

Duties  

• Providing conceptual, strategic, and visionary leadership for the coordination of the GRO report:
• Collaborating with IRP members and international researchers to conceptualise the project approach within the framework approved by the IRP;
• Synthesising and interpreting raw data and reports to support conceptual processes;
• Conceptualising, organising and co-facilitating a series of workshops and convenings of international research teams to plan and write their draft chapters;
• Conceptualising, organising and co-facilitating workshops for project reporting periods;
• Leading the reporting process, including progress and final reports;
• Providing research support to Dr Ayuk and the project administrator;
• Contributing to the writing and editing of chapters for the GRO;
• Ensuring that all deliverables are met. 
• Co-coordinating the GRO project for the IRP with the Lead Coordinator, which will include:
• Establishing and managing an effective project management system for tracking the progress of every research team, including contracting, reporting, delivery of drafts, circulation of drafts for comment, and ensuring the delivery of final drafts;
• Managing a database of key contacts in the IRP, research teams and related UN agencies;
• Managing effective communications to keep everyone informed and involved;
• Ensuring that research teams adhere to their mandates with respect to length of drafts, content and orientation of arguments;
• Managing project timelines and budgets;
• Publishing a journal article about the process and/or the content is recommended but not compulsory;
• Leading the writing of a project proposal to up-scale the project, collaborating with the CST researchers and other partners.
• Contributing to CST institutional functions, including as guest lecturer, participating in the CST seminars, events, and staff meetings.

Job Requirements    
Minimum Requirements: Junior Researcher

• MPhil or master's qualification in a relevant field (e.g. geography, ecology, resource economics, sustainability science, social science, ecological economics, industrial 
• ecology).
• Specialist knowledge of resource flows (fossil fuels, biomass, metals, construction minerals), preferably at the global level as well.
• Experience in supporting workshops and project processes.
• Experience with developing and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrable project management skills.
• Experience in supporting fundraising for research.
• Experience in report writing.
• A desire to work in participatory interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary environments.

Minimum Requirements: Researcher

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g. geography, ecology, resource economics, sustainability science, social science, ecological economics, industrial ecology).
• At least one peer-reviewed publication.
• Specialist knowledge of resource flows (fossil fuels, biomass, metals, construction minerals), preferably at the global level as well.
• Experience in designing, planning and facilitating workshops and project processes.
• Experience in effectively managing all aspects of a project, from initiation to close out.
• Experience in developing and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in project management skills.
• Experience in leading fundraising proposals.
• Experience in leading report writing.
• Experience of working in participatory interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary environments.
• Willingness to secure ongoing funding to support their position as well as those of more junior researchers at the CST.

Recommendation        
Recommendations: Junior Researcher

• Experience in conducting and/or supporting research on global resource flows (fossil fuels, biomass, metals, construction minerals).
• Experience in managing projects.
• Proven record of managing relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the UN and/or other similar international organisations.
• A track record of being involved in projects and working in teams.
• Experience in supporting funding proposals.
• Familiarity with policy making processes, including drafting policy briefs and reports.
• Willingness to support ongoing fundraising efforts to support their position.

Recommendations: Researcher

• Experience in conducting and/or managing research on global resource flows (fossil fuels, biomass, metals, construction minerals).
• Experience in managing projects.
• Proven record of managing relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the UN and/or other similar international organisations.
• A track record of being involved in projects and working in teams.
• Experience in leading funding proposals.
• Experience and familiarity with policy making processes, including drafting policy briefs and reports.

Closing Date 16-Mar-2026