Researcher/Senior Researcher in Energy Policy at Institute For Economic Justice (IEJ)

The main objective of this position will encompass advancing a Just Energy Transition towards an environmentally sustainable economy that protects workers and affected communities, and ensures decent work, social inclusion, and the reduction of poverty.

This will be achieved amongst others through the following actions which the Energy Policy Researcher will lead supported by the Senior Researcher and Climate, Energy and Infrastructure Programme Lead:

• Provide technical and political support to unions engaged in Just Transition planning on the plant level, and in negotiations with Eskom and other stakeholders.
• Work with trade unions to consolidate a labour position on the Just Transition – including Eskom restructuring – and develop associated policy proposals and strategic alliances.
• The ability to develop progressive policy positions and solutions for Just Energy Transitions and renewable energy industrialisation.
• Build alliances between labour organisations and other civil society and community organisations to develop a shared agenda.
• Build the IEJ’s “Climate, energy and infrastructure” programme into a leading part of the IEJ’s work.

The Researcher in Energy Policy will:

• Lead in the development and ongoing implementation of the Energy component of the Climate, Energy, Infrastructure programme;
• Work according to the project brief and deliver frequent project updates;
• Develop and direct given research assignments;
• Create a plan of action, set project goals, and manage to completion;
• Conduct detailed research of intended subject matter including making policy recommendations; and
• Formulate effective and efficient research processes.
• Coordinate activities with stakeholders, in particular trade unions and other civil society.

Qualifications / experience required:

• Advanced degree (at least Masters) in economics; development; geography or environmental management; sociology; engineering; or science (Masters required);
• Research experience in Energy, including production of policy - relevant outputs; and
• Experience in coordination with partners.

The candidates should have the following attributes:

• Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills;
• Be committed to progressive economic transformation in South Africa;
• English language fluency with strong research and writing ability;
• Extensive understanding of the national and international context of the research in Energy;
• Previous academic or non-academic publications and partners; and
• Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite.