Duties/Pligte
Contributing thought leadership to the Lifethroughwildlife programme.
Managing a regional governance and wildlife economy research programme, including research conceptualization, data standardisation, databases, and comparative analysis.
Supporting a CBNRM transformation strategy at anchor sites across southern Africa that includes (1) baseline surveys and analysis, (2) the conceptualisation and implementing of a governance / economy change management processes, and (3) ensuring that results are tracked, analysed, reported and published by Fellows.
Providing support, mentoring and academic supervision or, in most cases, co-supervision to 16 Fonseca Fellows (two cohorts of eight fellows per year).
Supporting Fellow participation in (1) research and methodology training courses at CST, (2) the conceptual wildlife economy, governance and community University of Florida certificate, (3) practical governance methods training, and (4) producing an MPhil research thesis.
Travelling to anchor sites to engage with students and other stakeholders.
Note that Fonseca Fellows are part of a regional research and training programme managed by Prof Brian Child (University of Florida), with the academic Master's programme administration managed by CST, and student travel and field events administration managed by Jamma International's Financial Administrator. Thus, the incumbent will not need to undertake substantive administrative tasks, but will need to interface between administrators. The incumbent will report to Dr Hayley Clements with respect to the Master's degree programme and will work closely with Prof Brian Child regarding the implementation of the anchor site and wildlife economy programme and enhancements to the Master's training (i.e. the certificate, practical training modules, and overall anchor site management). The incumbent will liaise with Prof Brian Child and the Jamma International Project and Financial Administrator to organise student travel, fees, field events and training workshops, fieldwork grants, etc.
We anticipate recruiting a Researcher who has the potential to take the Lifethroughwildlife and Fonseca Leadership programme to new levels beyond the tasks outlined above. At the core of our philosophy is team-based research, education and practice that is applied and impactful, and that generates substantial improvement in CBNRM governance and wildlife economy in the region. In addition to applied research, future opportunities lie in supporting a rapidly expanding and dedicated community of practice that already includes over 90 leaders from ten countries, and developing CBNRM governance and wildlife economy training for practitioners in well over 500 communities.
Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes
General Requirements - applicable to both Researcher and Senior Researcher levels:
We are seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as a Research Coordinator, to manage Fonseca Fellows and contribute to a programme in CBNRM governance research and capacity building. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience and academic credentials in CBNRM or related fields, plus the leadership, coaching and organisational skills to supervise a cohort of talented field-based students committed to enhancing rural livelihoods through innovative research and practice in community governance and the wildlife economy. Strong organisational abilities, a spirit of curiosity, and aspirations to lead in applied academia are essential for success in this role. The incumbent should be passionate about working with a dynamic team to make a meaningful impact, foster the next generation of leaders, and develop their own academic capabilities in CBNRM governance and wildlife economy.
Knowledge in the fields of community governance and/or wildlife economies.
Good understanding of the southern African conservation and development context.
Proven experience in research management, complemented by strong organisational and coaching skills.
An effective team player with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders including researchers, students, practitioners and communities.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and supervise or co-supervise postgraduate students.
The ability to co-manage a regional research and education programme focused on CBNRM and the wildlife economy.
An interdisciplinary perspective, with the capacity to connect scholarship and training to practice.
A commitment to ensuring research has real-world impact.
Strong communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated leadership abilities and a commitment to enhancing African capacity in wildlife economy and governance.
Availability to travel to anchor sites across southern Africa.
Minimum Requirements: Researcher:
All of the above general requirements.
PhD or a Master's degree with considerable work experience in a relevant field such as sustainability science, agricultural economics, environmental policy, political science, administration and governance, human geography, conservation, social-ecological systems, or a related discipline.
At least one peer-reviewed publication.
Minimum Requirements: Senior Researcher:
All of the above general requirements.
PhD in a relevant field such as sustainability science, agricultural economics, environmental policy, political science, administration and governance, human geography, conservation, social-ecological systems, or a related discipline.
At least ten peer-reviewed publications with some as first/only author.
PI (or Co-PI) on one or more grants (small or large), or de facto PI (i.e. assistant to a PI) on a large grant.
At least one Master's student graduated, and one or more PhDs enrolled.
Some teaching experience, e.g. co-/convenor of a course, course moderator, and/or delivery of lectures on one or more modules.
Evidence of institutional leadership and services activities (both internal and external), e.g. thesis examination, course moderation, journal reviewer, service on institutional committees.
Experience in running stakeholder workshops or policy engagement processes.
National recognition e.g. NRF rating or serving on national scientific boards.
Recommendations: Researcher:
A PhD in a relevant field.
Specialist knowledge and research experience in CBNRM and wildlife economies, ideally across multiple southern African countries.
Experience in supervising postgraduate students.
A research publication record in relevant fields and contexts.
A track record of being involved in projects / research that seeks to advance actionable research, especially in relation to supporting participatory governance and just sustainability transitions.
Experience and a desire to work in participatory interdisciplinary and multicultural environments.
Demonstrable quantitative skills and the ability to manage databases.
Willingness to secure ongoing funding to support the position as well as those of more junior researchers and postgraduate students at the CST.
Evidence of institutional leadership and services activities (both internal and external).
PI, Co-PI or collaboration with a PI to submit funding proposals to raise research funding.
Some teaching experience, e.g. teaching assistance, course coordination support.
Experience in running stakeholder workshops or policy engagement processes.
Recommendations: Senior Researcher:
Specialist knowledge and research experience in CBNRM and wildlife economies, ideally across multiple southern African countries.
A substantial research publication record in relevant fields and contexts.
A track record of being involved in projects / research that seeks to advance actionable research, especially in relation to supporting participatory governance and just sustainability transitions.
Experience and a desire to work in participatory interdisciplinary and multicultural environments.
Demonstrable quantitative skills and the ability to manage databases.
Substantial experience in supervising postgraduate students.
Willingness to secure ongoing funding to support the position as well as those of more junior researchers and postgraduate students at the CST.
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