The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) at the University of the Western Cape is currently seeking a: Communications Manager, 2 X Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Campaign and Project Manager
2 X Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (1-year contract)
This is a call for doctoral graduates to apply for two Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at PLAAS, UWC. The fellowships are part of the Oak Foundation Funded Living Landscapes project, which seeks to transform the South(ern) African conservation sector towards the vision of convivial conservation. The project is led and implemented by PLAAS, together with the Sociology of Development and Change group of Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
The core objective of the Living Landscapes project is to set up and develop an effective convivial conservation evidence campaign and coalition that builds the basis for a systemic redesign of the conservation sector in Southern Africa. Rooted in grassroots organisations and local realities of three unique living landscapes – Mapungubwe, iSimangaliso and Cape Town – the project will co-create, disseminate, and communicate evidence that supports learning across growing networks seeking sectoral transformation. By documenting this change process, the project will inspire these networks to democratize conservation organizations, redirect conservation finance flows and help regenerate integrated socioecological landscapes.
We are looking for
Candidates with a background in relevant social sciences (anthropology, geography, sociology, political science, etc.) will be considered, especially candidates who have recently completed a PhD in the broad areas of environment and development, political ecology, fisheries and conservation with a focus on spatial justice, landscape design and/or spatial planning. Each candidates’ responsibilities will be to develop and carry out their own research project within the broad remit of the Living Landscape project in two study areas: iSimangaliso or Cape Town. Furthermore, the candidates will be expected to publish articles based on their previous work and to contribute to the project and its objectives in a broad sense.
Requirements:
• A PhD in anthropology, sociology, geography, or a related field, with an interest in conservation
• Proven or demonstrable ability to publish in high-quality academic journals and with top academic publishers
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary and international research teams
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to speak isiZulu, especially when applying for the iSimangaliso living landscape site, postdoctoral fellow
• Good didactic qualities and enthusiasm for teaching and working with students
• A willingness to contribute to the intellectual life of PLAAS
• A willingness to do (ethnographic) fieldwork, live and work in the field-study site for several weeks to months
We offer
We offer a postdoctoral fellowship contract for 40 hours per week and a monthly allowance. You will be given the opportunity to develop your own research line. The postdoctoral fellowship includes additional funds for research, conferences, etc. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Sociology of Development and Change Group at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, Prof. Bram Büscher and Dr. Lerato Thakholi. Exchange possibilities with Wageningen University are part of the project.
To apply
To apply for this position, please submit an application letter, indicating your suitability for the position in relation to one study area, and some first ideas about the direction you would want to take in the postdoctoral position, and how this would contribute to the goals and themes of the project. In addition to the application letter, please include your Curriculum Vitae and one writing sample (a published paper or a chapter of your dissertation).
Contact info
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from Prof. Moenieba Isaacs (misaacs@plaas.org.za).
Shortlisted candidates will be expected to do short assignment.
To apply, please e-mail your cover letter and CV to Bahihah Mohamed at postdoc.vacancy@plaas.org.za
Please complete the application form here.
Closing date: 15 October 2021
Communications Manager (Grade 8) (1-year contract-part-time)
Responsibilities:
The Communications Manager will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigators (PIs) of the Living Landscapes Project. She or he will be responsible for all aspects of the strategic and day-to-day communication, including the development and implementation of a communication strategy and positioning of the project in policy and scientific debates. She or he will provide fundraising support, translate the outcomes of the project for advocacy, and network building. She or he will, jointly with the Campaign and Project Manager, be responsible for liaison with both internal and external project partners. Her/his responsibilities will include:
Communication and Reporting
• Assisting the PIs in the development and implementation of a communication strategy
• Liaising effectively and building strong relationships with project partners
• Develop and implement a visibility strategy for the project, both online and offline
• Develop strategic communication tools and information
• Provide communication support to establish relationships with potential new donors
• Developing and nurturing networks and partnerships within and beyond the project
• Assisting with the timeous finalisation of narrative and financial reports to our primary donors in line with contract requirements
• Working with the project team and the Living Landscapes campaign and project manager to ensure the timeous and effective delivery of communications with project partners and the dissemination of project outputs
• Working with the project team and the Living Landscapes Campaign and Project Manager to translate and target research output at different target groups, ranging from policy to on-the-ground implementers
• Track and stay up-to-date on policy debates, and develop an intervention strategy to position the project within these
Requirements
• A Masters in Social Sciences with a strong interest in conservation and social justice
• At least three years’ relevant experience in applied social science research or project management
• A drivers’ license and the willingness to travel.
Competencies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Able to work in a diverse team
• Willingness and ability to take initiative
• A strategic thinker, who can process and position content
• Strong knowledge and interest in conservation debates in Sub-Saharan Africa
• A strong interest in social and spatial justice
• Able to understand, analyse and process complex policy and scientific debates
• Experience with the development and implementation of a communication strategy
• Experience in the development of strategic communication tools
• A demonstrable grasp of key policy and political issues relating to conservation and natural resources management and an ability to translate for the project
Shortlisted candidates will be expected to do short assignment.
To apply:
1. Please e-mail your cover letter and CV to Bahihah Mohamed at comms.vacancy@plaas.org.za.
2. Please complete the application form.
Closing date: 15 October 2021
Campaign and Project Manager (Grade 8) (1-year contract)
Responsibilities:
The Campaign and Project Manager will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigators (PIs) of the Living Landscapes Project. She or he will be responsible for all aspects of the high-level and day-to-day management, coordination and implementation of the Living Landscapes Project, including fundraising support, project support and network building. She or he will be working closely with the Communication Manager on the Living Landscapes Project. She or he will be responsible for the management of all logistics and operational aspects of project implementation, including liaison with both internal project partners and external ones. Her or his responsibilities will include:
Project Planning and Coordination
• Assisting the PIs in the development and implementation of project plans, implementation of project activities, including organising events, meetings, workshops, and field research
• Liaising effectively and building strong relationships with project partners
• Liaising and maintaining an open and strong relationship with the funder of the project
• Initiating and cultivating relationships with potential new donors
• Developing and nurturing national, regional and international networks and partnerships within and beyond the project
Management of SLAs and subcontracts
• Developing Terms of Reference and drawing up subcontracts and Service Level Agreements with external partners and consultants
• Managing the implementation of project activities by partners, subcontracted agencies and consultants
Communication and Reporting
• Assisting with the timeous finalisation of narrative and financial reports to our primary donors in line with contract requirements
• Working with the project team and the Living Landscapes Communications Manager to ensure the timeous and effective delivery of communications with project partners and the dissemination of project outputs
• Working with the project team and the Living Landscapes Communications Manager to translate and target research output at different target groups, ranging from policy to on-the-ground implementers
Requirements
• At least a Masters in Social Sciences with a strong interest in conservation
• At least three years’ relevant experience in applied social science research or project management
• A drivers’ license and willingness to travel
Competencies
• Strong project management, fundraising, interpersonal and organisational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Able to take initiative and manage a diverse team
• Have strong network building experience
• Have a strong interest in conservation debates and networks
• Demonstrable fundraising and donor relations experience
• A demonstrable grasp of key policy and political issues relating to conservation and natural resources management and an ability to translate and highlight the implications of these to the project
Shortlisted candidates will be expected to do a short assignment
To apply:
1. Please e-mail your cover letter and CV to Bahihah Mohamed at candpm.vacancy@plaas.org.za
2. Please complete the application form.
Closing date: 15 October 2021
