The IEJ is a progressive economics think tank based in Johannesburg South Africa. The IEJ’s core objective is to provide policy-makers and progressive social forces in South Africa with access to rigorous economic analysis, and well thought through policy options, as a basis for advancing systemic change. Interventions proposed by the IEJ must advance social justice, promote equitable economic development that realises socio-economic rights, and ensure a thriving, democratic, environmentally sustainable, and inclusive economy that places the needs of the majority at the centre.
The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) is advertising a post for Senior Researcher/Researcher in Climate Policy and Advocacy for the Climate, Energy and Infrastructure Programme.
The Climate, Energy and Infrastructure Programme aims to undertake work to support an approach to climate policy that promotes human rights, gender equity and social transformation, while advancing economic policies that ensure environmental sustainability. We see economic justice and climate justice as intersecting imperatives. This is framed by ideas of a Just Transition, Just Recovery and Green New Deal.
Please see some of the work the programme has done by clicking here, here, here.
Key Objectives of the Role and Job Description
The main objective of this position will encompass advancing a Just 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 through the following actions, supported by the Senior Researcher and Climate, Energy and Infrastructure Programme Lead:
A Just Transition framework document is received well by partners and contributes towards framing their thinking over the recovery measures needed. The framework shapes public thinking.
Research and strategies owned by labour movement.
A capacitated labour movement in order to engage with other social partners.
A widespread understanding by workers, other social partners, and members of the public, regarding the Just Transition strategy.
Build alliances between labour organisations and other civil society and community organisations to develop a shared agenda.
Research expertise enhanced within the research community via capacitation within the IEJ.
Build the IEJ’s “Climate, energy and infrastructure” programme into a leading part of the IEJ’s work.
The Senior Researcher/Researcher and Climate Policy and Advocacy will:
Lead in the development and ongoing implementation of the Climate-Just Transitions component of the Climate, Energy, Infrastructure programme;
Have a sectoral focus on agriculture and water just transitions;
Work according to project brief and deliver frequent project updates;
Develop and direct given research and advocacy 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 advocacy strategy;
Formulate effective and efficient research and advocacy processes;
Coordinate activities with stakeholders, in particular trade unions and other civil society;
Produce accessible evidence based materials that include but are not limited to: policy briefs, opinion pieces, and other advocacy communications materials;
Draw up and monitor project budgets;
Report writing for project donors;
Represent the IEJ in other academic, research and intellectual and media fora;
Manage, mentor and train junior researchers; and
Support special projects with project management and research where required.
Qualifications / experience required:
Advanced degree (at least Masters) in economics; development; geography or environmental management; sociology;
Research experience in climate justice issues, 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 Climate;
High level of organisational skills;
Attention to detail and ability to work systematically;
Ability to work in teams with colleagues in the IEJ and with external partners;
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision; and
Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite.
Contract Terms
This is a three-year contract with the first one year as a probationary period. The chosen candidate should start as soon as possible.
This position could be either at Researcher or Senior Researcher level with different salary implications. The position will be based in Johannesburg. Remuneration will be at market rates and based on work experience.
The IEJ is committed to gender and racial equity and transformation and will consider this when reviewing applications.
Application Details