Research Associate

5 days ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa African Centre for Green Economy (AfriCGE) Full time R50 000 - R80 000 per year

We're Hiring Research Associate – Frontier Technologies & Just Transitions


Location:
AfriCGE Headquarters, Cape Town


Remote work may be considered only in exceptional cases


In partnership with UKZN – Centre in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CIKS)


12-month contract


Africa-wide research focus

The
African Centre for a Green Economy (AfriCGE)
, in partnership with the
University of KwaZulu-Natal's Centre in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (UKZN–CIKS)
, is recruiting a
Research Associate
to support our growing work on
digital innovation, frontier technologies, and Africa's just transition
. We are seeking a candidate with
demonstrated experience at the intersection of technology and climate/transition issues
, and a passion for applying digital tools to strengthen
equity, community agency and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
in Africa.

What the Role Involves

  • Mapping frontier technologies (AI, IoT, drones, GIS, blockchain) shaping Africa's transition
  • Analysing how digital tools enable inclusive just transition pathways
  • Conducting virtual case studies in 2–3 African countries
  • Developing frameworks that link tech, digital justice and IKS
  • Producing research papers, insight notes, toolkits and a flagship report
  • Building digital dashboards, repositories and knowledge systems
  • Supporting AfriCGE's internal digital innovation capabilities

Academic Qualifications (Tech + Transition)

Minimum: Master's degree
in one of the following fields (or a closely related area):

  • Digital Innovation
  • Data Science / Analytics
  • Information Systems
  • GIS / Remote Sensing
  • Technology & Society
  • Environmental Studies
  • Sustainability / Climate Science
  • Development Studies
  • Public Policy / Governance
  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems
  • Anthropology / Sociology (with strong research methods)

Preferred:
PhD holder or PhD candidate.

Required Experience (Essential)

Applicants must
demonstrate experience
in at least one of the following intersections:

  • Using digital tools (AI, GIS, IoT, drones, analytics) in
    climate, environmental or development contexts
  • Integrating technology into
    community-centred research
    or IKS-linked work
  • Applying digital innovation to
    policy, governance or just transitions
  • Research that analyses
    technology through justice/equity lenses
  • Producing outputs that link digital solutions to
    transition or resilience outcomes

Core Competencies

Strong qualitative and/or quantitative research skills

Ability to analyse digital tools in real-world community or policy settings

Understanding of just transition, digital justice or IKS

Excellent writing, synthesis and communication abilities

Ability to work independently and manage multiple research streams

Commitment to inclusive, community-centred climate solutions

How to Apply

Send the following to

  1. CV (max 4 pages)
  2. Cover letter (max 2 pages)
  3. One writing sample


Email subject line:
Application – Research Associate (Frontier Tech & Just Transitions)


Deadline:
15th December 2025

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