Associate Professor / Professor (Co-Director, Africa Climate Collaborative)

About the role

The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) at the University of Cape Town is inviting applications for a fixed-term, 6-year appointment (50% FTE) as Associate Professor or Professor (Co-Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative). The Africa Climate Collaborative is an eight-year, large, cross-university training and research initiative established through a partnership between UCT, the University of Ghana, Makerere University, the University of Cambridge and the Mastercard Foundation. The successful candidate will co-direct and provide strategic leadership for the initiative.

Key responsibilities

• Co-develop and co-execute the programme's long-term mission and evolve its strategy, scope and activities
• Line manage the leads of several major activities within the Africa Climate Collaborative
• Facilitate transdisciplinary research and innovation on climate and sustainability that informs policy and practice in African contexts
• Lead the development and implementation of climate-focused degree programmes and professional training
• Build partnerships with higher education institutions, research centres, government agencies, non-profits, civil society and the private sector
• Maintain relationships with other Mastercard Foundation-funded programmes at UCT and contribute to ACDI leadership
• Implement fundraising initiatives, oversee operating budgets and secure external grants

Required profile

• PhD in a topic relevant to climate change and sustainable development
• International recognition for research in climate change and/or development, and excellent publication record
• Experience bridging physical sciences, social sciences and policy, and of knowledge translation
• Track record of independent funding and supervision of Masters and PhD students
• Teaching experience in postgraduate and CPD courses, and administration in large multi-stakeholder initiatives
• For Professor level: recognised internationally as a leading researcher, substantial management experience and leadership in international science activities (e.g. advisory or editorial boards)

Required skills

• Navigating complex partnerships across scales
• Overseeing complex budgets and meeting international donor reporting requirements

Annual cost of employment in 2026 is R1 457 192 for Associate Professor level and R1 805 034 for Professor level. Applications are submitted online via the UCT Jobs site with a CV and a two-page motivation letter; the closing date is 29 November 2026.