Associate Professor/Professor (Co Director)

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

Fixed term contract, 6 years (50% FTE)

Africa Climate Collaborative

African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI)

Faculty of Science

The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) invites applications for the position of Associate Professor / Professor (Co-Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). 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 as part of its Young Africa Works strategy.

The successful candidate will co-direct and provide strategic leadership for this transformative initiative. This appointment represents a unique opportunity to shape an ambitious higher education climate resilience and sustainability programme, contributing to the development of future climate leaders, advancing impactful research, and strengthening partnerships that influence policy, innovation and practice across the continent.  

This is a senior academic appointment at Associate Professor or Professor level, on a part-time basis (50%).

Requirements for the position:

• A PhD in a topic relevant to climate change and sustainable development.


• International recognition for research in one or more areas relevant to climate change and/or development.


• An understanding of the climate-resilience challenges facing the African continent.


• Excellent publication track record with evidence of recent productivity.


• Experience bridging the gap between physical sciences, social sciences and policy to shape needs-driven research.


• Evidence of engaged and outcome-based research and knowledge translation.


• A track record of obtaining independent funding appropriate to the level of appointment.


• Proven experience of supervision and graduation of Masters and PhD students appropriate to the level of appointment.


• Experience in teaching and designing postgraduate (Masters/PhD) academic and/or Professional Development (CPD) courses.


• Experience in administration and management within large-scale, multi-stakeholder initiatives, preferably in a higher education setting.


• Skill in navigating complex partnerships involving diverse stakeholders and partners, across scales.


• Ability to oversee complex budgets and satisfy the reporting requirements of international donors.

Additional requirements for appointment at Professor Level:

• Recognised internationally as a leading researcher in one or more areas relevant to climate change and/or development.


• Substantial institutional management and leadership experience.


• Evidence of leadership in international science and/or practice activities, such as advisory boards, editorial boards, and science assessments such as the IPCC.

The co-director responsibilities include:

• Strategic Vision & Leadership: Co-developing and co-executing the programme's long-term mission and dynamically evolving the programme’s strategy, scope and activities


• Line Management: Direct line management of the leads of several major activities within the Africa Climate Collaborative


• Research and Innovation: Facilitating and advancing transdisciplinary research and innovation to advance knowledge on climate and sustainability that is needs-driven and informs policy and practice in diverse African contexts


• Educational Oversight: Leading the development and implementation of climate-focused degree programs and professional training, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills for a "green, climate resilient economy" workforce


• Partnerships & Outreach: Build and maintain strategic alliances with other higher education institutions, especially members of the Africa Climate Collaborative, research centres, government agencies, non-profits, civil society and the private sector


• Internal Relationships and Coordination: Maintain productive relationships with other programmes funded by the Mastercard Foundation at UCT, facilitate productive relationships with key stakeholders across UCT, and contribute to ACDI leadership and management activities


• Fundraising & Financial Management: Implementing fundraising initiatives, oversight of operating budgets, and securing external grants to support large-scale research initiatives

The annual cost of employment for 2026, including benefits for Associate Professor level is R1 457 192

The annual cost of employment for 2026, including benefits for Professor level is R1 805 034

To apply, please visit the UCT Jobs Site (www.jobs.uct.ac.za) to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. 

• You will need to attach your CV and a two-page motivation letter that speaks to the specific requirements of the position.

Enquiries for this position can to be addressed to Prof Mark New [[email protected]] (Africa Climate Collaborative Co-Director) or Prof Gina Zioervogel [[email protected]] (ACDI Director).

Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Abigail Dixon at [email protected]   or 021 650 1673

Closing date: 29 November 2026

Website: https://acdi.uct.ac.za/

Reference number: ID1602

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.hr.uct.ac.za/hr/policies/employ_equity

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email [email protected]. 

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.