Background info:
EfD is positioned to take the lead in advancing impactful, policy-relevant research that addresses pressing environmental and developmental challenges in the Global South, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). EfD addresses a critical gap in the Global South by establishing institutionalized, sustainable, and vibrant platforms that connect local experts with policymakers and international resources.
This connection is essential for effectively tackling poverty and environmental issues, promoting sustainable transformations, and reversing the "brain drain" by enabling skilled economists to pursue impactful careers in their home countries. EfD's approach focuses on creating conditions for local experts to thrive and contribute to better natural resource management within a global network.
EfD's past successes in fostering collaborative research environments and producing peer-reviewed publications have laid a robust foundation for future advancements. The transition towards multi-country, coordinated research efforts under EfD’s revised research model promises to amplify its impact. This approach, supported by guaranteed multi-year funding and competitive grants, will enable Collaborative Programs (CPs) to address significant policy issues relevant to low- and middle-income countries. By aligning research priorities with policy engagement goals, EfD seeks to enhance its role as a catalyst for evidence-based policy formulation.
Despite these achievements, EfD recognizes that the integration of gender research perspectives within the network’s research remains limited. Incorporating a gender lens not only deepens insights into resource access, labor markets, and economic empowerment but also enhances the inclusivity and effectiveness of policy recommendations. Research grounded in gender economics enables a more nuanced understanding of how economic and environmental policies impact people of different gender identities, fostering equitable and sustainable outcomes.
Sida support to EfD underscores the importance of gender considerations in Swedish development assistance. EfD is committed to advancing research in this field. To this end, we seek to attract a researcher who can lead gender analysis and support other network members in integrating this perspective into their research methodologies.
Tasks and responsibiities
- Do research on gender applications to environment and development economics
- Continue advancing personal research projects on gender and environmental economics.
- Act as part of the Global Hub research team:
- Serve as a “help desk” for the CPs on gender-related issues by:
- Providing support on identifying opportunities to integrate gender meaningfully into their research agendas.
- Assisting in the development of gender-related components for research proposals submitted to external funders requiring such elements.
- Collaborate closely with members of at least one CP to develop a concept note on a gender and environmental economics research topic with policy relevance for LMICs. This effort aims to secure external funding and may involve a “match-making” role in engaging other researchers interested in gender from the network in such projects.
- Participate virtually in the GH core research team meetings (approximately one hour, once per month) and maintain regular communication with EfD’s Director of Research.
- Visit EfD’s GH at least once during 2025 to coordinate with the research team, engage with GH members, and give a seminar.
- Promote gender in academic programs
- Develop and deliver (likely online) two short courses (approximately 12 hours each) on gender analysis, gender economics, or a related topic for members of the EfD network.
- Design and implement a short activity (approximately two hours) on gender and environmental economics research to be conducted during EfD’s Annual Meeting.
- Collaborate with the EfD Capacity Development Committee on incorporating gender aspects in academic programs.
- Act as liaison between the GH research team and the WinEED program
- Maintain frequent communication with the WinEED coordinator to identify mentoring and professional development opportunities for women within EfD.
Qualifications
Requirements:
- A PhD in economics or a closely related discipline, with a focus on environmental and development economics.
- A strong profile as an active researcher, with gender economics as one of their focus areas.
- Publication record in relevant international scientific journals.
- Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
- Experience and skills to work remotely from the candidate’s country of residence, with a demonstrated capacity for consistent and effective communication with an international network of researchers and partner organizations.
Merits:
- A strong profile as an active researcher specializing in the application of environmental economics in low- and middle-income countries.
- Documented experience of and commitment to capacity development, policy engagement, and impact within environmental and development economics in low- and middle-income countries.
- Field experience from low- and middle-income countries.
- Experience teaching gender economics or related topics.
- A proven track record of success in applying for research funding.
- Experience in administration and project management.
- Knowledge of languages relevant to EfD (i.e., languages used in countries with an EfD center) other than English.
- Affiliation as a research fellow or research associate at one of the EfD centers.
Profile:
We are seeking a self-motivated individual who enjoys working independently and takes responsibility for completing tasks on time and to a high standard. This role demands strong cooperation skills, commitment, and accountability, as well as accuracy, organization, and attention to detail. Personal suitability for the position is also essential.
Employment
This is a two-year, part-time position, with the possibility of extension for an additional year if mutually agreed upon. The position is remote and deliverable-based; contract details will be negotiated with the selected candidate. The start date is as early as possible in 2025.
Application
To apply for this position, please send an email to Alejandro Lopez Feldman, Director of Research, at alejandro.lopez.feldman@efd.gu.se. The subject line of the email should be “Gender-Research: LastName-FirstName.” Please attach the following:
- CV
- A letter of no more than two pages in which the applicant explains how they intend to work if offered the position. It is particularly important to identify at least one CP with which they would like to develop a research project and to broadly outline the proposed research topic.
- Proof of PhD completion.
- A summary of no more than one page describing the applicant's leadership skills and experience in cooperation. Emphasis should be placed on qualifications directly relevant to this position.
- One article (published or not) that exemplifies the applicant’s work.
- Names and contact information of three references (letters are not required).
Applications must be received by: January 24th, 2025
For further information regarding the position, please contact:
Alejandro Lopez Feldman, Director of Research, at alejandro.lopez.feldman@efd.gu.se