1.0 Introduction
University of Dar es Salaam, State University of Zanzibar and University of Copenhagen, Denmark, herewith announce two Post Doc positions offered under the research project Himili Pamoja, Gendered Encounters in Climate Change Adaptation”, funded by Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA). From a Gender transformative perspective, the Himili Pamoja project (Adapt Together) investigates how climate change adaptation is practiced by households and how extension services and district authorities engage with communities to promote adaptations and resilience. The overall objectives of the Himili Pamoja project are:
- To investigate women’s and men’s options for adapting to climate change in rural communities
- To understand how women’s and men’s livelihoods, health situation and security may change while adapting to climate change
- To understand how the district government and technical officers interact with women and men in local settings to support climate change adaptation
- To create opportunities and materials needed for developing analytical and implementation-related skills to promote equitable climate change adaptation for women and men.
The project is implemented in collaboration between the University of Dar es Salaam (Centre for Climate Change Studies), the State University of Zanzibar (Department of Geography), and the University of Copenhagen (Department of Global Health, Public Health).
We are seeking two candidates with a PhD in social sciences (anthropology, sociology, community development, gender studies, climate change adaptation, or related fields) and experience in both qualitative and quantitative research. The position is for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension up to two years. The Postdoctoral students will be registered at the University of Dar es Salaam and work with project partners at the University of Dar es Salaam and the State University of Zanzibar.
2.0 The postdoc positions will focus on:
- One postdoc position will focus on climate change- related concerns and expectations of female and male students attending college training in agriculture, community development and other sectoral fields (Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania). The study will investigate how students consider their future in the context of climate change stressors and opportunities for climate change adaptation. The study will take an intersectionality and transformative approach to understanding student motivation, vulnerability, and well-being related to their role in climate change-related development in Tanzania. The research includes qualitative, ethnographic, participatory research and quantitative assessments through surveys. Field research will take place in collaboration with relevant colleges in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
- One postdoc will focus on the complex livelihood and health challenges of coastal communities in Tanzania and Zanzibar, where the populations engage in Blue Economy activities and agriculture under difficult circumstances. Research will focus on understanding the perspectives, practices and challenges of women and men in relation to climate stressors, migratory patterns of fishers, and limited occupational and livelihood opportunities. The study will be informed by intersectional and gender transformative perspectives. The research approach includes qualitative ethnographic, participatory research and quantitative assessments through surveys. Research will take place among coastal communities in Zanzibar and possibly mainland Tanzania.
The research of both postdoc positions is expected to generate insight relevant to policy development and climate change adaptation learning tools for diverse audiences. In collaboration with the project team, the postdoc will also produce policy briefs and video briefings on intersectionality, gender, and climate change adaptation. Importantly, the postdoc must produce 2 – 3 peer-reviewed articles and other scientific publications in collaboration with the project team.
3.0 The Application Process
The deadline for application is 30th June 2025 at 16:00 hrs (East African Time). Applications should be sent by email with the subject title ‘HIMILI PAMOJA Post Doc Application’
to the Head, Centre for Climate Change Studies (cccs@udsm.ac.tz), with a copy to Dr. Edmund B. Mabhuye (mabhuye.edmund@udsm.ac.tz), Dr. Mary Mtumwa Khatib (mamkhat@yahoo.com), and Dr. Britt Tersboel (Briter@sund.ku.dk).
For access to a detailed project description and more information about the Post Doc call, do not hesitate to contact any of the above-mentioned contact persons. After shortlisting and interviewing candidates for the positions, additional tests or assignments may apply before the official award of the scholarship. The additional assignments and tests will be undertaken without any costs to the project.
NB: Incomplete applications will not be considered. The assessment committee will comprise a panel of HIMILI Project researchers. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews. Interviews with short-listed candidates will take place by 10th July 2025.
Issued on 2nd June 2025