1. Introduction

University of Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with project partners, herewith announces PhD 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). The project is developed and 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 Public Health). The PhD students will be registered at the University of Dar es Salaam and will have the possibility of taking PhD courses abroad.

The project Himili Pamoja (Adapt Together) – “Gendered Encounters in Climate Change Adaptation” investigates climate change adaptation at both household and district levels to identify how these initiatives affect social and health-related issues, including gender-related challenges. Field research will take place in rural locations in two districts (Kilosa and Kilombero) in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba). The objectives of this research are:

1. To investigate what possibilities women and men have for adapting to climate change in rural communities
2. To understand how women and men’s livelihood, health  situation and security may change while adapting to climate change
3. To understand how the district government and technical officers interact with women and men in local settings to support climate change adaptation
4. To create opportunities and materials needed for developing analytical and implementation-related skills to promote equitable climate change adaptation for women and men.

The research is expected to generate information relevant to policy development and climate change adaption learning tools for diverse audiences, as well as policy briefs and video briefings on gender and climate change adaptation. Peer-reviewed articles and other scientific publications are expected from the PhD projects and other research implemented under this project. Each PhD student must develop at least four scientific papers combined into a thesis.

2. General Conditions for the PhD Position

1. The duration of the scholarship is three years and starts in November 2024.
2. The successful PhD candidates will be enrolled at the University of Dar es Salaam, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Programme, and may include a study stay in Denmark.
3. The positions are fully funded and will follow the fee structure of the University of Dar es Salaam.
4. The candidates must participate fully in project activities and follow UDSM Postgraduate Studies Regulations.

3. Scholarly eligibility requirements

Candidates for the PhD positions should have

1. MA or MSc. degree with a background in one of the following sciences: Anthropology, Sociology, Public Administration, Political Science, Public Health, Community Development, Geography, Climatology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, or similar
2. Applicants who have received their Master’s degree within the last five years
3. Experience in rural and semi-urban field research applying qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies
4. Experience in literature reviews, data management and analysis
5. Excellent communication skills in English and Kiswahili (speaking and writing).

Important requirements: the successful candidates are 

1. A pro-active and highly motivated team player who is keen to learn more and contribute to overall research team learning and progress
2. Demonstrating the ability to take responsibility and be in charge of complex coordination and research processes
3. Ability to interact respectfully with people from many diverse backgrounds
4. Passionate about the Sustainable Development Goals, gender equity, poverty reduction and social justice

4. Application process

Applicants are required to develop a short PhD concept note that takes departure in one of the project objectives. The concept note should be about 4 pages (max 1,600 words, excluding references) and outline a focus for the proposed PhD project. The following details must be included:

1. Introduction
2. Statement of a relevant research problem
3. Research questions
4. Conceptual or theoretical framework
5. Methodological approach, including fieldwork considerations
6. Time plan
7. Budget

In addition to a concept note, submission of the application should be accompanied by the following documents:

1) A one-page letter of introduction stating your motivation and experience. Elaborate on what component or objective of the research project you can best associate with and why

2) A detailed Curriculum Vitae with information about educational background, research and/or work experience, and other relevant experience, e.g., volunteering, extracurricular activities, language skills, and other skills relevant to the position.

3) Original diplomas of Bachelor and Master Degree, transcripts and certificates of records in the original language, including an official English translation if issued in another language than English. If the degree is not yet completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.

4) Links to electronic copy of the applicant’s relevant publications (if any)

5) Contact details of the applicant and two references

6) Admission letter to pursue climate change and sustainable development programme (if already applied).

5. The Application Process

The deadline for application is 30^th May 2024 at 1600hrs (East African Time). Applications should be sent by email with the subject title ‘HIMILI PAMOJA PhD Application’ to the Coordinator, Centre for Climate Change Studies (cccs@udsm.ac.tz), copy to Dr. Edmund B. Mabhuye (edmund.mabhuye@gmail.com), 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 PhD 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 consist of a panel of the HIMILI Project researchers. Interviews with short-listed candidates will take place by 20^th June 2024.

Deadline for applications: 30^th May 2024, at 1600hrs (East African Time).

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews.

ISSUED ON 1^ST APRIL 2024.

Please click here to download the announcement