1. Introduction

University of Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with project partners, herewith announces four PhD positions offered under the research project “Himili Pamoja – Gendered Encounters in Climate Change Adaptation”, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA). The project is developed and implemented in collaboration between the University of Dar es Salaam, 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 have a possibility of 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’s and men’s life situations, roles 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 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 through various outputs such as learning tools for diverse audiences, 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 4 years and starts in November 2022.
2. The successful PhD candidates will be enrolled at the University of Dar es Salaam, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Programme and include study stays 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, Community Development, Geography, Climatology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Public Health or similar
2. Experience in rural and semi-urban field research applying qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies
3. Experience in literature reviews, data management and analysis
4. Excellent communication skills in English and Kiswahili skills (speaking and writing)

Additional requirements: Preferably, the candidates will have

1. A pro-active and curious team player attitude, and the ability to handle complex coordination and research processes
2. Ability to interact respectfully with people from many diverse backgrounds
3. A keen interest in the Sustainable Development Goals, 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:

• Introduction
• Statement of a relevant research problem
• Research questions
• Conceptual or theoretical framework
• Methodological approach, including fieldwork considerations
• Time plan
• Budget

In addition to this 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 to and why
2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae with information about educational background, research and/or work experience, other relevant experience, e.g. volunteering, extra-curricular activities, language skills and other skills relevant for 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. An 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 5^th September 2022 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 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.

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 mid-September 2022.

Deadline for applications: 5^th September 2022, at 1600hrs (East African Time).

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews.

Issued on 19 AUGUST 2022

Please click the link to download the Announcement