AITTC - Postdoctoral Researcher – Financial mechanisms for climate action

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the Sustainable Finance team at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, part of the CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF) are accepting applications for a full-time position as a Postdoctoral Researcher. The successful candidate will lead in identifying high-impact investment opportunities across Africa aligned with NDC and other global targets. For that purpose, the candidate will work closely with the UM6P network, ImpactSF and partner investors across different African regions. The overarching goal is to identify bankable climate-resilient and nature-positive agrifood investments and provide valuable insights to guide the development of financial mechanisms and business models to support scaling these best-bet options. The postdoc fellow will delve into an in-depth exploration of financing mechanisms for these investment opportunities, including e.g. carbon markets, and inform the designing of effective financial mechanisms that accelerate progress towards achieving climate change mitigation and adaptation targets in Africa.

We seek a highly motivated individual with a PhD in Economics, business management or related studies. The availability of finance to drive actions at different scales is paramount in tackling climate change and biodiversity degradation. On the other hand, a pipeline of projects and innovations that, among other things, reduce the cost of finance, mitigate the risk for investors and incentivize the flow of finance towards best-fit climate actions and nature-based solutions need to be explored. Therefore, the ideal candidate should showcase a capacity to understand climate finance and business models. Previous experience in collaborative research teams that synthesize knowledge from diverse fields will benefit this position.

The selected postdoctoral researcher should be well-versed in global climate action discussions and able to communicate effectively with scientists in related fields. A willingness to integrate perspectives from multiple scientific domains is highly desirable. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about contributing to impactful climate change solutions and possess the required qualifications.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on climate finance mechanisms in the Global South.
• Review and assess financial mechanisms that drive climate actions in the Global South, offering a nuanced understanding of their effectiveness.
• Conduct an in-depth study of business models and investment opportunities aligned with climate-resilient and nature-positive food systems, including assessing their fit for the carbon markets and/or similar mechanisms.
• Conduct an in-depth study on actionable investment channels (including carbon markets) and provide insights to improve their effectiveness in Africa.
• Play a crucial role in developing and writing grant proposals to secure funding for innovative financial mechanisms.
• Efficiently coordinate activities with fellow team members within the CFP, fostering collaboration and synergy. Participate actively in the training and supervising visitors, interns, graduate students, undergraduate students, and volunteer workers as needed.

Criteria of the candidate:

• Ph.D. in Economics, finance, business management or related fields.
• Background in agronomy, forestry, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, or related areas is a plus.
• Excellent knowledge of global initiatives and climate agreements, e.g. SBTI and ESG taxonomies.
• Experience with agrifood investment is a plus.
• Capacity to work on multiple projects simultaneously, delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Capacity to initiate and manage projects with minimal supervision.
• Superior communication skills, including a demonstrated record of presentations to professional organizations and publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven supervisory skills and interest in mentoring students and other personnel.
• Aptitude for teamwork, problem-solving, and collaborative work that transcends disciplinary boundaries.
• Excellent English proficiency.
• The ability to understand French is desirable.
• Organizational dexterity and proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple goals.
• Positive attitude and a good sense of humour.
• Energetic, motivated, and proactive.

This position offers:

• Competitive salary.
• Life & medical insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Maternity leave, paid vacations.
• Work in teams with internationally prominent professors.
• Pathway to developing an academic career.
• Support for international research conference participation.

Contract Type:

CDD fixed-term contract of 3/4 years.