The African Climate and Environment Centre – Future African Savannas (AFAS) has opened applications for two major opportunities for early-career scholars: a Postdoctoral Researcher position and a fully funded PhD Fellowship, both based in Côte d’Ivoire. Supported by the DAAD Centre of Excellence programme, AFAS brings together African and European universities to generate evidence-driven solutions that address climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable management of savanna ecosystems.

These opportunities target researchers dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and building practical pathways toward resilient, climate-smart West African savannas.

---

About AFAS

AFAS is mandated to strengthen interdisciplinary research on African savannas while reinforcing the science–policy–practice interface. Working across East and West Africa, with strong German academic partnerships, AFAS focuses on four interconnected areas:

• Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
• Climate change adaptation
• Biodiversity conservation
• Socio-ecological resilience and capacity development

The Centre integrates scientific research with public policy and field experience, ensuring that knowledge is co-produced in collaboration with local experts, communities, and institutions. The 2026 calls continue this mission by supporting scholars who can bridge academic research with real-world environmental challenges.

---

Postdoctoral Researcher in Nature-Based Solutions – UFHB, Côte d’Ivoire

The WASCAL/CEA-CCBAD Centre at Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher specialising in Nature-based Solutions. The position supports AFAS’s West African research agenda and focuses on generating actionable knowledge for environmental governance, sustainable land use, and climate resilience.

Key Details

• Contract Duration: 2 years (renewable once, subject to performance and funding)
• Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with field missions
• Research Focus: NbS, climate adaptation, biodiversity, socio-ecological resilience
• Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

Core Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Researcher will:

• Conduct systematic analyses of NbS, environmental policies, and governance structures in West Africa
• Design and implement scientific studies on climate impacts and ecosystem dynamics
• Analyse barriers to scaling NbS in savanna landscapes
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and policy-relevant outputs
• Disseminate research through conferences, workshops, and stakeholder forums
• Support AFAS training, capacity-building, and academic activities

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD obtained within the last five years
• Demonstrate experience in climate adaptation, sustainable development, or ecosystem management
• Show strong interdisciplinary abilities spanning natural and social sciences
• Have experience in stakeholder engagement and knowledge co-production
• Be willing to reside in Côte d’Ivoire and conduct field research

Additional desirable skills include experience in conservation biology, scientific writing, GIS tools, and working in multidisciplinary teams.

---

PhD Fellowship in Nature-Based Solutions – UFHB or UNA, Côte d’Ivoire

AFAS also invites applications for one fully funded PhD Fellowship focusing on Nature-based Solutions for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation in West African savannas. The fellowship is hosted at UFHB or University Nangui Abrogoua (UNA), depending on supervisory needs.

Key Details

• Duration: 3 years (2026–2028)
• Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
• Financial Package: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance, registration fees, research access
• Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

Programme Objectives

The PhD programme aims to develop a new generation of experts who can:

• Produce interdisciplinary research on NbS, ecosystems, climate risks, and biodiversity
• Strengthen the link between scientific evidence and policy implementation
• Engage stakeholders across public and private sectors
• Build methodological expertise in ecosystem services, climate adaptation, and socio-ecological resilience

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (biological sciences, ecology, geography, climate sciences, agriculture, environmental sciences, economics, sociology, etc.)
• Be 35 years old or younger on 2 October 2026
• Demonstrate strong English proficiency
• Commit to full-time residence in Abidjan for the duration of the programme
• Submit a strong doctoral proposal aligned with AFAS themes

Required documents include a motivation letter, CV, birth certificate, passport page, certified degrees, transcripts, language certificate, and two recommendation letters.

---

Why These Opportunities Matter

African savannas sit at the centre of global climate, biodiversity, and livelihood challenges. With pressures from land-use change, climate impacts, and ecosystem degradation, there is a growing need for researchers who can bridge science, policy, and practice. AFAS’s 2026 call provides a strategic pathway for emerging scholars to shape resilient futures for Africa’s savannas through high-quality research, regional collaboration, and interdisciplinary innovation.

Application can be accessed here.

To know more about such opportunities, click here.