Researcher​/Junior Researcher: Global Resource Flows

Department and Project Overview

The Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST) is a leading research and postgraduate training centre within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU), South Africa. The CST brings together research on transdisciplinary approaches, complexity, sustainability, governance and social‑ecological resilience to inform national, continental and global sustainability and development challenges. The current position is part of a two‑year fixed‑term contract (subject to renewal if funding allows) with a primary focus on coordinating the next Global Resource Outlook (GRO) publication for the International Resource Panel (IRP).

• Providing conceptual, strategic, and visionary leadership for the GRO report
  • Collaborate with IRP members and international researchers to conceptualise the project approach within the IRP framework.
  • Synthesise and interpret raw data and reports to support conceptual processes.
  • Conceptualise, organise and co‑facilitate workshops and convenings of international research teams to plan and write draft chapters.
  • Lead the reporting process, including progress and final reports.
  • Provide research support to Dr Ayuk and the project administrator.
  • Contribute to writing and editing chapters for the GRO.
  • Ensure all deliverables are met.
• Co‑coordinating the GRO project for the IRP with the Lead Coordinator
  • Establish and manage an effective project management system for tracking the progress of every research team, including contracting, reporting, and delivery of drafts.
  • Maintain a database of key contacts in the IRP, research teams and related UN agencies.
  • Manage effective communications to keep everyone informed and involved.
  • Ensure that research teams adhere to their mandates regarding draft length, content and argument orientation.
  • Manage project timelines and budgets.
  • Publish a journal article about the process and/or the content (recommended but not compulsory).
  • Lead the writing of a project proposal to up‑scale the project, collaborating with CST researchers and other partners.
  • Contribute to CST institutional functions, including as guest lecturer and participant in CST seminars, events and staff meetings.

• MPhil or master’s qualification in geography, ecology, resource economics, sustainability science, social science, ecological economics or industrial ecology.
• Specialist knowledge of global resource flows (fossil fuels, biomass, metals, construction minerals).
• Experience supporting workshops and project processes.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrable project management skills.
• Experience in supporting fundraising for research.
• Experience in report writing.
• Desire to work in participatory interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary environments.

• PhD in a relevant field (geography, ecology, resource economics, sustainability science, social science, ecological economics or industrial ecology).
• At least one peer‑reviewed publication.
• Specialist knowledge of global resource flows (fossil fuels, biomass, metals, construction minerals).
• Experience designing, planning and facilitating workshops and project processes.
• Experience managing all aspects of a project, from initiation to close‑out.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in project management skills.
• Experience leading fundraising proposals.
• Experience leading report writing.
• Experience working in participatory interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary environments.
• Willingness to secure ongoing funding to support the position and junior researchers at the CST.

• Experience conducting and/or supporting research on global resource flows.
• Experience managing projects.
• Proven record of managing relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the UN and/or similar international organisations.
• Track record of involvement in projects and teamwork.
• Experience supporting funding proposals.
• Familiarity with policy‑making processes, including drafting policy briefs and reports.
• Willingness to…