Project Title: Observatory for Climate Justice in Forest Landscapes Affected by Decarbonisation Processes
Number of Available Positions: One (1)
1. Introduction and Project Overview
The University of Ghana, in collaboration with the University of Manchester and international partner institutions, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position under the Observatory for Climate Justice in Forest Landscapes Affected by Decarbonization Processes.
This multi-country research program, funded by the Ford Foundation, examines whether, how, and under what socio-economic and political conditions land rights can reduce inequalities experienced by land-connected communities while generating environmental co-benefits in forest landscapes affected by decarbonization processes, including critical mineral extraction and renewable energy expansion.
The project adopts a mixed-methods and interdisciplinary approach, combining large-scale geospatial and socio-economic analyses with in-depth qualitative case studies across Ghana, Brazil, and Mexico. A central focus is on understanding the political economy and intersectional dimensions of inequality, land governance, and environmental change in forest landscapes undergoing rapid transformation.
The successful candidate will be based in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Ghana Business School and will work under the supervision of Professor Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai. They will also be an integral member of the wider international Observatory team, coordinated by the University of Manchester, and will collaborate closely with researchers working on the Mexico and Brazil case studies.
The appointment is for a fixed term of two (2) years, with the possibility of a one (1) year extension, beginning ideally on 1 July 2026.
2. Role and Research Focus
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead and support qualitative research activities for the Ghana case study, contributing to the Observatory’s multi-scalar analysis of land rights, inequality, and environmental outcomes. The role centers on developing an in-depth case study of forest landscapes affected by decarbonization processes in Ghana, including extractive frontiers linked to the energy transition.
The postholder will design and implement qualitative research that explores how land rights interact with governance systems, political economy dynamics, and local livelihoods to shape both social inequalities and environmental outcomes. This will include analyzing how these dynamics are experienced across different social groups, with attention to intersections of class, gender, ethnicity, and age.
In addition, the Research Associate will contribute to cross-country comparative analysis, working closely with project teams in Mexico and Brazil to generate broader insights into climate justice in forest landscapes.
3. Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake a range of research, collaboration, and dissemination activities. They will conduct qualitative fieldwork in selected forest landscapes in Ghana, including interviews, focus groups, policy and media analysis, and participatory research approaches. They will engage with key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, policymakers, and community actors, to support co-produced research and ensure policy relevance.
The Research Associate will support the development of comparative outputs, such as publications and policy briefs, participate in project activities, and lead the dissemination of research findings.
They will also help build partnerships and maintain strong working relationships across institutions and countries, supporting the broader objectives of the Observatory program.
4. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a PhD (completed or near completion) in a relevant discipline such as Development Studies, Political Science, Geography, Political Ecology, Public Policy, Public Administration, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field. They should demonstrate strong expertise in qualitative research methods, including experience with interviews, focus groups, and policy analysis.
Candidates should have a clear research profile aligned with one or more of the following areas: land rights and tenure, natural resource governance, extractive industries, environmental justice, or forest and livelihood systems. They must demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills, as well as an emerging record of publications in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to their career stage.
Applicants must be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and international research team. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage academic and non-academic audiences, are essential.
5. Desirable Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with experience conducting fieldwork in Ghana or comparable contexts in sub-Saharan Africa, and those with a strong understanding of Ghana’s political, institutional, and socio-economic landscape. Particular preference will be given to candidates with a strong and relevant publication record, especially those who have contributed to scholarship on the political economy of energy transition processes in Ghana. Experience with participatory or co-production research approaches will be an advantage, as will familiarity with political economy analysis. Experience engaging with civil society organizations, policymakers, and local communities in sites affected by decarbonization processes will be considered an asset.
6. Conditions of Appointment and Opportunities
The appointment is for a fixed term of two (2) years, with the possibility of a one (1) year extension. The position is expected to begin ideally on 1 July 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the University of Ghana Business School but will benefit from close collaboration with the international Observatory team.
The position offers significant opportunities for career development, including participation in international research networks, collaborative publications, conference presentations, and engagement with policy and practice communities. The Fellow will be supported to develop a strong academic profile in a rapidly growing field of research at the intersection of climate change, land governance, and inequality.
7. Application Process and Submission Details
- Applicants are required to submit the following documents in a single PDF file by June 5th, 2026:
- A cover letter outlining their suitability for the position;
- A detailed curriculum vitae, including publications;
- A research concept note (maximum 3 pages), outlining the applicant’s proposed research for the Ghana case study, including the research problem, key questions, proposed methodology, and how the work aligns with the objectives of the Observatory project; and
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD).
Applications should be submitted by email to: Professor Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai (agabdulai@ug.edu.gh), Dr. Charis Enns (charis.enns@manchester.ac.uk), Professor Johan Oldekop (johan.oldekop@manchester.ac.uk). Any inquiries regarding this call may also be directed to any of these contacts.
The subject line of the email should read: “Observatory Postdoctoral Application – Ghana”.
8. Additional Information
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
- In line with the project partners' commitment to equal opportunity and diversity, applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged.
- For more information on the project, please check the project website at https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/sftresearch/observatory/