Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Work Type: Not specified
Salary: Not specified
Experience Level: Mid-level
Deadline: 29 October 2026
About the Company
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) is a research organisation focused on industrial policy, sustainable development and economic transformation. It supports evidence-based policymaking through research, analysis and engagement with stakeholders.
Opportunity
TIPS is seeking a Researcher to support the Leapfrogging to Zero Emission Transport in Sub-Saharan Africa (LEAP) project and contribute to its Sustainable Development workstream. The project aims to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) deployment and develop local EV value chains across Senegal, South Africa and Kenya.
The successful candidate will support research on e-mobility policy, EV charging infrastructure, industrial development, skills and employment opportunities for women, and the transition to low-carbon transport.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on e-mobility, transport decarbonisation, industrial development and related policy issues.
- Analyse EV infrastructure, skills requirements and employment opportunities in the e-mobility sector.
- Conduct stakeholder and institutional mapping, coordinate stakeholder engagement and analyse relevant policy documents.
- Prepare research reports, policy briefs, literature reviews, presentations and other knowledge products.
- Support comparative research and knowledge exchange across LEAP's participating countries.
- Organise and participate in stakeholder consultations, workshops, policy dialogues and conferences.
- Prepare briefing materials, document meeting outcomes and follow up on agreed actions.
- Contribute to research projects, proposals, publications, events and consortium activities.
Requirements
Core Requirements
- A master's degree in Economics, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, Transport Studies or a related discipline with a strong research component.
- At least three years of experience in policy research and analysis.
- Knowledge of e-mobility, sustainable development, climate policy, industrial policy or the just transition.
- Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills.
- Excellent English writing, editing, presentation and communication skills.
Technical Skills
- Ability to analyse policy documents, datasets and complex technical information.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant data-analysis tools.
- Experience preparing research reports, policy briefs and other research outputs.
Strengths
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and coordination skills.
Mindset
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Interest in electric mobility, climate change, industrial development and inclusive economic transformation.
Benefits
- Opportunity to contribute to policy-relevant research on zero-emission transport.
- Exposure to regional research collaboration across Senegal, South Africa and Kenya.
- Opportunity to engage with stakeholders working on e-mobility, industrial policy and sustainable development.
- Contribution to research that informs South Africa's transition to electric mobility.
Note: Salary, employment benefits and contract duration were not specified in the vacancy announcement.
Why It Matters
The transition to electric mobility presents opportunities to reduce transport emissions, develop local industries and create new skills and employment pathways. Through the LEAP project, the successful candidate will contribute to research and policy coordination supporting a more sustainable and inclusive transport sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.
How to Apply
Send the following documents to jobs@tips.org.za:
- Short CV
- Cover letter
- Writing sample
Application deadline: 29 October 2026.
Important: The position is based in Pretoria, South Africa. Applicants who are not South African must have authority to work in South Africa. Only complete applications will be considered, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Submit your application before the deadline.