Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Research Assistant tenable at MUBAS in Blantyre under the Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for a Just Energy Transition Project.

Position Overview

We are urgently seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support a three-year project focused on mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) within the Just Energy Transition framework in Malawi. The successful candidate will play a key role in conducting research, analyzing data, preparing reports, and supporting stakeholder engagements to ensure that gender and social inclusion considerations are integrated into energy transition policies and practices.

Background

MUBAS is collaborating with international partners on a UK research-funded project called Main-streaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for a Just Energy Transition in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania (JustGESI). JustGESI will analyse critically what action is effective to advance GESI objectives within sustainable energy transitions, focusing particularly on: 1) how to advance GESI objectives in projects on the ground, 2) the kind of institutional and policy reforms that facilitate GESI objectives, and 3) the forms of capacity building that are needed for a transformative approach to GESI. The research will be working on a work package to document the barriers that prevent mainstreaming GESI into current policies, strategies and decisions to increase women and disadvantaged groups’ participation and leadership in the decision-making process and create an enabling environment for a just transition in Malawi.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on gender equality, social inclusion, and energy transition policies.
• Assist in data collection, analysis, and synthesis from various sources, including policy documents, academic literature, and field research.
• Prepare literature reviews, policy briefs, and research reports.
• Support the organization of workshops, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building events.
• Assist in developing case studies and best practice models for gender-responsive and socially inclusive energy transition strategies.
• Collaborate with project partners, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for research activities and events.
• Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to project progress reports.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Energy Policy, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with a focus on qualitative methodolo-gies, particularly ethnography, alongside experience in quantitative methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge of gender equality, social inclusion, and energy transition issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and qualitative data analysis tools.

Desirable:

• Experience in policy analysis or working on projects related to gender and energy.
• Knowledge of participatory research methods and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with ethnographic research methods and their application in gen-der equality and energy transition contexts.
• Previous experience working with marginalized or underrepresented communities.

Employment Terms:

• Contract Duration: 2 years (with potential for extension based on project needs and funding).
• Remuneration: Competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Reporting To: Project Lead/Principal Investigator.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1. A cover letter outlining their suitability for the role.
2. A detailed CV/resume.
3. A writing sample (research paper, policy brief, or report related to gender and energy).
4. Contact details of two professional or academic referees.

Please send applications talentsearch@mubas.ac.mw and copy ckambala@mubas.ac.mw by 4th April, 2025 with the subject line: Application – Research Assistant (JustGESI Project).