The TENTRANS project is a research project that is a joint collaboration between the University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town, Danish Wind Energy Association, The South African Wind Energy Association and the UNEP DTU Partnership. The project is funded by a research grant from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is currently in a two-year pilot phase from 2018-2020. 

The primary aims of the project are to provide new knowledge which can support development of sustainable of wind schemes in South Africa using the South African REIPPPP as a case. It also examines how project developers, investors, local industries, local governments and communities experience the benefits and challenges of REIPPPP, and what can be done to ensure that the programme is successful. 

The project is organised into three distinct work packages: 

  • Work Package (WP) 1: addresses how private project developers and investors respond to the changing requirements in REIPPPP, and the implications of these changes? 
  • Work Package (WP) 2: examines how wind project developers, communities and local governments interact in decision-making within the REIPPPP community development requirement, and the implications for inclusive governance of sustainable energy transitions? 
  • Work Package (WP) 3: addresses how local industries respond to and benefit from REIPPPP and what the implications are in terms of infant industry development and upgrading in global value chains? 

For WP2, the research focusses on exploring community engagement practices and experiences of renewable energy projects. The research team consists of South African and Danish social scientists and requires the support of a research assistant for the next couple of months. 

The below scope provides some further detail about the expected activities, timeline and renumeration. Applications can be submitted immediately, and an appointment will be made as soon as a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Minimum qualification: 

  • Undergrad or Postgrad degree in social science or humanities. 
  • Good understanding of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and its economic development requirements. 
  • Able to travel within South Africa, rural and urban regions and willing to attend meetings in Cape Town and Johannesburg. 
  • A valid driver’s licence. 
  • Fluent in English, preferably able to speak additional South African languages. 
  • Good organisational and interpersonal skills; 
  • The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; 
  • The ability to show initiative and flexibility; 
  • Reliability and integrity. 

Scope of Work: data collection, analysis and project management support 

  • Plan, prepare, implement and document semi-structured interviews with energy industry and government representatives as well as expert interviews. 
  • Observation of work processes through accompanying industry professionals at their place of work (includes domestic travel).
  • Prepare descriptive statistics for publication, drawing on existing data. 

Timeline is envisaged to be from November 2019 to May 2020 (with a break between 15th Dec-15th Jan). Renumeration is on a part-time basis, 10 days a month with a renumeration of R14 500 (before tax). 

Application: full CV and motivation letter, including names and contact details of referees. Applications to be submitted to Holle Wlokas (holle@sun.ac.za) and Cornelia Jacobs (corneliajacobs@sun.ac.za). 

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the EE plan for the specific environment as well as Stellenbosch University’s institutional EE Plan. 

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.