Exciting Career Opportunity at WASCAL

By Eric Appiah

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November 9, 2025 11:08 am

Exciting Career Opportunity at WASCAL

Job Title: Director of Research
Organization: West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL)
Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Application Deadline: 15 December 2025

Job Description

WASCAL seeks an accomplished Director of Research to advance its mission as Africa’s premier institution for climate change solutions and sustainable energy development. This executive position requires a visionary leader capable of managing interdisciplinary research teams while securing funding for innovative climate resilience projects across 13 member countries.

Role Overview

As Director of Research, you will oversee the Competence Centre in Ouagadougou while coordinating WASCAL’s research programs spanning climate science, renewable energy, and sustainable land use. You will develop strategic partnerships, secure research funding, and ensure scientific excellence across all initiatives. This position demands both academic leadership and practical implementation capabilities in a multicultural environment.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership & Strategy

Design and implement interdisciplinary research projects addressing climate adaptation
Coordinate 17 graduate programs across West African universities
Ensure scientific excellence and ethical compliance in all research activities
Publish and disseminate research findings to academic and policy audiences

Partnership Development & Fundraising

Develop comprehensive fundraising strategies with the Executive Director
Secure research funding from international donors and development partners
Strengthen collaborations with regional and global scientific institutions
Provide expert scientific advice to WASCAL’s Governing Board

Operations Management & Capacity Building

Manage and motivate interdisciplinary research teams at the Competence Centre
Oversee research budget administration and resource allocation
Develop internal research policies and ensure ethical standards compliance
Contribute to policy dialogues and knowledge dissemination initiatives

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Requirements:

Doctoral degree in Life Sciences, Geosciences, Socioeconomics, or related field
Minimum 10 years of research leadership in institutional settings
Proven success in fundraising from international donors and development partners
Experience managing interdisciplinary scientific teams across cultural contexts
Strong publication record in climate-related research domains

Technical Competencies:

Expertise in climate science, renewable energy, or sustainable land use
Experience in research program administration and financial management
Knowledge of West African climate challenges and development contexts
Proficiency in research methodology and scientific publication processes

Professional Attributes:

Excellent leadership and team motivation capabilities
Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
Strategic thinking with practical implementation focus
Commitment to scientific excellence and ethical standards
Willingness to travel extensively throughout West Africa

Language Requirements:

Professional proficiency in English (written and verbal)
Working knowledge of French is considered a significant advantage

Eligibility Note: Applicants must be citizens of WASCAL member countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, or Togo.

Why Join WASCAL?

WASCAL offers a competitive executive package and professional development within a respected intergovernmental organization. We provide:

Attractive remuneration package with international benefits
Three-year initial contract with a probationary period
Leadership role in Africa’s premier climate research institution
Professional networking with global scientific communities
Opportunity to drive meaningful climate action across West Africa

How to Apply for this Career Opportunity at WASCAL

Qualified candidates should email their application package to candidature@wascal.org with “Director of Research” in the subject line. Applications must include:

Comprehensive cover letter (maximum two pages) addressing the selection criteria
Detailed curriculum vitae with publication list
Contact information for three professional references

WASCAL maintains a strong commitment to gender equality and encourages applications from female researchers. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

Closing Date: 15 December 2025

NOTE:

Please be aware that employers typically receive a high volume of applications for each position and will only shortlist the most qualified candidates. Please note that NewsNowGh.com is not involved in the employer’s recruitment decisions and does not guarantee that applicants will be shortlisted or selected for any role.