Project Overview 

Goal 

ONEPlanET project aims at empowering African policy makers, research & academia, investors and citizens with the necessary tools and know-how to increase clean energy generation and sustainable use of resources while reducing inequalities and cultural/socio-economic gaps.  

Mission 

ONEPlanET will co-design and test a Toolkit, built upon existing WEF Nexus models and methodologies, that allows to simulate scenarios optimizing existing resources with the most appropriate policies considering social, climate, economic and biophysical constrains.  

In addition, a Knowledge Hub will be created and will include a set of capacity building materials will be developed. The project is undertaking a participatory approach building local communities in three African pilot location also known as case studies: Songwe (Malawi/Tanzania), Inkomati-Usuthu area (South Africa) and Niger river basins (Mali). 

Call for Experts 

As part of the ONEPLANET Knowledge Hub, we are in the process of creating an online directory of Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus experts from the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU). This directory will be an essential resource for model users and other stakeholders interested in Nexus topics, providing them with access to experts and organizations working in this field. This directory will be featured on the ONEPLANET Knowledge Hub section on the ONEPlanET website. 

About the WEF Nexus Experts 

We are looking for WEF Experts to complete our soon-to-be-published online directory. The WEF Nexus (Water-Energy-Food Nexus) experts are professionals with specialized knowledge and extensive experience in the interconnected areas of water management, energy systems, and food security. These experts play a critical role in addressing the complex challenges associated with the sustainable management of these essential resources, particularly in the context of integrated resource management, climate change, and sustainable development. 

Preferred experience and Qualifications 

Educational Background: 

Advanced degrees (master’s or Ph.D.) in relevant fields such as environmental science, and or water resources management, and or energy systems, and or agricultural sciences, and or sustainable development, or a related discipline. And or ongoing professional development in WEF Nexus-related areas. 

Professional Experience: 

• Water Management: Experience in managing water resources, including hydrology, water conservation, water governance, and sustainable water use practices. 

• And or Energy Systems: Expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable energy policy, and the integration of energy systems with water and food sectors. 

• And or Food Security: Knowledge of sustainable agriculture, food systems, agribusiness, and the impacts of water and energy on food production and distribution. 

• Experience in interdisciplinary projects that address the interdependencies between water, energy, and food resources. 

• Research and Innovation: A strong track record of research, publications, and innovation in WEF Nexus topics, contributing to the development of new methodologies, technologies, or policies and participation in or leadership of research projects, especially those focusing on sustainable solutions to WEF Nexus challenges in Africa. 

• Policy and Governance: Experience working with governmental, intergovernmental, or non-governmental organizations to implement WEF Nexus strategies and policies or Involvement in policy development, advocacy, or advisory roles related to WEF Nexus issues. 

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Proven experience in facilitating partnerships and collaborations aimed at holistic resource management and sustainable development. 

• Communication and Advocacy: Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex WEF Nexus concepts to a wide range of audiences, including non-experts and Active participation in forums, workshops, and conferences to share knowledge and advocate for integrated WEF Nexus approaches. 

• Specific knowledge of the African context, with an understanding of the unique WEF Nexus challenges and opportunities in the region. 

• Demonstrated impact in implementing WEF Nexus solutions that lead to tangible improvements in water, energy, and food security. 

Selection Process 

Application Review: All applications will be reviewed by the AfriLabs team, focusing on the applicant’s qualifications and professional experience in the WEF Nexus sectors. 

Shortlisting: Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further discussion, if necessary, to clarify their experience or qualifications.  

Info session: All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an information session where more information will be provided and any questions answered. 

Final Selection: Selected experts will be added to the ONEPlanET WEF Nexus Expert Directory, which will be featured on our knowledge Hub. 

How to Apply 

Please fill in the form with the details required and attach your CV.