PhD position Closing data gaps for long-term energy modelling in the context of climate policy support in Mozambique

A key challenge in African countries is to improve energy statistics and long-term energy modelling to support policy-making for reaching climate targets set out in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Strategies (LTS). Current data gaps exist both for energy demand (certain sectors are not yet covered, recent energy data is lacking, data inconsistencies, limited insights in energy demand evolution) and supply (for example considering the climate impact on hydropower). Improving data collection is often a costly and labor-intensive process. One should therefore adopt an efficient data collection strategy that aims at maximizing data quality and information gain while maintaining feasible data collection efforts. In this context, the PhD program will apply and evaluate innovative data gathering and analysis techniques to improve long-term energy modelling for the case of Mozambique.

The PhD program is set up to strengthen the NDC Support Center that has recently been set-up between VITO – EnergyVille (Belgium) and the African Energy Commission (AFREC) of the African Union. The ambition is to increase the capacities in African countries (Malawi, Morocco, Uganda, Mozambique as lead countries) for the preparation of climate communication and improved policy-making in the framework of commitments as set for the Paris Agreement.

The PhD program is carried out as a collaboration between UEM, Hasselt University and VITO-EnergyVille. The PhD student will be based in Belgium with exchange visits to UEM. The PhD student will be appointed at Hasselt University with a contract duration of four years. To contribute to capacity building, the PhD student preferentially originates from Mozambique.

How to apply?
Applications should be submitted online and should include a copy of your CV and a cover letter.
The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel.
You can apply for this PhD vacancy no later than March 29, 2023.

For more information, please contact Pieter Valkering: pieter.valkering@vito.be or Carlos Guerrero Lucendo: carlos.guerrerolucendo@vito.be.

More information is available on PhD | VITO and on the website of Hasselt University https://www.uhasselt.be/en/research/phd.

More info: https://jobs.vito.be/l/en/o/phd-position-closing-data-gaps-for-longterm…

• Master in sciences or engineering
• Focus on energy statistics and / or energy modelling
• Good knowledge of the energy related context in Mozambique
• Preferably citizen of Mozambique