Fellowship Opportunity: Full-time Postgraduate Study (PhD) at Stellenbosch University or University of Cape Town in the 2023 academic year.
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General Information
The GreenMatter Fellowship brings together a cohort of dynamic, talented and committed environmental practitioners, with the objective of developing and unlocking their potential. It affords participants the opportunity to fully engage in tackling biodiversity issues through their study and career paths, alongside peers who share in that commitment.
GreenMatter have identified the following priority skills areas within the biodiversity sector that they are targeting. These skills specialisations are:
• Agricultural extensionists with biodiversity specialism;
• Bioinformatics: ICT specialists and technicians with biodiversity skills
• Curators of biodiversity collections;
• Ecologists: esp. in marine but also aquatic and terrestrial systems;
• EIA practitioners;
• Engineers (civil) with biodiversity specialism;
• Lawyers with environmental specialism;
• Geneticists: molecular biology with a specialisation in biodiversity conservation (as opposed to commercial applications);
• GIS specialists and technicians;
• Human Capital Development: High level biodiversity education and HCD specialists;
• Monitoring specialists, species protection officers and inspectors;
• Policy developers & analysts, urban & regional planners with biodiversity insight;
• Protected area managers;
• Resource economists with biodiversity related specialism;
• Social scientists specialising in environment, indigenous biodiversity knowledge;
• Social ecologists:
• Soil scientists;
• Statistical ecologists & modellers;
• Taxonomists; and
• Wildlife veterinarians.
Applications are invited for GreenMatter Postgraduate Awards for PhD level postgraduate study in South Africa.
This round of applications is for students who have already registered for a PhD at Stellenbosch University or University of Cape Town.
GreenMatter will provide funding for up to a maximum of 3 years. A GreenMatter postgraduate award provides holistic support in the form of:
a) a cash contribution towards costs of living, study fees, and research costs; and
b) the opportunity to access mentoring support, career guidance and platforms to engage in learning networks.
This award is supported by the Harry Crossley Foundation, Lewis Foundation and GreenMatter. The tuition fees will be covered by Crossley and Lewis Foundation together with the two universities, while GreenMatter covers the wrap around support. The PhD proposed research topic must address GreenMatter Priority Skills Areas (As listed in the table above).
Mentoring, Networking and Leadership Training
GreenMatter is part of a network of biodiversity experts working in industry, academia and the public sector. They recognise the importance of networking with peers and exposure to positive role models in supporting professional development. Fellowship participants will have access to various forums for networking and will be supported to identify a suitable mentor (if they do not already have one).
Mentoring relationships are most successful where they fulfil an identified need on the part of the mentee. Successful applicants will be provided with guidance on mentorship and GreenMatter will assist both parties in establishing realistic targets in terms of the nature and regularity of communication. However, once mentoring relationships have been established it is the responsibility of the mentor and mentee to commit to sustaining them. Mentees will be responsible for taking the initiative in setting up meetings with their mentor.
Are you eligible?
Applicants must be:
• A national of South Africa;
• In possession of a Masters Degree
• Registered at Stellenbosch University or University of Cape Town
• Seeking funding for a full-time postgraduate programme at PhD level;
• Able to motivate how your field of study aligns to the GreenMatter priority skill areas identified.
Please apply only if you are eligible.
Application Process:
The application form is of primary importance as it serves as the basis for assessment. The form can be accessed at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FKVXCRX. Please remember to fill in all sections of the form. If you experience any problems, questions can be emailed to kgomotso@greenmatter.co.za and will be responded to within 3 working days.
The following supporting documents must be included and should be uploaded at the end of the form. Please make sure the documents are labelled accordingly.
• Proof of South African citizenship;
• Certified copy of degree certificate(s);
• Certified academic transcripts;
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – List any and all work or volunteer experience;
• Reference letters from two referees.
Ideally, you should submit an academic reference and a reference from an employer. If you have never been employed, we will accept a reference from voluntary work, or two academic references. You should ask your referees to write a reference that relates to your application for this bursary and reflects how you meet the selection criteria. It should outline your strengths as an applicant, demonstrate your capacity to study at the level required, and identify your potential impact in the future. You can submit your references with all the other supporting documents or, should your referee prefer to submit their reference directly, ask them to email it to kgomotso@greenmatter.co.za. The subject of the email should state that it is a reference and comprise the name and surname of the applicant, e.g., Reference: LASTNAME, First name. Once your referee has submitted their reference we will email you a confirmation of receipt. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that references are sent to us well before the deadline. Late
references will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
Your application will be assessed on the basis of the information given in the application form. We apply the following criteria:
1. Relevance in terms of priority skills
Applicants are expected to articulate how their field of expertise and research topic aligns with the priority skills listed above. Please also ensure you have explained how your proposed research fits with the specific focus areas to do with Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation; Biodiversity and water scarcity; Biodiversity and Food Security as well as Biodiversity and Social Change/Innovation.
2. Leadership Competencies
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate how they have developed their leadership skills in academia, the workplace or in their personal life. Priority will be given to those who can describe an occasion/s in which they have used their skills to formulate a shared vision or strategy, build strategic relationships and networks, support peers and mentor others, and/or deliver results that have led to innovation and step changes. GreenMatter places a great deal of emphasis upon the leadership potential of individuals and may require awardees to contribute to the Fellowship by mentoring others or providing peer support.
3. Academic Record and References
Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second-class (merit) degree and excellent references.
4. Transformation and Access to Opportunity
GreenMatter has a strong transformation agenda and is looking to support black South African candidates where possible. Candidates are also asked to provide details of their financial situation. While we recognise that the GreenMatter bursaries are insufficient to provide for 100% of students costs, and will therefore complement other sources of support, we are looking to assist students that will otherwise struggle or face particular challenges in financing their studies.
5. Application form (Accessible at this link: http://www.greenmatterza.com/greenmatter-fellowship-callfor-applications.html)
Applicants should:
• Demonstrate a good command of the English language;
• Answer all of the questions properly and completely; and
• Complete the application and upload all supporting documents in a timely manner.
Timetable
The deadline for applications is 03rd March 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. All applications must be emailed to kgomotso@greenmatter.co.za.
We will acknowledge receipt of your application and let you know the outcome of your application by March 15, 2023.
Please do not email us to ask about the outcome of your application. All notifications will be by email so please make sure you provide an accurate email address.
The final selection rests with GreenMatter and associated partners. GreenMatter reserves the right not to appoint students for a prospective award.
Good luck! We look forward to receiving your application!
The GreenMatter Fellowship brings together a cohort of dynamic, talented and committed environmental practitioners, with the objective of developing and unlocking their potential. It affords participants the opportunity to fully engage in tackling biodiversity issues through their study and career paths, alongside peers who share in that commitment.
GreenMatter have identified the following priority skills areas within the biodiversity sector that they are targeting. These skills specialisations are:
• Agricultural extensionists with biodiversity specialism;
• Bioinformatics: ICT specialists and technicians with biodiversity skills
• Curators of biodiversity collections;
• Ecologists: esp. in marine but also aquatic and terrestrial systems;
• EIA practitioners;
• Engineers (civil) with biodiversity specialism;
• Lawyers with environmental specialism;
• Geneticists: molecular biology with a specialisation in biodiversity conservation (as opposed to commercial applications);
• GIS specialists and technicians;
• Human Capital Development: High level biodiversity education and HCD specialists;
• Monitoring specialists, species protection officers and inspectors;
• Policy developers & analysts, urban & regional planners with biodiversity insight;
• Protected area managers;
• Resource economists with biodiversity related specialism;
• Social scientists specialising in environment, indigenous biodiversity knowledge;
• Social ecologists:
• Soil scientists;
• Statistical ecologists & modellers;
• Taxonomists; and
• Wildlife veterinarians.
Applications are invited for GreenMatter Postgraduate Awards for PhD level postgraduate study in South Africa.
This round of applications is for students who have already registered for a PhD at Stellenbosch University or University of Cape Town.
GreenMatter will provide funding for up to a maximum of 3 years. A GreenMatter postgraduate award provides holistic support in the form of:
a) a cash contribution towards costs of living, study fees, and research costs; and
b) the opportunity to access mentoring support, career guidance and platforms to engage in learning networks.
This award is supported by the Harry Crossley Foundation, Lewis Foundation and GreenMatter. The tuition fees will be covered by Crossley and Lewis Foundation together with the two universities, while GreenMatter covers the wrap around support. The PhD proposed research topic must address GreenMatter Priority Skills Areas (As listed in the table above).
Mentoring, Networking and Leadership Training
GreenMatter is part of a network of biodiversity experts working in industry, academia and the public sector. They recognise the importance of networking with peers and exposure to positive role models in supporting professional development. Fellowship participants will have access to various forums for networking and will be supported to identify a suitable mentor (if they do not already have one).
Mentoring relationships are most successful where they fulfil an identified need on the part of the mentee. Successful applicants will be provided with guidance on mentorship and GreenMatter will assist both parties in establishing realistic targets in terms of the nature and regularity of communication. However, once mentoring relationships have been established it is the responsibility of the mentor and mentee to commit to sustaining them. Mentees will be responsible for taking the initiative in setting up meetings with their mentor.
Are you eligible?
Applicants must be:
• A national of South Africa;
• In possession of a Masters Degree
• Registered at Stellenbosch University or University of Cape Town
• Seeking funding for a full-time postgraduate programme at PhD level;
• Able to motivate how your field of study aligns to the GreenMatter priority skill areas identified.
Please apply only if you are eligible.
Application Process:
The application form is of primary importance as it serves as the basis for assessment. The form can be accessed at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FKVXCRX. Please remember to fill in all sections of the form. If you experience any problems, questions can be emailed to kgomotso@greenmatter.co.za and will be responded to within 3 working days.
The following supporting documents must be included and should be uploaded at the end of the form. Please make sure the documents are labelled accordingly.
• Proof of South African citizenship;
• Certified copy of degree certificate(s);
• Certified academic transcripts;
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – List any and all work or volunteer experience;
• Reference letters from two referees.
Ideally, you should submit an academic reference and a reference from an employer. If you have never been employed, we will accept a reference from voluntary work, or two academic references. You should ask your referees to write a reference that relates to your application for this bursary and reflects how you meet the selection criteria. It should outline your strengths as an applicant, demonstrate your capacity to study at the level required, and identify your potential impact in the future. You can submit your references with all the other supporting documents or, should your referee prefer to submit their reference directly, ask them to email it to kgomotso@greenmatter.co.za. The subject of the email should state that it is a reference and comprise the name and surname of the applicant, e.g., Reference: LASTNAME, First name. Once your referee has submitted their reference we will email you a confirmation of receipt. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that references are sent to us well before the deadline. Late
references will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
Your application will be assessed on the basis of the information given in the application form. We apply the following criteria:
1. Relevance in terms of priority skills
Applicants are expected to articulate how their field of expertise and research topic aligns with the priority skills listed above. Please also ensure you have explained how your proposed research fits with the specific focus areas to do with Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation; Biodiversity and water scarcity; Biodiversity and Food Security as well as Biodiversity and Social Change/Innovation.
2. Leadership Competencies
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate how they have developed their leadership skills in academia, the workplace or in their personal life. Priority will be given to those who can describe an occasion/s in which they have used their skills to formulate a shared vision or strategy, build strategic relationships and networks, support peers and mentor others, and/or deliver results that have led to innovation and step changes. GreenMatter places a great deal of emphasis upon the leadership potential of individuals and may require awardees to contribute to the Fellowship by mentoring others or providing peer support.
3. Academic Record and References
Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second-class (merit) degree and excellent references.
4. Transformation and Access to Opportunity
GreenMatter has a strong transformation agenda and is looking to support black South African candidates where possible. Candidates are also asked to provide details of their financial situation. While we recognise that the GreenMatter bursaries are insufficient to provide for 100% of students costs, and will therefore complement other sources of support, we are looking to assist students that will otherwise struggle or face particular challenges in financing their studies.
5. Application form (Accessible at this link: http://www.greenmatterza.com/greenmatter-fellowship-callfor-applications.html)
Applicants should:
• Demonstrate a good command of the English language;
• Answer all of the questions properly and completely; and
• Complete the application and upload all supporting documents in a timely manner.
Timetable
The deadline for applications is 03rd March 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. All applications must be emailed to kgomotso@greenmatter.co.za.
We will acknowledge receipt of your application and let you know the outcome of your application by March 15, 2023.
Please do not email us to ask about the outcome of your application. All notifications will be by email so please make sure you provide an accurate email address.
The final selection rests with GreenMatter and associated partners. GreenMatter reserves the right not to appoint students for a prospective award.
Good luck! We look forward to receiving your application!