Call for Applications for PhD Scholarships Under the EU-funded Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu Project
The Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu (commonly referred to as “Bahari Yetu”) Project is a groundbreaking initiative implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as part of a broader effort supported by the European Union.
With a substantial budget of €110 million, the project aims to bolster the United Republic of Tanzania through the Blue Economy programme, focusing on job creation and climate change adaptation.
Tanzania boasts some of the most biodiverse and ecologically significant marine and coastal areas in the Western Indian Ocean Region.
However, these ecosystems face serious threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
The Bahari Yetu Project aims to enhance governance, implement sustainable resource management, and promote community-led conservation efforts to safeguard these critical ecosystems.
Overview of the Scholarships Available
The Bahari Yetu Project invites applications for seven (7) PhD Scholarships in the following research areas:
- Marine Plastics Waste Management
- Marine Ecology/Biology
- Coastal Forest Ecology
- GHG Related Studies (4 positions available)
Application Deadline: 1 June 2025
PhD Research Themes and Positions
1. Marine Plastics Waste Management:
- Focus Areas:
- Management strategies (collection, recycling, waste-to-energy).
- Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) of plastic waste disposal.
- Policy implications under circular and blue economy frameworks.
2. Marine Ecology/Biology:
- Focus Areas:
- Climate change impacts on ecosystem resilience.
- Genetic diversity and population connectivity studies.
- Marine protected areas’ (MPAs) effectiveness on marine populations.
3. Coastal Forest Ecology:
- Focus Areas:
- Innovations in monitoring deforestation via remote sensing and AI.
- Real-time monitoring of carbon stock changes in coastal forests.
4. GHG Related Studies:
- Positions: Four (4) scholarships in this area.
- Focus Areas:
- Quantification of methane emissions from livestock.
- Assessment of biomass energy sectors and non-renewability factors.
- Investigation of emissions in waste management strategies.
Relevant Profiles and Academic Criteria
Essential Qualifications:
- A relevant MSc degree, preferably with distinction, in applicable fields.
- Relevant research experience that aligns with the selected research topic.
- Exceptional analytical skills, demonstrated through a detailed project proposal.
Professional Expectations:
- Commitment to continue working within the public institution for at least 5 years post-graduation.
Communication Skills:
- Proficiency in English, with previous experience in writing scientific papers strongly favored.
Offers of the Bahari Yetu Project
Selected candidates will receive:
- A 36-month stipend based on university regulations.
- Coverage of tuition fees for 36 months.
- A research fund of up to TZS 20,000,000 to facilitate studies.
- Modest resources for publication and dissemination of research findings.
Conditions of Scholarship
- Candidates must register as PhD students at a local university and comply with university policies.
- Attendance and participation in Bahari Yetu project meetings are mandatory.
- All PhD candidates must complete their degree by September 2028.
- Candidates must be 35 years old or younger by September 2025.
Application Procedure
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter highlighting motivation, relevant experience, and research interests.
- A 10-page research proposal tailored to the chosen theme.
- A detailed CV, including publication history.
- Copies of academic degrees, diplomas, and recent transcripts.
- Reference letters from at least two assessors familiar with the candidate’s academic work.
- A support letter from the Head of Institution for public servants.
Submissions should be sent to: tenders.tz@iucn.org
Application Deadline: 1 June 2025
For further inquiries:
Contact: Elinasi Monga
Regional Programme Manager
Coastal and Ocean Resilience
IUCN (ESARO)
Email: elinasi.monga@iucn.org
Tentative Selection Process Timeline
- Application Deadline: 1 June 2025
- Pre-selection Notification: 15 June 2025
- Interviews: 30 June 2025
- Contracting Selected Candidates: 20 July 2025
- Start of PhD Programme: 1 August 2025
The Bahari Yetu project offers a remarkable opportunity for aspiring PhD candidates to contribute to significant ecological research and conservation efforts in Tanzania.
Apply now and be part of this impactful journey!
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