Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoc position for Scaling the Adoption of RWH Technologies in the Sahel

Postdoc Position: Scaling the Adoption of RWH Technologies in the Sahel

About the Role

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to join an ambitious, policy-relevant research program at the intersection of agricultural development and environmental sustainability. The project focuses on scaling rainwater harvesting (RWH) technologies in the Sahel, where adoption on private land remains below 10% in countries such as Niger. Building on a randomized controlled trial (2018–2022) that demonstrated a single half-day training can significantly increase adoption, this phase extends evidence generation to other regions of Niger and pilots interventions in Mali and Nigeria.

The position is based in the Development Economics Group at WUR, embedded in an international, interdisciplinary consortium including economists, soil scientists, agronomists, remote-sensing specialists, and Sahelian research partners (ICRISAT, University of Diffa, Sahel Consulting Group, Niger Ministry of Environment). The postdoc will lead the cross-cutting work package that co-develops, implements, analyzes, and communicates findings from pilots and RCTs across the three countries, with frequent travel within West Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordination: Serve as day-to-day research coordinator across work packages, liaising with consortium partners at WUR, ICRISAT, University of Diffa, Sahel Consulting Group, and the Ministry of Environment. Support project management (progress reports, meeting documentation, M&E against impact pathway indicators).
• Data management and impact evaluation: Design and oversee data protocols for large-scale surveys (±600 villages, up to 10,000 households in Niger). Contribute to RCT analysis: treatment effects on RWH adoption, soil quality, agricultural production, and farmer revenues, disaggregated by gender and agro-ecological zone.
• Cross-country synthesis: Systematically compile and analyze results from pilots and RCTs in Niger and feasibility studies in Mali/Nigeria. Produce comparative analyses identifying what works, for whom, and under which conditions, integrating survey data, earth observation outputs, and qualitative inquiry.
• Mentorship: Supervise and mentor PhD and MSc students at WUR and University of Diffa. Contribute to capacity-building workshops on the Eight Question Method (8QM) and impact evaluation methods for government and local research staff.
• Dissemination: Prepare peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and working papers. Present at dissemination workshops with governments, NGOs, and communities in Niger, Mali, and Nigeria. Support strategic communications to ensure evidence reaches policymakers and scaling actors.

Requirements

• PhD in development economics, agricultural economics, or a closely related field.
• Strong quantitative skills, particularly in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and impact evaluation.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary, multicultural teams and manage multistakeholder meetings alongside rigorous research.
• Excellent spoken and written command of both French and English (C1 level in each).
• Willingness to travel extensively within West Africa (Niger, Mali, Nigeria).
• Experience with large-scale household survey data management and analysis.

What We Offer

• Initially a 1-year contract, extendable upon good performance for the full project duration (34 months).
• Competitive gross salary between €3,546 and €5,538 per month (scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, CAO-NU) for a 38-hour workweek.
• Excellent pension scheme and other benefits.
• An international, open working environment on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands.
• Support for international employees: visa application assistance, advice on housing, banking, dual career programs, and schooling; possible tax exemption for part of salary (30% ruling) for the first five years.

How to Apply

Submit your application via the WUR website (applications through our online portal only). Required documents include three letters of reference. Transcripts and grades are not required at this stage. Applications must be received by 25 July 2026. First interviews are scheduled in August 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 4 July 2026. An assessment may be part of the selection procedure.

Original vacancy