The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change is inviting applications for five Working Group Leader positions within the Lancet Countdown Africa initiative. These roles present a unique opportunity for accomplished African academics to guide regional research on the health impacts of climate change and contribute to the global Lancet Countdown network. The successful candidates will lead one of five thematic Working Groups (WGs) focused on key dimensions of health and climate change: WG1: Health Hazards, Exposures, and Vulnerabilities WG2: Adaptation, Planning, and Resilience for Health WG3: Mitigation Actions and Health Co-Benefits WG4: Economics and Finance WG5: Public and Political Engagement in Health and Climate Change Each Working Group Leader will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s contribution to the Lancet Countdown’s research and policy agenda. The appointment will run until 30 April 2027, with the possibility of renewal for an additional two years. Applications close on 19 December 2025 at 23:30 GMT. For further information, candidates may contact Prof. Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, Director of the Lancet Countdown Africa, at mabhaudhi@ukzn.ac.za. About the Lancet Countdown The Lancet Countdown is an independent, multidisciplinary research collaboration tracking the world’s response to climate change and monitoring its health impacts. Enabled by funding and strategic support from the Wellcome Trust, the initiative brings together nearly 300 researchers worldwide across more than 40 indicators grounded in cutting-edge scientific evidence. The Lancet Countdown Africa Centre is dedicated to expanding the representation of African research and perspectives within this global network. It will annually monitor health and climate change interactions through a Regional Indicator Report and strengthen policy engagement and communication efforts to promote a health-centered climate response across the continent. Role Overview Working Group Leaders (WGLs) serve as the academic and strategic anchors of the Lancet Countdown Africa’s research mission. They are responsible for coordinating scientific outputs, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that regional priorities are embedded within the global framework. Key responsibilities include: 1. Academic Coordination Oversee the operational delivery of academic outputs for the assigned Working Group. Lead the group’s contribution to the annual Regional Indicator Report, ensuring scientific rigor and policy relevance. Identify opportunities for improving existing indicators or introducing new ones to reflect African contexts and data availability. Provide academic and managerial oversight for Regional Working Group Fellows supporting the research. 2. Strategic Leadership Represent regional authors within the Global Working Group Steering Committees, ensuring African perspectives inform the broader Lancet Countdown strategy. Contribute to the strategic governance of the Working Group, aligning its objectives with the Lancet Countdown’s mission and regional priorities. Advocate for the inclusion of Africa’s health and climate priorities in global research and policy discussions. 3. Collaboration and Policy Engagement Strengthen partnerships between academia, public health institutions, and policymakers to translate research findings into actionable insights. Support the integration of health and climate considerations into regional and national policies. Facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration and capacity-building across African research institutions. Financial Support Each Regional Working Group Leader will receive financial compensation covering up to 20% of their time dedicated to the Lancet Countdown Africa. In addition, each group will receive funding for the part-time or full-time appointment of a Research Fellow, who will assist in advancing the group’s research agenda. Eligibility and Desired Profile Applicants should be recognised African academics with demonstrated expertise and a strong publication record in one of the five thematic domains. They must have experience in interdisciplinary research, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement related to health and climate change. Ideal candidates will: Possess a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Have a proven record of academic excellence and international collaboration. Demonstrate leadership in research management and mentoring. Exhibit a commitment to advancing Africa’s role in the global climate-health discourse. Be able to dedicate sufficient time to the Working Group’s activities and outputs. Application Process Interested candidates should submit their applications to info@lancetcountdown.org no later than 19 December 2025, 23:30 GMT, indicating which Working Group they wish to lead. Each application must include: An academic CV highlighting relevant research, publications, and leadership experience. A cover letter (maximum 500 words) outlining the applicant’s motivation, commitment to the role, and how their expertise aligns with the selected Working Group. A letter of support from the applicant’s academic institution. Applications will be reviewed by members of the Lancet Countdown Selection Committee, who will assess suitability and alignment with the program’s objectives. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview. About the Opportunity The appointment of these Working Group Leaders marks an important milestone in expanding Africa’s leadership in climate and health research. Through this initiative, the Lancet Countdown seeks to ensure that the continent’s unique challenges, data, and knowledge systems are reflected in global health-climate science and policy. This is a defining opportunity for African researchers to shape a more equitable, evidence-based response to one of the defining challenges of our time—climate change and its health impacts. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring entity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.