Senior Researcher: EV Charging Infrastructure and E-Mobility Policy
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) · Pretoria, Gauteng
Overview
TIPS is looking for a Senior Researcher to lead the EV charging infrastructure work for the LEAP programme, a regional initiative driving zero emission transport across South Africa, Kenya and Senegal. You will research, engage stakeholders and shape policy for South Africa's electric vehicle transition. This is a senior role based in Pretoria for someone with strong research and project management experience. If you care about clean transport and industrial policy, this is a meaningful opportunity.
About the role
As Senior Researcher, you will lead the EV charging infrastructure component of the LEAP programme and contribute across the wider initiative. The LEAP project is a regional effort to speed up electric vehicle adoption and build local value chains in Senegal, South Africa and Kenya, with TIPS leading the South African work.
Your research will inform policy and help create an inclusive, decarbonised transport economy. You will work with government, municipalities, regulators, utilities, industry and regional bodies like SADC, and produce reports, policy briefs and presentations that shape national planning.
Application note: Submit a short CV, cover letter and writing sample to jobs@tips.org.za. Applications close 18 November 2026. The position is based in Pretoria and non-South African applicants must have the right to work in South Africa.
Requirements
- A master's degree in Economics, Engineering, Development Studies, Energy, Environmental or Transport Studies, or a related field with a strong research component
- At least five to eight years of experience in economic, industrial, energy, transport or infrastructure policy research
- Demonstrated experience leading research projects, managing stakeholders and producing high-quality research and knowledge products
- Knowledge of the e-mobility landscape, energy transition, climate policy, or relevant standards and regulations in energy and transport
- Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, including data analysis
- Excellent research, writing, presentation and communication skills
- Strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team
Responsibilities
- Lead research under the charging infrastructure work package, from methodology development through to final deliverables
- Map and engage stakeholders across the charging infrastructure value chain, including national and provincial government, municipalities, regulators, utilities, standards bodies, industry and regional bodies such as SADC
- Analyse electricity generation capacity, grid constraints and EV charging demand in line with national energy transition planning
- Analyse the local charging infrastructure value chain and recommend policy support for localisation
- Write and review research reports, policy briefs and presentations
- Provide technical guidance to the programme team and serve on the technical working group on charging infrastructure
- Convene stakeholder consultations and validation workshops
- Contribute to wider LEAP activities and TIPS's broader research work
Job details
- Organisation
- Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS)
- Location
- Pretoria, Gauteng
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Senior (5+ years)
- Education
- Master
- Category
- Science & Research
- Posted
- 5 November 2026 (2 days ago)
- Closing date
- 18 November 2026
- Application Email
- jobs@tips.org.za
- Application Method
- Apply via email
Success Guide
This is a senior research role, so your CV should lead with your five to eight years of policy research experience. Highlight any work you have done on energy, transport or infrastructure policy, and if you have touched electric vehicles or e-mobility in any way, make that prominent.
They ask for a writing sample. Choose something that shows your ability to analyse policy clearly and make recommendations, such as a report or policy brief you authored. Keep your cover letter focused on why the EV transition in South Africa matters to you and how your research skills fit the LEAP programme.
In an interview, expect questions about managing stakeholders across government and industry, handling deadlines on a regional programme, and your understanding of grid constraints and charging infrastructure. Be ready to talk through your research process from methodology to final deliverable.
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