Joseph Makanda

Research, Lecturing, Policy and Goverance
KwaZulu-Natal
28/08/1983

About Candidate

A seasoned researcher, lecturer and policy specialist with a PhD in Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies, specializing in forced mobility, climate security, conflicts and peacebuilding. Expertise in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks for complex, multi-country programmes. Proven track record in evidence-based policy development, donor reporting, and using mixed-methods research for data-driven decision-making. Extensive experience engaging with and reporting to the African Union (AU), SADC, governments and non-governmental stakeholders to enhance policy and programme impact.

Ethnicity
African

Location

Work & Experience

C
Climate Security, Peace and Migration Research Specialist at CGIAR Climate Security Team Southern Africa Nov 2023–Present
Alliance Biversity International-CIAT a CGIAR Climate Security Team

• Managed a $100,000 research portfolio, developing and tracking key performance indicators to assess the impact of climate change on displacement and social cohesion in Zimbabwe. • Designed and operationalized a $31,000 regional workshop portfolio on Climate, Peace, and Security in Namibia, ensuring alignment with donor objectives and continental policy frameworks. • Led field teams in data collection (interviews, focus groups) and analysis, translating complex findings into actionable common vision reports for Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. • Co-led the development of the first SADC RPTC curriculum on Climate change and Environmental issues in Peace Support Operations. This is training and evaluation framework for SADC regional peace support specialists. • Produced high-impact, peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs, demonstrating excellence in synthesizing complex data for diverse audiences and ensuring accountability to funders.

P
Part-time Lecturer and Postgraduate Supervisor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2020-Present) and Regent Business School 2020 - 2025
University of KwaZulu-Natal and Regent Business School

• Lecturing, conducting seminars in political Science, International Relations, Conflict and Peace Studies, Public administration and local government • Marking assignments and exams for undergraduate and postgraduate students • Supervising, mentoring and evaluating postgraduate students (Honours an MBA), building capacity in research methodology, data analysis and academic writing.

S
Senior Research Fellow, JIAS, University of Johannesburg 2020 - 2023
University of Johannesburg

• Produced high-impact, peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs, • Sought funding and managing full-cycle research projects on migration, conflicts and peace in Southern Africa. • Designed methodology, data collection tools and reporting mechanisms.

P
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of KwaZulu-Natal 2018 - 2020
University of KwaZulu-Natal

• Produced high-impact, peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs, • Designed methodology, data collection tools and reporting mechanisms. • Organised workshops, conferences and seminars

Skills

• Advanced skills in qualitative (interviews, focus groups, participatory mapping) and quantitative methods; data management and synthesis; policy analysis. • Advanced skill in project management; designing, planning, budgeting and implementation of multi-stakeholder initiatives in capacity building and training. • Advanced skills in monitoring and Evaluation, performance tracking, framework development and donor reporting. • Extensive experience engaging with different stakeholders: SADC RPTC, the AU, national governments, NGOs and community groups. • Advanced expertise in human mobility and displacement, climate Security, peacebuilding, conflict Analysis, the AU Agenda 2063 & SDGs