TRAINING // WP1 – Field Geoscientific Mapping

About PanAfGeo+

“PanAfGeo+” for “Pan-African Support to Geological Sciences and Technology, Africa-EU Partnership” is a project which supports the training of geoscientific staff from African geological surveys through the development of an innovative training programme. This programme includes the acquisition and development of important professional skills that complement existing qualifications and technical skills. The training programme is carried out by world-class geoscientific experts coming from African and European geological surveys.

PanAfGeo+ is funded by the European Commission (DG INTPA). The consortium of PanAfGeo+ consists of EuroGeoSurves (EGS) and Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) coordinated by the French Geological Survey (BRGM). This programme allows trainees to acquire a state-of-the-art tool kit that contains methods and/or field work from eight geoscientific domains or work packages.

WP1 – Field Geoscientific Mapping

The work package “Field Geoscientific Mapping” (WP1) aims to raise level of skills of African staff in terms of field geology mapping so that African geologists can make geological maps to finally better cover the continent at different scales with own good-quality data.

During the PanAfGeo+ (2025–2028), traditional trainings for 25 trainees and the alternative “case study” trainings for smaller groups will be organized. The first mapping course of the “case study” type will be held in Namibia 2026, i.e., for lesser number of trainees 15-18 and in true mapping conditions including the field accommodation. It will be launched together with LNEG and GSN partners, and will be focused on a specific part of the pre-Damaran basement in the Kunene District, namely the ultramafic magmatic body between Swartbooisdrift and Epupa Falls (the Zebra Mts) and its host rocks.

This training aims to do practical exercise on field techniques used during the geological mapping, collecting of data, interpreting petrological, geochemical, geophysical, structural, stratigraphic and geochronological data for the purpose of compiling geological map, summarising the data and preparation of geological map. Remote sensing principles and digital data handling will be included in an abridged practical form. Some portable hand devices (e.g., UV, gamaspectrometer, kappameter, RFA) will be available. Download the call for applications here.

Who Can Apply?

The PanAfGeo+ “WP1N2 – Field Geoscientific Mapping” training session is open to all persons who are eligible according to the conditions of the “PanAfGeo Charter for Trainee”.

The training is targeted to junior GS staff involved in geological mapping projects of any state geological survey or ministerial department, mainly detailed mapping projects. We expect the GS applicants to be in charge of practical implementation of detailed geological mapping on the scale up to 1 : 100 000 or more detailed during the coming years. The programme admits also focused junior university employees. Good computer skills and practical knowledge of spoken and written English and/or Portuguese language is required. A good physical condition and the ability to experience the outdoor field mapping part is necessary, together with readiness to complete entire 25 day programme. A Portuguese section with LNEG trainers will be included in this first WP1-N1 training.

Note please

• Good physical condition and the ability to move in mountainous terrain is a prerequisite for your application; please consider your actual ability to work systematically outside for two weeks before you apply. Accommodation in the field will be provided by GSN and local authority as a super simple temporary camp setting, accommodation in Windhoek will be in the Safari *** Hotel. Touristic equipment for rocky mountain terrain is necessary.
• The Letter of Commitment should be officially approved by the directorate of your institution. The maximum of 4 applications from any geological survey or adequate state geological institution will be accepted to the WP1 selection process for the training. Previous interest of applicants from last WP1 trainings will also be taken into account.
• All incomplete applications with missing passport number and data confirming its validity for at least 6 months after the end of the training will be automatically excluded, please check your passport validity expiration.
• Please do not apply in case you have participated in previous WP1(A) or WP7(G) trainings already.
• For French-speaking applicants, please apply for one of the following French trainings, targeted to francophone countries.

Funding

The European Commission fully funds this training, covering:

• International and local travel within Namibia
• Accommodation and meals during training
• Training materials and technical equipment

Please note that no daily allowances or health insurance reimbursements are provided.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:

1. Completed Application Form
2. Signed Letter of Commitment (by employer)
3. Letter of Motivation
4. A copy of passport (valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Namibia).

All documents must be named using Latin characters and include your surname. Upload the documents separately on the portal.

Apply through the portal only: Register here

Deadline for applications: 6 March 2026, 24:00 GMT

Selection will consider geographic and gender balance, aiming to strengthen the capacities of geological surveys across Africa.

Contact:

For practical questions about the training:

• Veronika Stedra: veronika.stedra@geology.cz
• José Feliciano (LNEG): jose.feliciano@lneg.pt

For general information about PanAfGeo+:

• EuroGeoSurveys: panafgeo@eurogeosurveys.org
• Organisation of African Geological Surveys: info-oags@oagsafrica.org

We look forward to receiving your application.