Research Scientist - Conservation at Wildlife Works

Position Summary

Wildlife Works seeks to recruit a Research Scientist – Conservation supporting all our REDD+ and related work, who will work under the guidance of our Chief Scientists – Social and Biodiversity. The Research Scientist – Conservation will support all our REDD+ and BSU work through undertaking targeted research on issues related to biodiversity conservation, community development and market-based conservation for Wildlife Works’ growing REDD+ (and related) portfolio across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The successful applicant will support achievement of the Conservation Department goals through conducting relevant research and documentation on our pivotal topics. This role requires a knowledgeable and dynamic team player with broad understanding of biodiversity, social and markets-related matters, excellent analytical skills and the ability to support multiple initiatives simultaneously; experience working globally across cultural, geographic and time zone boundaries is an asset.

Responsibilities:

• Support execution of all Wildlife Works’ biodiversity, social and market related strategies for all REDD+ (and related) projects globally, under guidance from Wildlife Works’ Chief Scientists on Biodiversity and Social matters
• Undertake desk research and/or rapid reconnaissance field visits to prospective REDD+ (and related) projects globally whenever needed, describing their biodiversity and social profiles with a focus on High Conservation Values and key drivers of forest loss
• As needed, write, and/or support writing of, concise and informative internal reports plus scientific, peer-reviewed publications, including dissemination of lessons learned from all Wildlife Works’ projects globally for research, knowledge and learning purposes
• Keeping tabs on relevant REDD+ or biodiversity-related policy processes internationally, regionally or nationally, e.g., CBD, SCB etc. to ensure Wildlife Works’ projects remain abreast of all MRV related issues
• Support or develop professional networks, including research organisations, NGOs and relevant public agencies to propel research and monitoring excellence at Wildlife Works
• As appropriate, seek strategic co-funding and grants for undertaking offshoot and/or student biodiversity research that augments core business research work
• Represent Wildlife Works in various local and international meetings and forums.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s or higher degree (PhD an added advantage) in an environmental, social or biological-related field including natural resources, wildlife management, social sciences, or other relevant fields
• A minimum of five years’ work experience post-MSc (preferably international and/or with clear application) in academia, the private sector, a development research organisation or other institution undertaking research, monitoring and/or impact assessment.
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills, both popular and scientific, with high levels of attention to detail
• Experience with undertaking systematic reviews, meta-analysis or other forms of evidence synthesis
• Good understanding of biodiversity and social survey and monitoring standards, principles and frameworks including undertaking impact assessments
• High level of proficiency with MS Office Suite (including Access) and other core research programs like mapping (ArcMap or QGIS), statistics (SPSS, R or similar), project management tools and other specialised tools (like SMART, Distance, Wrike, MIRADI etc)
• Demonstrable experience with undertaking large research and conservation projects an added advantage
• Candidate should be fluent in English; working knowledge of either French or Spanish will be a distinct advantage.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, able to communicate with interdisciplinary colleagues and external stakeholders, across a multicultural professional environment
• Ability to work productively on both independent research assignments, in a team and working within deadlines
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills, including proactive problem-solving
• Flexibility to work long hours, including weekends and public holidays, especially when working with colleagues and partners across different time zones
• Willingness to travel.