Research Associate, Tropical Land Use and Cover Change and Sustainable Agriculture

~ Earth Innovation Institute catalyzes innovative, large-scale transitions to low-emissions rural development in tropical regions through research and policy design that promotes sustainable farming, forestry, and fisheries systems, while improving rural livelihoods and enhancing the capacity of the planet to support life. ~

Through targeted, regional interventions, we seek globally significant increases in farm production, forest cover, fisheries yields, and rural household wellbeing while decreasing emissions of heat-trapping gas.

We are now working with local partners to design and/or implement transitional strategies for low-emission rural development in Brazil (Mato Grosso, Pará, Acre, national), Indonesia (Central Kalimantan, West Papua), Colombia (national), Peru (the Peruvian Amazon), and Mexico (Chiapas State).

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Senior Scientist/Executive Director, the Research Associate and will coordinate and support research, program management, writing and editing of reports and manuscripts, proposal development, and fundraising across a broad range of programs and provide administrative support.

Research will focus on land use, agriculture systems, sustainable development, and climate change in the tropics, with a focus on Brazil, and involve policy analysis, and other qualitative and quantitative research methods, including spatial analysis and GHG accounting.

The successful candidate will serve a key role in the program staff and work directly with external government, private sector and civil society partners, especially in Latin America.

Responsibilities  

• Support land use/cover change and sustainable agriculture systems research, including proposal development, literature reviews, quantitative and spatial analysis, field visits and research-related meetings;
• Coordinate policy, outreach, and capacity building projects and activities, including coordinating with partners and external consultants, managing program schedules and deliverables, and presenting in international forum to technical and non-technical audiences,
• Coordinate and support the preparation, writing, editing and publication of research results/reports and manuscripts;
• Contribute to fundraising, proposal development and donor reporting;
• Provide updates and communications on program-related work, e.g., for website, social media;
• Schedule meetings and manage the Executive Director's calendar, including coordinating scheduling with staff, consultants and external partners;
• Manage international travel arrangements, meeting arrangements and assist with logistics for events; and
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications & Experience 

• B.A./B.S. or M.S. in Environmental Science, Geography, or other relevant subject;
• Requires minimum three to five years of work experience in scientific research or other relevant work experience, preferably in an international environment and on issues in rural development, agriculture, climate change and conservation in Latin America;
• Experience leading and managing projects;
• Knowledge of and proven ability to perform quantitative analysis highly desired;
• Demonstrated experience with GIS, spatial analysis and/or remote sensing/image processing;
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including ability to communicate complex concepts and information to a range of different audiences;
• Strong motivation, personal initiative and commitment to excellence and results, as well as enthusiasm for science;
• Demonstrated capability dealing with confidential matters and using sound judgment;
• Highly organized, flexible, and detail-oriented, with ability to balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines and anticipate needs; professional demeanor;
• Must demonstrate high degree of initiative and ability to perform under pressure;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a variety of disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds and experience living or working in a developing country desired;
• Excellent written and spoken English a must; writing and speaking ability in Portuguese and/or Spanish highly desired;
• Experience in grant-writing desired;
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite, GIS and image processing software (ESRI ArcGIS, ENVI, and/or open source alternatives); adobe Photoshop and InDesign a plus; and
• Requires ability to travel and flexible work schedule.

Compensation: Full-time exempt position. Compensation based on qualifications and experience with competitive benefit package. 

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter referencing Job#0650516DCN, resume, two writing samples, and contact information for 3 references. 
• Please reference Job#0650516DCN in the subject line of the email.
• Desired start date: ASAP.