Associate Scientist, Socioeconomist

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Eastern Cape-South Africa

The Associate Scientist, Socioeconomist will play a pivotal role in advancing CI’s mission by conducting innovative social science and impact evaluation research and serving as a technical resource to inform the evidence base on the impacts of Herding For Health through the innovative development of new outcome indicators, and assessing the viability and the effectiveness of new approaches to integrated livestock and rangeland management. The role will be affiliated with CI’s global science program (Moore Center for Science, USA) and physically hosted in one of CI’s Africa Field Division offices. They will work on a project funded by the CI-University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Climate Solutions Collaborative. This project is dedicated to generating evidence on the effectiveness of Natural Climate Solutions, testing innovations in implementation models, and Monitoring and Evaluation framework of Herding For Health projects implemented by the social enterprise Meat Naturally. The project contributes to the broader "Roadmap for enabling just systems transformation for Africa’s people and nature" initiative, which aims to accelerate the adoption of these nature-based solutions at a scale necessary to meet global climate goals.

Research duties include managing and coordinating transnational research projects, notably social science data collection in rural contexts, analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical software, and supporting the design and analyses of surveys, quasi-experimental and experimental (Randomized Controlled Trial, lab-in-field experiments, and/or discrete choice experiments) studies. The Associate Scientist, Socioeconomist develops research products, tools, and related resources that provide CI staff, partners, and decision-makers with the relevant scientific data needed to make informed decisions, particularly advising on efforts to improve the implementation and effectiveness of Herding For Health, and attend technical workshop with both scientific and practitioner audiences. They will write and edit technical reports for internal and external parties, including peer-reviewed journals, which persuade others to act.
This position does not directly manage staff. Duties are performed under general direction. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with international and local partners, including researchers at UCSB, Conservation International, and its Africa Field Division, and local program implementers such as Meat Naturally, to co-design projects and work on research and implementation efforts, ensuring culturally sensitive engagement with local stakeholders and effective logistical planning.
  
• Develop and lead surveys and other data collection methods to gather quantitative and qualitative data on environmental, social, and economic outcomes in rural African rangelands, and analyze environmental and socio-economic data using statistical software (e.g., R, Python) to generate insights for impact evaluations and inform adaptive management strategies.
  
• Conduct spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support evaluation of land-use practices, livestock management, and rangeland health.
  
• Design and implement impact evaluations using experimental and quasi-experimental methods, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), difference-in-differences, and statistical matching, to assess the effectiveness of sustainable rangeland interventions.
  
• Prepare reports and publications for diverse audiences, from scientific papers to policy briefs, summarizing research findings and the impact of interventions.
  
• Act as a bridge between academic research and on-the-ground stewardship efforts, translating evidence from impact evaluations into actionable recommendations for policy and practice, and act as an advisor for other implementation strategies and Monitoring & Evaluation frameworks.
• Provide technical and scientific support to CI divisions and regional programs. Work closely with project managers in meeting project deliverables, schedules, and budgets.
  
• Identify and participate in fundraising opportunities. Provide input, including detailed technical and cost elements for grant proposals.
  
• Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed on of CI Africa Field Division, preferably in South Africa or willing to relocate.
  
• Some fieldwork in rural rangeland communities- up to 25% may be required.
  
• Some travel - up to 25% may be required.
  
• Flexibility in the work schedule may be necessary in order to accommodate time differences between HQ and the region.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
• This role will be a fixed-term assignment, anticipated to begin in February 2025 and end June 2027.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, conservation biology, social sciences, or a related field with 4 to 6 years of work experience in scientific research and/or managing conservation or research projects or initiatives. 
  
• Fluency in statistical analyses tools (e.g. Python or R languages).
  
• Proven ability in successfully interpreting and applying scientific information, data, models, and approaches to achieve practical results.
  
• Proven track record in managing projects, working in autonomy, and being motivated to solve complex problems.
  
• Demonstrated scientific writing experience, including scientific reports and/or publications.
  
• Proven ability to work in a team environment and work well across cultures as well as within and across organizations.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Working proficiency in English. Highly organized and a strong attention to detail.

 Preferred

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Environmental Social Science, Economics, or a related field.
  
• Experience working and performing research in rural Africa, particularly on rangeland and livestock management topics.
  
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and environmental mapping.
  
• Strong quantitative research skills, including survey design, statistical analysis, and econometrics.
  
• Experience conducting qualitative research, including focus groups, interviews, and participatory methods.
  
• Knowledge of experimental and quasi-experimental methods for impact evaluation, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  
• Ability to manage and analyze large datasets, including environmental, socio-economic, and spatial data.
  
• Willingness to collaborate closely with international transdisciplinary and transnational academic and conservation partners, including the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Conservation International (CI), and local implementation partners such as Meat Naturally.
  
• Demonstrated experience working with rural communities and understanding of local socio-economic and cultural dynamics, especially around topics of community-based natural resources management, compliance, and well-being indicators.
  
• Experience in project management, grant writing, and research dissemination to both academic and non-academic audiences.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.