Associate Scientist: Climate & Freshwater
Opportunity closing date: 12pm Midday Thursday 4 November 2021
Conservation South Africa, (CSA) as a local affiliate of Conservation International, is committed to helping societies adopt a more sustainable approach to development—one that considers and values nature at every turn and improves human well-being through the conservation of healthy ecosystems and the goods and services they provide. Conservation South Africa seeks to influence policy, develop markets, engage the private sector, and support communities to develop and implement conservation-based economic growth models and longterm human well-being.
Conservation South Africa currently has a vacancy for an Associate Scientist: Climate & Freshwater.
SUMMARY
The Associate Scientist is responsible for managing and working on research projects and/or serving as a technical resource to help implement Conservation South Africa’s mission of empowering societies to sustainably care for nature for the well-being of humanity. Job duties incorporate a range of research and technical responsibilities as outlined below. Research duties include managing and coordinating research projects, often designed or led by others, that will further CSA’s science agenda with particular emphasis on Climate and Freshwater. The Associate Scientist works together with technical directors and CSA staff to develop research products, tools, and related resources that provide CSA staff, partners, and decision makers with the relevant scientific data needed to make informed decisions. S/he writes and edits technical reports for internal and external parties, which persuade others to act. Technical duties include serving as a recognized technical resource for the Climate and Freshwater portfolios. S/he identifies conservation objectives, develops action plans, designs and collaborates on monitoring and evaluation efforts and writes progress reports in the Climate and Freshwater portfolios. The Associate Scientist facilitates technical partnerships, works closely with internal and external project managers and, as directed, plays an active role in building capacity. S/he creates and maintains resource and communication tools for assigned projects. As directed, the Associate Scientist provides input into grant writing efforts and frequently contributes to sciencerelated fundraising efforts. This position supervises up to three lower-level employees as required. Duties are performed under general direction.
The incumbent will be required to carry out the following tasks:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage research project design and implementation, including overseeing and supporting field research and data collection in the fields of Climate and Freshwater.
Write reports and develop materials for internal decision makers and external stakeholders in the Climate and Freshwater portfolios.
Develop or contribute to communications materials including presentations of scientific findings for internal and external audiences in the Climate and Freshwater portfolios with support to the Rangeland portfolio as required.
Keep up-to-date on relevant scientific literature.
Support the Climate and Freshwater leads to define and develop conservation objectives.
Provide technical and scientific support to the Climate and Freshwater portfolios within CSA. Work closely with project managers and directors in meeting project deliverables, schedules, and budget.
As directed, manage or assist in managing technical partnerships within CSA and external organizations.
Create detailed information and analyses to guide partners in their decision making in Climate and Freshwater.
Represent CSA at external meetings with partners, workshops and conferences.
Promote capacity building across CSA.
Regularly identify, adapt, and share technical and detailed best practices and work collaboratively to instill effective information sharing across programs and units.
Identify data gaps and help assess ongoing user needs. Develop tools and resources to more effectively share, interpret and use data.
Identify and participate in fundraising opportunities. Provide input, including detailed technical and cost elements for grant proposals.
Perform related duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Co-ordinate the technical aspects of the Freshwater portfolio and Fresh Water Health Index across all landscapes.
Work closely with the Climate Positive Approaches Fellow to co-ordinate technical inputs on the
Climate Positive Approach pilot in the Kruger to Canyons Landscape.
PEOPLE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage and support technical staff where necessary. Assists less-experienced peers and helps direct the work of others including interns, temporary employees, contractors, or volunteers.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, conservation biology, social sciences or a related field.
Commented [ABZ1]: Will they still be supporting the K2C
CPA work?
Advanced degree typically required.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
3+ years work experience in scientific research and/or managing conservation or research projects or initiatives or an equivalent combination of a relevant degree and experience.
Proven ability in successfully interpreting and applying scientific information, data, models and approaches to achieve practical results.
Service focus and ability to gain cross-organization cooperation to complete diverse duties.
Proven track record in managing projects.
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. Highly organized and strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated problem solving skills.
Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
Proficient in software systems, terminology, and procedures and skilled in using new software applications.
Currently employed by Conservation South Africa or Conservation International.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Working knowledge of CSA’s Climate and Freshwater portfolios.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Based at CSA’s office in Matatiele, Eastern Cape Province
Typical office environment with remote working allowed.
Occasional travel expected.
Ability to work beyond normal work hours to meet deadlines or attend conference calls with offices in different time zones.
Application Process and Disclaimer:
Please forward your Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter including the names and contacts of 3 referees in an email titled:
Associate Scientist Climate & Freshwater to: [email protected]
Applications close 12pm midday on Thursday 4 November 2021 and no applications received after this date will be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly and should be available for interviews and competency tests.
If you do not receive feedback from us within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Conservation South Africa retains the right not to fill this position.
CSA is an affirmative action employer, wherever possible, selection will favour previously disadvantaged individuals, provided they are in possession of the required skills, knowledge, and experience