Conservation Scientist - Eco-certification of Tropical Crops
Reference number: 3680913
Location: Bedfordshire
This post forms part of a project funded by the Cambridge Conservation Initiative, Enhancing the Spatial Targeting of Tropical Crop Eco-certification. This is a collaboration between Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge; RSPB; BirdLife International and Rainforest Alliance. The post holder will lead this work in collaboration with and under the supervision of the project partners and will be based at the Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, and at RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire.
Eco-certification of commodity crops is beginning to have considerable influence on the ecological, livelihood and other impacts of agriculture. Certification schemes have objectives for biodiversity conservation and/or human welfare, but have not typically used systematic spatial prioritisation to identify areas where they could have the greatest conservation benefit. The aims of this project are to: (1) assess the distribution of certified crops in relation to areas important for biodiversity, frontiers of land clearance, and concentrations of poor people who might potentially benefit from certification; (2) identify priority regions for enhancing positive conservation outcomes from certification; and (3) investigate policy and other opportunities for leveraging more strategic spatial targeting of agricultural eco-certification.
The post holder will collate and process geo-referenced and spatial data on eco-certification; crop and land cover; conservation priority areas and areas importance for poverty alleviation. They will lead the analysis of spatial congruence between certification, conservation need and poverty, using the results to identify opportunities for more strategic certification targeting. They will work with the project partners to identify policy and economic levers that might facilitate such targeting, and collaborate with the partners in the write up and publication of results as a scientific paper and policy brief.
A higher degree in conservation biology, GIS, or equivalent experience, is essential. A proven ability to carry through research programmes from conception to completion is also highly desirable. Skills in GIS (ideally ArcGIS), statistical analysis, computing, technical writing and giving presentations are essential. The ability to acquire new expertise as required is also desirable.
Salary
£24,500 to £27,000 per annum
Hours & contract information
Hours: Full time
Contract: 12 month contract
Replacement post: No
Closing date: 25 October 2013
Interview date: 15 November 2013
How to apply
For complete details of this post (including an application form) please download an application pack. When you return the application form, ensure that you include reference number 3680913 on any correspondence.
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Who to contact
For questions about this post
JulietVickery
juliet.vickery@rspb.org.uk
01767 693311
Send application forms to
Anita McClune
anita.mcclune@rspb.org.uk
The RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, 01767 693099