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Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet.
POSITION SUMMARY
Avoiding dangerous climate change requires transformative actions across all sectors of our society and economy, including rapid energy transition, technological innovation, and unprecedented investment in natural climate solutions, all pursued urgently, globally, and in parallel. The Global Solutions team within the Moore Center for Science (MCS) at Conservation International conducts high impact, innovative and applied research in support of advancing climate change mitigation science. In particular, the team seeks to provide solutions to ‘big picture’ questions around natural climate solutions (NCS) that are vital for informing global and national policy and that help guide implementation on-the-ground. Examples include an ‘exponential roadmap for NCS’ that aims to identify, globally, who needs to do what, where, and by when, to deliver on the potential of key NCS pathways; innovative research on ‘irrecoverable carbon’ (carbon in natural ecosystems that, once released, cannot be restored on a Paris compatible timeline); and a GEF funded workstream, in partnership with the UNCCD, that is developing the analytical capabilities and web-based platform to enable countries to achieve their land degradation neutrality commitments, in a way that maximizes carbon storage and sequestration.
The Global Solutions team is now looking for a Postdoctoral Associate to support, and lead, components of this work, with the end goal of identifying opportunities for maximizing the role of NCS in support of the Paris Goal of keeping average global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius.
To answer these questions, the Team – in close collaboration with colleagues across CI Divisions – employs a range of spatial analysis and modeling techniques, remote sensing, and GIS technologies. The successful candidate will lead and support global research to answer gaps in our knowledge of how to deliver NCS at scale. These will include: a range of geospatial modeling analyses at global, regional and local scales; ‘big data’ analysis and associated data compilation; and helping convene expert stakeholder workshops to tackle specific issues – all related to climate change mitigation through the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems, and improved management of working forests and farms and slang.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support key components of CI’s ongoing ‘exponential roadmap for NCS’.
- Support and/or lead specific NCS analyses related to identifying opportunities for restoration, improved management, and protection of ecosystems that deliver climate benefits (for example, mapping ‘irrecoverable carbon’).
- Work in close collaboration with colleagues, in particular from CI’s Center for Natural Climate Solutions, to help prioritize and improve the design of NCS strategies at global, national, and jurisdictional scales, and to manage and conduct geospatial analyses needed to advance priority NCS datasets.
- Support broader capacity needs, particularly in geospatial analyses, across the Global Solutions Team, including novel research mapping co-benefits of NCS implementation and nature conservation more broadly.
- Support and lead the development of associated reports and peer-review publications.
- Manage highly visible, complex technical projects and/or partnerships within CI.
- Manage external partner relationships, including convening expert stakeholders from peer organizations and more broadly, as necessary, to accelerate delivery of the above workstreams.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Fixed term position of 2 years.
- This position is based in the Arlington, VA office of Conservation International
- Work is performed in a typical office environment, and with potential to work from a home office (particularly given current COVID restrictions).
- Some travel – up to 25%, often in developing countries (when COVID restrictions are lifted).
- Flexibility in work schedule is required in order to accommodate time differences between international field offices located in multiple time zones.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- PhD in environmental science, climate science, geography, or related fields.
- 4-6 year’s work experience in scientific research and/or managing conservation or research projects or initiatives.
- Demonstrated scientific writing experience, including peer-reviewed publications.
- Highly proficient in statistical, remote sensing, and GIS software systems and procedures, including Google Earth Engine, and skilled in using new software applications.
- Proven ability in successfully interpreting and applying scientific information, data, models and developing creative solutions to achieve practical results.
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant climate and carbon science literature, including major global policy issues.
- Proven team player able to work effectively across cultures and within and across organizations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized and strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to build on existing knowledge to develop new approaches.
Preferred
- Proven technical skills in programming (e.g. Javascript or Python), data processing, and statistical and geographical analysis.
- Skilled in using additional software systems (e.g. Erdas, R, GDAL, IDRISI), terminology, and procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of REDD+ and associated policy frameworks.
- Ability to work independently and with minimal guidance.
- Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills.
To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.
See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE
Conservation International Values
We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization.?
- Passion: Inspired by people and by nature, we are urgently compelled to drive change for a sustainable future.
- Integrity: We are honest, transparent and accountable for our actions.
- Teamwork: We work together as one CI,?recognizing that?inclusion, collaboration and?cooperation are?fundamental to achieving a?healthy and prosperous?world for all.
- Respect: We respect each other and work to earn trust, valuing our?diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.
- Courage: We pursue our vision, taking bold action, persevering and overcoming challenges.
- Optimism: We are optimistic about the capacity of people to be caring, generous and brilliant, and believe that with partners, we can inspire humanity to create a better future.
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled
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