Research Manager Freshwater

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Reports to: Director of Research
Direct Reports: None
Matrix Reports: Regional Program Manager

Location: Boston MA, USA or Oxford, UK

Role Description
The objective of this role is to provide the framework, strategic direction and leadership for Earthwatch’s global research program on freshwater and to enable the program teams to deliver an excellent Earthwatch experience* which advances mission objectives, makes best use of resources and meets or exceeds customer expectations.

The Research Manager will provide the scientific vision necessary to identify important issues, work interdepartmentally and across regions to help design programs to address core issues pertinent to the Research Area, and to produce high quality proposals that lead to funding corporations, foundations, individuals and other support to expand the programs further.

Your focus is on building a worldwide network of high impact research projects and programs around freshwaters which:

• Refine and oversee implementation of Earthwatch’s strategy for their Research Area
• Oversee design and assessment of research projects, working with internal staff (globally) and external partners to help develop and implement these programs
• Lead, write and contribute to individual research projects
• Deliver scientific knowledge to both scientific and lay-audiences
• Maintenance of a strong network of scientists and research institutions to ensure the field research and scientific outputs of the Earthwatch supported programs have highest impact
• Create experiences which lead to the development of environmental leaders and more sustainable organizations
• Contribute to pro-environmental actions, and
• Improve environmental sustainability by improving the conservation status of threatened species, habitats, and cultural heritage where possible, increasing ecosystem services, and improving the livelihoods of local communities

Key to this is building organizational capacity across all markets to deliver high impact research programs by creating a global community of practice.

You will need to deliver across the matrix: delivering through other managers, communicating and integrating activities across different functions and regions and contributing collaboratively with other parts of Earthwatch to achieve results.

*By excellent experience we mean:

• High quality field research which increases knowledge, informs policy and delivers positive environmental impacts
• Transformational learning which enables changes in knowledge, skills or behavior
• Responsibly managed activities, which follow our safety and EMS standards
• Inspiring engagement with staff, scientists, participants and partners that makes them want to belong to the Earthwatch community

Specific Research Manager Freshwater responsibilities:

Implementation and Oversight of Freshwater Research Program

• Global lead on Freshwater research and coordinates input from other regions and managers on Global Freshwater research area plans, providing input on regional plans
• Set standards for subject matter through strategy papers on freshwater research priorities and objectives
• Leads development on global request for proposals (rfps) for research area and Research sign off on global projects in Freshwater Research Area
• Provide scientific oversight on global research projects within Freshwater Research Area and where appropriate regional projects as well
• Support development of Freshwater Research Area programs by recruiting new prospective researchers and working closely with them on project design, helping to secure additional funding to support new projects where appropriate
• Development of strategic global research partnerships that enhance mission delivery & support regional learning partnerships
• Contribute to International conventions and major international organizations for the Freshwater Research Area program (e.g. CBD, Ramsar, IUCN, UNESCO)
• Ensure effective delivery of key outcomes to agendas, and management plans; contribution to major International Initiatives for the Research Area; contribute to legacy in project communities

Develop and deliver funded programs

• Leads development on science agenda for global proposals on Freshwater, and supports regional requests as needed
• Supporting regional SMEs on proposal issues
• Deliver key research program objectives for relevant funded projects
• Support the development of a business case for Freshwater Research Area including support working with relevant teams from Development, Learning and Marketing and Communications among others
• Work closely with the Development, Regional Heads of Program and Senior Program Managers to engage potential PIs and science partners on proposal development and the initiation of new programs to ensure clarity in roles, expectations, deliverables for both parties, i.e. EW and the PIs/science institutions

Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

• Coordinates and manages Measures of Success for global projects within Freshwater Research Areas
• Sets annual targets for research area and performs and annual assessment of impacts and targets for Freshwater Research Area
• Produce an annual assessment and report on achievements on Freshwater Research against MoS and Initiative goals
• Coordinates and supports publications and presentations on Freshwater research; represents Earthwatch at all major research area conferences
• Support updating and development of reporting systems for Earthwatch scientists
• Communicate about Earthwatch’s research programs at relevant conferences and events to raise the profile of Earthwatch’s programs, developing a compelling communications strategy with the CMO which builds  our reputation with potential partners and participants

Key Relationships and Interface
A key requirement of this role is the effective collaboration with other parts of the organization across functions and regions, and the ability to integrate regional and organizational goals.

• Key relationship with Regional Program Heads, ensuring understanding of global learning strategy and agreement on priority areas for investment, as well as strategic alignment with regional operating plans
• Working with other Directors of SME’s to ensure consistency in SME leadership for the program regions, and alignment of mission goals and investment
• Working with CDO and Development team to collaboratively generate revenue for identified learning priorities and support new proposal development
• Interface with Communications teams to ensure the business case for engagement in our learning programs is clearly articulated, and impacts appropriately communicated to Earthwatch stakeholders
• Interface with external learning partners, developing new relationships that can enhance mission delivery

Personal Specification:
Required experience, competencies and management behaviors

Experience
You are an established PhD scientist with a track record of leading scientific programs that address major freshwater environmental issues. You have significant expertise and qualifications in design, strategy and evaluation of global research projects which lead to improved environmental sustainability by contributing a better understanding of the issues and where the results of the research are actively being applied to improve management plans, policies and local action.

You have deep understanding of the environmental sustainability agenda, and how to develop integrated field research programs based on high quality peer-reviewed science whereby people can participate and contribute meaningfully to the research and through that experience a change in attitude, commitment and behavior leading to a more sustainable way of life.

You are able to translate organizational strategy into aligned objectives, integrating functions across the organization, displaying organizational commitment, and managing greater levels of complexity across the matrix of regional program managers in different markets and global Subject Matter Experts.

You should have experience in managing the engagement, development, effectiveness and results of direct and virtual teams, sometimes working in other regions and functions. Strong track record in working with global teams and with teams based in core Earthwatch regions such as Asia and Latin America, as well be proactive and consultative in his/her approach to fundraising, project and team management.

Strong writing, editing and research skills as demonstrated through publications, and outstanding verbal, written communication and facilitation skills.

It is important to demonstrate a track record in generating significant funding from private foundations, government, and/or intergovernmental bodies for freshwater research.

Written/spoken fluency in English is required. Fluency in additional language(s) such as French, German, Mandarin or Spanish strongly preferred.

Competencies/Management Behaviors

• Managing Relationships and Communication:
  - the ability to inspire and motivate colleagues and partners through excellent interpersonal skills, and to build responsive and effective relationships respecting different points of view
  - the ability to motivate high performing teams, fostering energy and enthusiasm
  - promoting collaboration across the organization, avoiding silos and valuing diversity
  - operating with organizational and personal integrity, inspiring trust
  
  
• Managing and Developing Teams:
  - taking time to coach and mentor teams, holding other managers accountable for the coaching, performance and results of their teams
  - empowering and supporting diverse teams of managers, (not necessarily direct reports),helping them reach their potential and developing capacity in learning across diverse markets
  - creating an environment that promotes knowledge sharing, innovation, risk taking and best practice
  - treating people with fairness and respect, encouraging an effective work-life balance
  - understanding and managing your own personal strengths and development areas
  
  
• Driving Results:
  - excellent planning and project management skills, taking responsibility for the development and delivery of complex regional and global programs in conjunction with the program teams, facilitating the best teams to drive results
  - managing competing priorities on an ongoing basis, able to retain clear focus and set stretching but realistic goals that can be achieved on time and within budget
  - utilizing technology to aid planning and efficient communication
  
  
• Commercial Acumen:
  - managing financial budgets
  - management of ROI; understanding Earthwatch’s competitive set and how we can improve the value of our programs to partners
  - balancing external perspectives and internal resource demands
  
  
• Leadership and Vision:
  - setting direction and leading change, displaying longer term thinking with the ability to communicate and engage teams around Earthwatch’s vision, strategy and goals
  - helping the program teams translate organizational strategy and mission objectives into operational plans that enhance mission delivery across regions
  - dealing with increasing complexity, ambiguity and change, able to review and improve on a continual basis, adapting to external factors and making reasoned decisions
  - acknowledging and celebrating success, taking pride in the team’s results and inspiring confidence and respect
  - demonstrating commitment to Earthwatch’s mission and values, role modeling the desired management behaviors
  
  
• Innovation and Initiative:
  - the ability to find creative ideas and solutions which overcome obstacles and add value, with a ‘can-do’ positive attitude
  - an ongoing drive to find better ways to do business, able to constructively challenge the status quo in order to drive better mission delivery, revenue generation and results
  - able to see ways to align global and regional priorities for mutual benefit

 

Earthwatch Values

• Inclusive - We believe it is essential that people participate in solving the environmental challenges we face
• Objective - Independent research is at the core of our work, and its outcomes determine our goals and priorities
• Passionate - We are passionate about the opportunity we have to make a meaningful impact on people and the planet
• Empowering - We seek to inspire people, organizations and communities with experiences, knowledge and tools that enable them to take action
• Responsible - We act in a manner that respects and protects the well-being of people and the environment, including our staff, researchers, volunteers and the places we work

 

Salary dependent upon location: US $58,000 to $70,000, UK 31,451 to 38,288

Please send cover letter and resume to Marsha O’Doherty, International Director of HR, hr@earthwatch.org; fax 978-897-0935

Due to limited time and financial resources we are only able to accept applicants who are already eligible to work in the United States. No phone calls please.

 

The Earthwatch Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.