Senior Research Associate in Environmental Governance

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dedicated and motivated Senior Research Associate in Environmental Governance for our hosted organization, CIFOR-ICRAF in the region.

About CIFOR-ICRAF: More than a research institute—it is a hub of the brightest minds working together to develop nature-based solutions for forested and tree-based landscapes. We collaborate with governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to address five major global challenges: deforestation and biodiversity loss, the climate crisis, the transformation of unsustainable food systems, unsustainable value and supply chains, and extreme inequality.

About the role: The selected candidate for this position will be based in Lima, Peru and carry out activities in projects that will include work in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. This position will provide research, engagement, and capacity development expertise to three projects. The role will include travel within and potentially outside of Peru.

Key responsibilities:

• Participate in the creation of outputs and in engagement and co-creation activities across three of CIFOR-ICRAF’s projects - Conservation dialogues, The Carbon Integrity Tracker, and Capacity development for equitable jurisdictional REDD+.

• Collaborate in the production of the projects’ key outputs, including coordination with CIFOR-ICRAF's partners and Communications team.

• Participate in the design and facilitation of capacity strengthening workshops relevant to the projects’ goals.

What are we looking for?

• Master’s degree in Economics, Geography, Law, Political Science or other related Social Sciences.

• Minimum of 6 years of experience applying environmental governance approaches to research and engagement on climate change, development and/or conservation fields in the Peruvian Amazon; experience on REDD+ and forest carbon is a plus.

• Practical experience elaborating qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis, evaluations, and trainings in Peruvian Amazonia.

• Practical experience implementing monitoring tools and managing research databases.

• Demonstrated experience with research, capacity strengthening, and engagement methodologies and tools relevant to Indigenous Peoples and local communities, including women.

• Demonstrated experience publishing academic articles, policy briefs, and/or reports for research for impact dealing with environmental governance themes/issues.

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish.

• Deep understanding of Peru’s climate and biodiversity policy frameworks, including REDD+; knowledge of relevant global frameworks is a plus.

• Leadership and advocacy skills, good communication and synthesis skills on technical-scientific issues, excellent facilitation skills

• Willingness to travel as per the project’s needs.

• Proficiency in relevant software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office and Excel, R, SPSS).

What are we offering?

• Great career opportunity in an international organization.

• Generous compensation package commensurate with experience.

• Fixed-term employee contract for 9 months, with possibility of renewal.

• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.