Research Specialist
Bioversity International
- Eastern Cape Pretoria, Gauteng
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Fragility Conflict and Migration Initiative: Implement analyses that use data science to understand and model the relationships between the environment, conflict, and migration with a geographically explicit focus.
- Meta‐analysis and dynamic modelling of food, land, and water systems‐related risks to refine a global compound risk assessment framework.
- Assist in the development of a risk model, risk assessment framework, and guidance for strengthening risk targeting in climate adaptation interventions in fragile and conflicted affected settings.
- Collaborate with project leads and team members to help define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
- Statistical modelling and analysis of migration trends, predictors of migration, and impacts of frequent compound crisis events (e.g., flood, drought, or storms).
- Guidance on a fragility and risk indicator typology for monitoring socio‐ecological risks and informing early action.
- Present work and results in a clear and concise way to a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Work closely with subject-area specialists to bridge quantitative and qualitative work specifically in Southern Africa.
- Contribute to a project proposal submission and collaboration with partner organizations for the Climate Security Observatory.
- MSc or PhD in Systems analysis, Biomathematics or other physical science involving computationally intensive research and advanced modelling techniques.
- At least 3 years of work experience in the relevant fields or other physical science field involving computationally intensive research and big data.
- Experience working with conflict/peace or migration is a plus.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative, and decentralized environment, including across teams at several levels.
- Strong interest in environmental, climate and conflict related work with keen interest to explore new topics and apply new thinking.
- Skilled in the use of R or Python for research
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills and ability to apply new approaches.
- Proven experience with statistical/modelling analyses, and handling of large geospatial datasets using R and/or Geographical Information Systems.
- Ability to work well under pressure and with short deadlines.
- Previous experience utilizing complexity modelling approaches.
- Willing to travel and enjoy working in an international environment.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, verbally and in writing, in English.