[SEMCO] Woods Hole Research Center -- job posting

[Allison White]

[image: WHRCLogoNoText]

Woods Hole Research Center <http://www.whrc.org/>


Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Assistant

Environment and Development Economics Analyst


Summary:

Since early 2013, Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC), in partnership with
the Ministry of Environment (MECNT) of the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC), has been implementing a pilot REDD+ project in Equateur Province.
The project is financed for 3 years through a grant from the African
Development Bank, Congo Basin Forest Fund (http://www.cbf-fund.org/en). The
objectives of the project are to (1) increase the capacity of stakeholders
for the development of REDD+ strategies and preparation for the management
of carbon funds, and (2) design and implement community based REDD+ pilot
projects with potential for continued carbon financing.



WHRC seeks a postdoctoral fellow or experienced research assistant to
participate in a project focused on applied research, training and capacity
building for REDD+.  The work covers two broad areas, the first being
applied research on determining the macroeconomic drivers and micro
economic determinants of land cover change and resource use decisions,
affecting tropical forests. Second, the work will bridge the gap between
scientific research and development practice through undergraduate and
professional level in-country teaching and training on the economics of
forest conservation and management.


The applied research work will focus on the collection, analysis and
interpretation of quantitative and qualitative economic and social data on
forest conservation, household economics and livelihoods. In addition,
working with spatial analysts at WHRC, economic data will be combined with
field forest inventories and satellite observations (optical/radar/lidar)
to develop land use scenarios and associated carbon emissions.


The “science-in-practice” component will encompass the application of
research findings into defining and monitoring livelihoods options and
impacts from REDD+ projects and other sustainability initiatives, including
the development of operational social impact assessment frameworks and
science-policy learning at the national and local level in DRC. The
successful candidate will be based primarily either at WHRC in the USA or
in the DRC, working under the supervision of the principal investigator.
The incumbent will work with collaborators from a variety of international
and DRC project partners. The scope of work includes the opportunity for
field survey work in rural DRC, along with some academic teaching and
professional training with partner organizations. The position requires
sound knowledge of quantitative economic research methods, advanced
econometrics and a willingness to learn and use GIS modeling tools. The
successful applicant will demonstrate a keen interest in using science to
make a difference to the livelihoods and environment of poor rural
households in Africa, to move from sustainability as a concept into
operational reality.


Qualifications and Experience:


   -

   Ph.D. or Master’s degree in natural resource or environmental economics,
   mathematics or public policy related to development and the environment
   with a major focus on the collection and analysis of quantitative economic
   data
   -

   Demonstrated ability in applied econometric and statistical analysis of
   complex data sets using proprietary analytical software, e.g., STATA,
   LIMDEP, MATLAB, SPSS
   -

   Technical training and experience in the collection and analysis of
   household survey data, living standards measurement and qualitative
   research method, such as participatory rural appraisal
   -

   Knowledge of GIS tools, spatial econometric analysis and scenario
   modeling platforms, e.g., DINAMICA and INVEST
   -

   Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a constantly
   evolving environment
   -

   Excellent presentation and communication skills
   -

   Developing country experience and willingness to travel to work on
   assignments in the field an asset
   -

   Fluency in English essential; working knowledge of French highly
   desirable



Application deadline: October 15, 2014

Desired Start Date: December 1, 2014

Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000, with full benefit package, exempt position.

Application Instructions: To apply, send cover letter referencing Job #
GBECON14, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to
jobopenings at whrc.org. Please reference Job # GBECON14 in subject line.

___________

The mission of the Woods Hole Research Center is to advance scientific
discovery and seek science-based solutions for the world’s environmental
and economic challenges through research and education on forests, soils,
air, and water. Our scientists combine analysis of satellite images of the
Earth with field studies to measure, model, and map changes in the world’s
ecosystems, from the thawing permafrost in the Arctic to the expanding
agriculture regions of the tropics. We merge natural science with economics
to discover sustainable paths for human prosperity and stewardship of the
Earth’s natural resources.


Equal Opportunity Employer:

Woods Hole Research Center considers applicants for all positions without
regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin,
disability, age, marital or veteran status, sexual preference, ancestry or
any other protected status recognized under law. We will evaluate your
experience and background in relation to the requirements of the
position(s) for which you apply. WHRC will check references on all
applicants, and any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory
completion of reference and background information. In addition, an
individual offered employment will need to: complete appropriate tax forms,
complete an I-9 form, and provide documents showing proof of eligibility to
work in the United States.


-- 
Allison B. White
Manager of Administration
Sponsored Research Officer
Woods Hole Research Center <http://www.whrc.org/>
508.444.1550 (o)
508.367.2805 (c)
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