Researcher: Environmental Monitoring

Nov 25, 2018 | Conflict and Environment Observatory
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A small but growing charity, CEO was established to document and raise awareness of the environmental dimensions of armed conflicts and their impact on people and ecosystems. Data collected is also used to contribute to the development of national and international policies aimed at reducing environmental harm before, during and after armed conflicts.

Position overview

The environment has long been viewed as the silent victim of armed conflicts. But failing to address the environmental causes and consequences of conflicts not only has implications for human health and ecosystems, it also has impedes conflict prevention, peacebuilding and recovery. New tools are now making it possible to remotely monitor the environment throughout the cycle of conflicts, and in more detail than ever before, and in so doing help raise awareness of how it affects, and is affected by conflicts and insecurity.

We are currently seeking a full time researcher to undertake desk-based environmental monitoring for areas affected by armed conflicts using these tools. This will require the use of a wide range of research methods and sources, from social and traditional media to remote sensing. Your outputs will be similarly diverse, from tweets, to blogs, briefings, reports and presentations, tailored for audiences ranging from the public to policy-makers and diplomats.

We are looking for an individual with exceptional research and communication skills, capable of working independently and as part of a small team, and who has a keen eye for detail, creativity and a curiosity about the world. The successful candidate will have a broad knowledge of environmental issues, be driven by the need to effect positive change for communities in conflict-affected countries, and have a demonstrable track record in a research environment. The post will require the development of collaborative partnerships with NGOs, academia, governments and international organisations, and will involve some overseas travel.

The post

Reporting to the Research and Policy Director, you will be required to undertake desk-based monitoring work across a number of active conflicts to identify environmental issues and their derived humanitarian consequences. The data you collect will inform the diverse range of research and policy outputs that you will produce, and will be utilised by a wide range of stakeholders including governments, international organisations, NGOs, affected communities and the media. It will also inform CEOBS’ policy and advocacy work.

The full time contract is initially for one year with annual extensions up to three years dependent on funding. The post is based close to Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, which offers direct access to beautiful countryside and a vibrant and progressive cultural life, or is 45 minutes by train from Leeds or Manchester. Interviews will take place at the end of January 2019.

Responsibilities

• The timely production of robust and informed publications and materials.
• The identification and development of novel tools and sources for data collection and analysis on the environmental consequences of conflicts
• Producing research that contributes to policy development.
• The development and maintenance of effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Representing CEOBS and presenting your research at domestic and international events.

Essential requirements

• A post-graduate degree in a relevant environmental discipline.
• A proven track record in policy-orientated research.
• Outstanding analytical skills.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills. Including the ability to communicate complex topics clearly, accurately and succinctly.
• Experience in producing research outputs in a range of written and visual formats.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a small team.

Desirable requirements

• Knowledge of the environmental drivers and consequences of crises and armed conflicts.
• Experience of using geographic information systems and remote sensing for environmental monitoring.
• Working familiarity with one or more languages including Arabic, French, Russian or Spanish.
• Interest in international relations and affairs.
• Comfortable using Wordpress, and in utilising social media platforms for research purposes.

To apply

Send a CV and covering letter in Word or PDF format, with your name as the filename for both documents to: contact@ceobs.org. We expect your covering letter to clearly outline your suitability for the role, and directly address the requirements of the person specification above. We are particularly interested in understanding how your past experiences and skills could transfer to this unique and challenging role.