Researcher Climate Change

The American Institutes for Research is seeking a Researcher Climate Change to work on research and evaluation projects focused on climate change in low- and middle-income countries. The role involves collaboration with senior researchers and engagement with various program areas within international development. Candidates can work remotely within the U.S. or from AIR's office locations. AIR aims to improve quality of life through rigorous research and evidence-based solutions.
AIR is currently seeking a Researcher Climate Change to contribute to research and evaluation projects and research proposals focused on resilience, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation efforts. The researcher will primarily focus on research and evaluations in low-and middle-income countries. The position will involve collaborating closely with AIR’s climate change research director and senior researcher climate change to look for strategic research and evaluation opportunities in AIR’s country offices in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mexico. In addition, it will include building strong relationships with the four program areas of the international development division (IDD): 1) food security, agriculture, and nutrition, 2) gender and social protection, 3) education, and 4) labor and workforce development as well as AIR’s pipeline partnership program, which includes collaborations with the University of Nairobi and the University of Dar es Salaam. The researcher can also contribute to looking for climate change mitigation and adaptation opportunities in the United States.

AIR’s IDD strives to improve the quality of life in low-and middle-income countries by using rigorous research, evaluations, and data science to enhance food security, nutrition, gender equality, labor market and education outcomes for example by focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation. We work across a wide range of topics including agriculture/food security /nutrition, global health, workforce development, early childhood development, education, refugees and migration, social protection, water/sanitation/infrastructure, and women's empowerment in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Central and Latin America as well as the Middle East. The IDD generates policy-relevant evidence through rigorous research, evaluations, and data science; helps improve program design through continuous learning and adaptation; and works with local organizations and governments to build sustainable solutions based on evidence.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for the position include:
• Contribute to research, evaluation, and data science projects related to climate change as part of the expanded research and evaluation portfolio.
• Contribute to proposal development on climate change for the US government, UN organizations, and foundations in close collaboration with a team of climate change and social science researchers.
• Closely collaborate and seek partnerships with researchers conducting impact evaluations in international development, health, education, and workforce development.
• Manage and analyze large-scale data files for research.
• Quantitative data collection, collation and analysis.
• Organize and document analytic results and research procedures.
• Contribute to technical reports and journal articles and present findings to clients, professional associations, and the public.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:
• PhD or MSc in climate science, environmental science, or agricultural economics or other relevant degree
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience for MSc in conducting research on climate change, agriculture, and environmental topics, preferably for the U.S. government, foundations, and UN organizations
• Experience conducting research and evaluations related to climate change, agriculture, and the environment globally and also in the United States.
• Knowledge of impact evaluations and/or systematic reviews of climate-smart agriculture and other climate change related interventions, both globally and in the United States preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of using Python and R for climate change modeling preferred but not required.

Skills:
• Good communication skills with the ability to work effectively with others in a virtual work environment.
• Comfortable working independently and as a member of a team with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills to meet quality standards under strict deadlines.

Disclosures:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $85,000 to $115,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.