Scientist -Statistical and Modelling Program

WCS is hiring a Scientist for the Statistical and Modelling Program in Mombasa, Kenya. The role involves managing databases related to fisheries and coral reefs, analyzing data for conservation projects, and providing technical support to research teams. Key responsibilities include data integrity, assisting in research design, and collaborating with various organizations to enhance conservation efforts. The position requires expertise in statistics and modeling within marine ecosystems.
Job Description

Post Title: Scientist -Statistical and Modelling Program

Supervisor: Director of Science, Marine

Start date : ASAP

Location: Mombasa (Kibaki Flats, No. 11-12)

Background

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run programs spanning the entire ocean and more than 3 million biologically critical square miles in nearly 60 countries. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our nearly 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission

WCS Global Marine is seeking a statistics and modelling scientist to oversee and supervise statistical and modelling activities in support of the research and monitoring by the WCS Global Marine Program. The strategic fucnction, roles and responsibilities, qualifications and application process are detailed below.

Essential and Strategic Functions of the PC

The post-holder will work with WCS Global Marine Program to support a variety of conservation and science-based projects in the coastal socio-ecological systems of several countries and data collected over the years from the wider Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The post-holder will be responsible for managing all WCS Global Marine databases (fisheries, coral reef ecological and socioecoomic) and the associated metadata. He/She will work with scientists, and project coordinators to source, analyze, and disseminate data supporting conservation work, communication, informing planning efforts, conservation policy, and delivering project outputs. They will also provide technical assistance to researchers to design data collection methods and to conduct research in fisheries, marine protected areas and coral reef related projects amongst others.

Key responsibilities and duties:

The main responsibilities of the coordinator will be to:
• Maintain WCS Global Marine Program coral reef ecological, fisheries, socioeconomic, and other databases;
• Process and analyze data to create end products that support research, scientific publications, conservation communication, and informs planning and conservation policy and action;
• Ensure integrity and safety of both data collection and data management;
• Assist in the design of conservation project research, experiments and data collection;
• Provide technical, statistical and modelling assistance to research teams as required;
• Work with research scientists and project coordinators to ensure the production of research reports and scientific publications;
• Intergrate new technologies and approaches in data collection, management, analysis and communication of research results;
• Maintain and develop networking with national organizations to keep abreast of databases, statistics, outputs and policy data needs;
• Engage with non-profit organizations and/or social enterprises, or government agencies that are in partnerships with WCS;
• Present ongoing research and monitoring at workshops, seminars and forums;
• Assist with the delivery of other project activities, including training, meetings, workshops, field trips, and community educational activities.
• Undertake any other relevant tasks as required;

Qualification Requirements
• Five years or more work experience with a non-profit organization, or government agency concerned with fisheries or marine management (strongly desired).
• BSc in fisheries, marine science required (MSc or above preferred).
• Fluent in English and excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by first author reports/publications.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Competent in Google Suite and MS Office and in smartphonebased apps.
• Skills in programming language preferred (e.g. R or Python), GIS experience (e.g. QGIS or ArcGIS) and KoboToolbox data collection platform.
• Ability to relate to and work effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds including government, NGOs and coastal communities.
• Experience in developing and facilitating training (strongly desired)
• Problemsolving skills and ability to adapt to challenging situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

How to apply:

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through the application tab below before August 18, 2023.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and are looking for future team members who share this same value.

Salary Range

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Interested applicants can apply via this link.