Background

The International Snow Leopard Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving  the endangered snow leopard and its high-mountain ecosystems in Asia. We work in collaboration with local communities and governments across the snow leopard's range to develop and implement conservation programs. We are committed to promoting ethical conservation worldwide.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Conservation Scientist to join our team. The Conservation Scientist will play a crucial role in leading and developing the human dimensions and social science aspects of our work, coordinating our field efforts, and supporting science, conservation, and policy initiatives. Examples of such work include research on the impacts of climate change on local and indigenous communities, supporting the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of  community-based conservation programmes and initiatives to promote sustainable economies and local entrepreneurship. The position is expected to be familiar with social science theories and methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of data, and have a strong publication record.

This is a full time remotely based position with a flexible schedule to be determined in consultation with the supervisor. In order to connect remotely with internationally-based staff distributed across multiple time zones, this position will require meeting outside of regular business hours, including evening and weekend hours. Snow Leopard Trust supports flexible schedules to accommodate for these off-hour meetings and to foster a healthy work/life balance.  

Core Responsibilities

Research on Human Dimension of Conservation:

Apply social science theories and methodologies to better understand and engage with the human dimensions of conservation.

Conservation and Economic Development:

Help support the design and implementation of livelihood projects and/or alternative economies, and supporting local entrepreneurs.

Science-Policy interface:

Help develop policy advisories, manage collaborative databases, and engage with multi-country and multi-organizational partners.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation protocols for conservation projects.

Grant Writing Support:

Assist in writing grant proposals to secure funding for conservation projects.

Report Writing Support:

Prepare scientific reports and publications to communicate research findings and conservation progress.

Communication support:

Support in communication and outreach as and when needed.

Supporting Country teams:

Collaborate with Country-based teams to provide scientific and technical support.

Data Analysis:

Analyze various datasets to derive insights and inform conservation strategies.

Publication Skills:

Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and scientific journals.

Supporting the Regional Science and Conservation Team:

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance the Snow Leopard Trust's mission.

Training:

Delivering training programs remotely or in person to various audiences on topics including but not restricted to techniques in social science research, community engagement and leadership, and participatory monitoring and evaluation.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., environmental economics, human geography, environmental social science, ecology) with a strong publication record
• Strong background in human dimensions research, methodologies, and qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Experience designing and leading projects
• Ability to work in multicultural environments, and engage with local communities respectfully
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to travel to and work in remote field locations

Desirable skills:

• Experience in designing and implementing livelihood projects
• Knowledge of climate change impacts on ecosystems, human-well being, and conservation
• Grant writing and report writing experience

Location & Physical Demands:

This position is remote and the work location is preferably based in a snow leopard range country. This position requires extensive travel to field sites within the snow leopard's range. The ability to work independently and effectively in remote and challenging environments is essential. This position will require international and overnight travel, and will require participation in online meetings beyond regular business hours with an international team.

Compensation & Benefits:

The compensation package for this position will be competitively set at a senior postdoctoral level based on work location commensurate with experience and the benefits offered will be customary for the work location approved for this position. Salary ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.