Job Description

OFFICE LOCATION

The work location for this position is flexible within locations where The Nature Conservancy has an established office. The headquarters of TNC is located in Arlington, Virginia. #PDN #LI-REMOTE

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there are lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube on Glassdoor. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Implementation Social Scientist identifies social and behavioral solutions of strategic importance to The Nature Conservancy to help achieve our 2030 Goals. They will work in the Global Science business unit and report directly to the Lead Economist. Working collaboratively with teams and scientists implementing conservation strategies, and in collaboration with learning specialists in Global Science, they will provide analytic support and leadership researching social and economic issues related to conservation problems of considerable scope and complexity. They will also serve as a subject matter expert to business units throughout TNC and implementing partners. At the outset, we anticipate the position being 60% for implementation science research and 40% for science capacity building and knowledge diffusion. This position may require work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Travel may be required.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking to do science that makes a difference? At TNC, we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in and where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone who can provide technical and scientific support and leadership on social issues related to conservation. You would be part of a team of scientists working to improve and advance conservation throughout the world! Responsibilities and Scope

• Implementation research: You will participate in and lead research projects or strategic processes to fill research gaps and enable the wider use of social, economic or behavioral analyses. This includes collaboratively identifying social science questions important for implementing conservation strategies and guiding The Nature Conservancy and its partners on strategic issues such as climate adaptation or market solutions. You will conduct literature reviews of scientific publications, use social science methods to answer critical behavioral or social questions and undertake comparative analyses to draw broader lessons for implementing conservation. You will support inclusive and equitable opportunities for participation in the research and publication process, serving as the lead and/or corresponding author for peer-reviewed publications.
• Research diffusion and training: You will build relationships with business units across TNC, including in low- and middle-income countries, to support conservation implementation. Using case studies and social science research tools, you will support Global Science and other TNC learning experts to create learning opportunities that enhance the application of social science in conservation activities. This may require working with Global Science’s Science Capacity Building team to design and lead social science related trainings, contribute towards the development of learning tools and resources, and support knowledge diffusion through internal and external platforms. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary group of scientists and learning specialists to foster the professional development of early career and low- and middle-income country scientists, including by participating in TNC’s Science Mentorship Program.

The location for this role is flexible. Co-working facilities with a local TNC office are possible if the candidate lives nearby. No immigration or relocation assistance is available for this position.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Master's Degree in the social sciences or a related interdisciplinary field, and 4 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience reviewing scientific literature and implementing a range of socio-economic research methods after degree completion. Research methods should include qualitative (e.g., grounded theory, case studies, etc.) and quantitative (e.g., inferential statistics, experimental and quasi-experimental studies) methods, with deep expertise in one or more area.
• Collaborative research experience in Low- and Middle-Income countries.
• Experience coordinating with multiple programs and a variety of peers and partners.
• Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
• Written and verbal communication and public speaking experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in a social science or related interdisciplinary field, and at least two years of pre- or post-graduate work experience in a related field.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical software program or scripting language (e.g., R, Stata, Python, etc.) and/or SQL.
• Experience with the production, coding, and rigorous analysis of qualitative data to answer questions related to conservation social science.
• Demonstrated teaching and/or mentorship experience, including in the context of collaborative science or with conservation practitioners.
• Proven ability to engage non-science colleagues and stakeholders, diagnose complex problems, and identify appropriate data needs or research solutions.
• Experience operating within budget guidelines to ensure sound financial performance.
• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and justice for science and conservation.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world! The Nature Conservancy offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 52035, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line. Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption