Scientist I, Systems Transformation (Rome, Italy)

The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) deliver research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national, and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/                     www.cgiar.org

About the position

Based in Rome, Italy at the Alliance Headquarters, and under the direct supervision of the Scientist II, Climate Action, the Scientist, Systems Transformation will support Dr. Alessandro Craparo’s Team in the Climate Security and Migration research theme.

Our research aims to quantify the climate, environment, and security nexus. We produce state-of-the-art and policy-relevant evidence on how climate worsens common drivers of fragility, conflict, and displacement. Nature and humans are intricately connected. In order to solve problems within one sector, it is essential to consider the entire system. To capture the complexities of these dynamic and intertwined social-ecological systems, our work is characterized by inter- and transdisciplinary approaches, as well as complexity. These approaches help us develop the science and evidence needed by our partners to identify development pathways and levers for transformation towards sustainable and just futures.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on complex socio-ecological systems, considering both natural and human components.
• Apply systems thinking methodologies to analyze interactions, feedback loops, and emergent behaviors within the targeted systems.
• Integrate data from diverse sources to develop comprehensive models of socio-ecological dynamics.
• Experience in climate, ecology, environmental science is beneficial.
• Engage with partners, stakeholders, and the wider community to disseminate knowledge and promote understanding of socio-ecological complexities.
• Communicate research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at conferences, and other relevant channels.
• Collaborate with experts from various disciplines, including ecology, sociology, economics, and policy, to foster a holistic understanding of complex systems.
• Facilitate workshops and interdisciplinary discussions to promote knowledge exchange and integration.
• Develop and refine computational models to simulate and predict the behavior of different systems.
• Use advanced modeling techniques, i.e. agent-based modeling, system dynamics, and structural equation models to represent complex interactions.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations for sustainable management of socio-ecological systems.
• Provide decision support to project partners such as UN agencies and governments based on scientific evidence and modeling results.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in systems science, complex theory, and socio-ecological research.
• Actively seek opportunities for professional development and contribute to building the knowledge base within the organization.

Requirements

• A PhD in the field of systems science, ecology, or environmental science.
• Previous relevant professional experience.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Strong programming skills for model development (e.g., Python, R).
• Strong working knowledge of GIS.
• Well-developed skills in teamwork, interpersonal and communication; courtesy, tact, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and national backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in applying systems thinking to real-world socio-ecological problems.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Professional working proficiency in English, both verbal and written.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to learn and practice new technologies as needed.
• Author of at least 5 articles published in ISI journals.
• Highly developed skills with personal organization and priority setting.
• Ability to work with a high degree of independence within assigned areas complemented by sound judgment and initiative, and the ability to maintain structured and ad hoc communications with supervisors and colleagues to seek guidance.

Terms of employment

This is an internationally recruited position based in Rome, Italy. The salary level is level 9, on a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest. The Alliance offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance, housing allowance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract will be for a period of 2 years subject to a probationary period of six months and is renewable based on performance and availability of funds.

Applications

Please apply online through the website (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers) no later than 5 April 2024, attaching a curriculum vitae, motivation letter (illustrating your suitability for the above mentioned position against the listed qualifications, competencies, skills), both in English, and contact information (e.g. names, email address) of at least three references (who have worked either as your professional or academic supervisors and knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience).

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 5 April 2024

We invite you to learn more about us at:

http://alliancebioversityciat.org

Please visit our careers page at:

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers

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