Head of Science & Impact

Job Search Location(s): Gaborone, Botswana

ID: 2424

Head of Science & Impact 

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY – This position is based in Gaborone, Botswana

The “Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands” Project funded by Green Climate Fund (GCF) aims to utilize collective management of livestock and ecosystems to restore Botswana’s communal rangelands, increasing the climate resilience of vulnerable populations and reducing GHG emissions. Over 8 years, the project will undertake activities in 104 villages in the Project Areas: Ngamiland, Kgalagadi, and Bobirwa geographic areas of Botswana to improve management of 4.6 million hectares of rangelands. 

The Head of Science and Impact will lead the scientific strategy and impact assessment for the “Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands” project. The role emphasizes climate resilience, rangeland rehabilitation, carbon sequestration, and GHG reduction. They will oversee M&E systems, ensure compliance with Green Climate Fund (GCF) standards, and work closely with the Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP) on planning project evaluations and producing quarterly and annual progress reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Innovation:

• Include publication of research findings in relevant scientific journals and industry reports to disseminate insights and methodologies to a broader audience, fostering knowledge sharing and encouraging best practices in climate-resilient livestock management.
• Develop comprehensive methodologies and processes to compile and analyze relevant weather, climate, and climate model datasets to inform sustainable livestock management at local, regional, and national scales. This involves the integration of historical and real-time climate data with livestock health, productivity, and pasture quality indicators to identify optimal management practices and mitigate climate risks.
• Leverage advanced computing resources to scale analytical methodologies, enabling assessments of livestock-environment interactions at regional or national levels. This approach will support data-driven decisions for grazing management, pasture rotation, and climate adaptation strategies.
• Visualize analytical products using geospatial analysis to provide actionable insights for livestock farmers and decision-makers. This could involve producing spatially explicit maps of grazing suitability, water availability, and risk assessments for extreme weather events to guide adaptive livestock management practices.
• Perform statistical and visual data analysis of climate and weather datasets, including implementing event identification/detection methodologies relevant to livestock management, such as early detection of heat stress events, drought onset, and other climate-related threats. These insights will support proactive decision-making to improve resilience in livestock systems under changing climate conditions.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):

• Provide leadership and direction on M&E to ensure the project achieves its goals and corresponding objectives and targets.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) to capture project performance and results, including routine service delivery data reporting, baseline and end-line assessments, and all monitoring for process and outcome evaluations.
• Develop and oversee data flow patterns for the project, to ensure timely data collection and reporting.
• Collaborate with the DCoP to plan and execute project evaluations, ensuring they align with project goals and donor (GCF) expectations.

Impact Assessment and Reporting:

• Develop and apply methodologies for measuring project impacts, focusing on carbon sequestration and GHG reduction.
• Lead strategic collaboration activities with key stakeholders to learn from project data and adapt interventions as appropriate
• Lead efforts to utilize training monitoring systems to track and monitor trainers and participants at training events to facilitate follow-up and recordkeeping
• Use data to contribute towards strategic decision-making and project planning with project leadership
• Oversee and/or conduct targeted evaluations and operations research, including design, data collection, management and analysis
• Ensure quality of data through data verification procedures including routine data quality audits and that these are routinely carried out during the project lifecycle
• Lead the analysis of project data to extract insights and inform strategic decisions.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building:

• Engage with communities, government agencies, and partners to build capacity in rangeland management and carbon sequestration.
• Support training initiatives related to data collection and the use of the Rangeland Stewardship Portal for tracking carbon and ecosystem metrics.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing on climate resilience and carbon sequestration strategies.

Sustainability and Scalability:

• Identify and promote opportunities to scale interventions that enhance carbon sequestration and support long-term sustainability.
• Work with partners to develop value chains that support climate-smart practices and boost carbon capture for communal farmers

Progress Reporting and Evaluation:

• Collaborate with the DCoP to plan and conduct project evaluations, ensuring they assess the progress toward project goals and identify areas for improvement.
• Produce quarterly and annual progress reports in coordination with the DCoP, summarizing key findings, challenges, and successes.
• Provide recommendations for adjustments based on evaluation outcomes and ongoing assessments.

People Management:

• Supervise the Science team including the Soil Scientist, Rangeland Ecologist, and GIS & Spatial Data Administrator.
• Provide oversight management of Science & Impact components to the project where necessary.
• Foster a culture of building teams for collaboration and teamwork as well as motivate and support team members as needed.

 WORKING CONDITIONS

• Working outside normal working hours.
• Ability to travel frequently in remote areas and in remote communities.
• High adaptability to difficult conditions.
• Ability for teamwork.
• Supporting the staff in the implementation of other activities outside of its main responsibilities if needed.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree and/or commensurate experience in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Ecology, or a related field.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in climate adaptation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem restoration, preferably in Africa. Experience with GCF-funded projects is an added advantage.
• Up to 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Expertise in developing and managing M&E systems, with a strong focus on carbon accounting and GHG reduction.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in carbon sequestration and M&E systems.
• Proficiency with GIS, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring tools for tracking carbon metrics.
• Proven ability to understand, interpret, and apply technical and scientific information and data to achieve tangible results.
• Experience in scientific procedures and reporting.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent skills in utilizing Excel spreadsheet and database management software.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred

• Master/Advanced degree
• Experience with communal land issues and management arrangements or community conservation agreements.
• Knowledge of the H4H model added advantage.
• Experience in Climate Change, livestock, rangeland ecology, herding, and job creation projects with strong project management skills and experience.
• Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, set priorities, and deliver quality results.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to respect and work well with people from different backgrounds and disciplines.
• Team player able to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: January 3, 2025  (11:49 PM EST)

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