Reference: 06MODELING0326
Division: Research for Inclusive Green Development
Unit: Climate Action Unit
Immediate supervisor: Unit Coordinator
Type of position: International / National
Duration: 1 year, with the possibility of extension
Workplace: Central America (Costa Rica preferred)
I. GENERAL OBJECTIVE
Participate in the development and/or implementation of simulation models of biophysical and/or environmental processes that support the design and evaluation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) aimed at Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at multiple scales (local, territorial, and regional). The position requires working in close coordination with a multidisciplinary team with expertise in biodiversity conservation,
governance and decision-making, community development, agricultural systems, climate change adaptation, and gender.
II. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Work closely with the Coordination of the Climate Action Unit (UAC) on relevant aspects as required.
2. Contribute to the preparation of technical proposals for development projects with the UAC team and other teams within CATIE.
3. Support CATIE’s research agenda to expand Nature-based Solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation using modeling tools.
4. Integrate biophysical modeling with social, economic, and environmental factors to promote application within multidisciplinary research and implementation teams.
5. Analyze and synthesize data from diverse sources, including remote sensing and ground
observations.
6. Contribute to the global and Latin American research agenda through scientific publications, reports, and communication actions aimed at diverse audiences.
7. Support the development of project proposals and the implementation of new research initiatives.
8. Lead the agenda and coordination of the working group for the development of investment portfolios in NbS,
9. Support in the development of methodologies, diagnostics, and feasibility studies.
10. Collaborate in the management of networks of partner collaborators, donors, etc.
11. Institutional integration and in collaboration with the alliances office.
III. PROFILE
Academic Level:
• Master’s degree in environmental sciences, climate and meteorology, hydrology, engineering, ecology, geography, agronomy, geology, computer science, data science or related fields.
Additional training:
• Experience in interdisciplinary work and collaboration with diverse teams (scientists, decision-makers, local communities).
• Knowledge of participatory processes or co-design of solutions with local stakeholders.
• Scientific publications or participation in applied research projects.
• Preferably advanced proficiency in Spanish (spoken and written).
• Preferably advanced proficiency in English (spoken and written), for reading scientific literature, report writing, and international collaboration.
Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years in biophysical or environmental modeling, preferably with a focus on nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration, or natural risk analysis.
• Solid training and experience in data modeling and analysis, including handling large volumes of information and applied statistics.
• Practical experience with hydrological and/or hydraulic models (such as SWAT, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, MIKE, Iber, or similar). Experience in model coupling or integration of land use scenarios will be valued.
• Knowledge and experience in scientific programming (Python, R, MATLAB, or similar languages) for data processing, model automation, and results visualization.
• Experience or interest in developing early warning systems, flood risk modeling, or evaluation of future climate scenarios.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Internet.
• Ability to work with spatial data (GIS, QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine) and satellite or reanalysis data source
Personal Competencies
• Ability to manage information
• Analytical skills and scientific writing
• Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability and experience in postgraduate teaching
• Initiative and focus on continuous improvement
• Results orientation: consistently guiding performance toward the achievement of goals and outcomes
• Planning and organizational skills
• Customer satisfaction focus
• Ability to manage multiple tasks
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly and precisely
• Ability to work under pressure
• Commitment to CATIE’s mission and mandate
