The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a highly skilled candidate specialised in Data Science.

This position is a remote role telecommuting to Pretoria, South Africa, and will be hosted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people\u2019s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. 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.

The primary objective of this role is to support and enhance the data science capabilities of the Climate Security team. The team is dedicated to understanding the interconnectedness of climate, the environment, and security, with a specific focus on identifying drivers and causes of food insecurity in regions affected by climate-related challenges.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct in-depth research on complex socio-ecological systems, considering both natural and human components. Collect, harmonize, and produce databases using climate, ecology, socioeconomics, conflict, as well as other sources. Support Systems Scientists to apply systems thinking methodologies to analyse interactions, feedback loops, and emergent behaviours within the targeted systems. Integrate data from diverse sources to develop comprehensive models of socio-ecological dynamics. Develop and utilize statistical approaches to analyse the different data sources. Engage with broader research teams to communicate outputs, support data integration, and disseminate knowledge. Communicate research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at conferences, and other relevant channels.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

Master\u2019s degree in data science, systems science, ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline, coupled with a minimum of 4-6 years of relevant work experience. Experience in climate, ecology, and environmental science. Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods. Proven experience in applying systems thinking to real-world socio-ecological problems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

Strong programming skills for modelling (e.g., Python, R). Strong working knowledge of GIS. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment. Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, verbally & in writing. Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities. Ability to work independently and remotely.

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only South African nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The successful candidate will be issued a contract by IWMI & the initial contract duration will be two years, with a probationary period of six (6) months.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on April 21, 2024. Your application must include a cover letter illustrating your suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications, competencies, and skills, together with a detailed CV including three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-colour, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

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