Overview

AIR is currently seeking a Senior Researcher Climate Change to lead research and evaluation projects and research proposals focused on resilience, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation efforts. The senior researcher will primarily focus on research and evaluations in low-and middle-income countries. The position will involve collaborating closely with AIR’s climate change research director to look for strategic research and evaluation opportunities in AIR’s country offices in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mexico. In addition, it will include building strong relationships with the four program areas of the international development division (IDD): 1) food security, agriculture, and nutrition, 2) gender and social protection, 3) education, and 4) labor and workforce development as well as AIR’s pipeline partnership program, which includes collaborations with the University of Nairobi and the University of Dar es Salaam.  The senior researcher can also contribute to looking for climate change mitigation and adaptation opportunities in the United States.

AIR’s IDD strives to improve the quality of life in low-and middle-income countries by using rigorous research, evaluations, and data science to enhance food security, nutrition, gender equality, labor market and education outcomes for example by focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation. We work across a wide range of topics including agriculture/food security /nutrition, global health, workforce development, early childhood development, education, refugees and migration, social protection, water/sanitation/infrastructure, and women's empowerment in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Central and Latin America as well as the Middle East. The IDD generates policy-relevant evidence through rigorous research, evaluations, and data science; helps improve program design through continuous learning and adaptation; and works with local organizations and governments to build sustainable solutions based on evidence.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations.

About AIR

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

‍

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Lead and contribute to research, evaluation, and data science projects related to climate change as part of the expanded research and evaluation portfolio.
• Lead and contribute to proposal development on climate change for the US government, UN organizations, and foundations in close collaboration with a team of climate change and social science researchers
• Closely collaborate and seek partnerships with researchers conducting impact evaluations in international development, health, education, and workforce development
• Manage and analyze large-scale data files for research.
• Quantitative data collection, collation and analysis
• Organize and document analytic results and research procedures.
• Prepare technical reports and journal articles and present findings to clients, professional associations, and the public.
• Mentor research analysts by sharing approaches to solving concrete problems and provide feedback on the work of others.
• Serve as client contact for expertise on resilience and climate change.

‍

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• PhD or MSc in climate science, environmental science, or agricultural economics or other relevant degree.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience with a PhD or a minimum of 7 years’ experience with a MSc in conducting research on climate change, agriculture, and environmental topics, preferably for the US government, foundations, and UN organizations.
• Experience leading research and evaluations related to climate change, agriculture, and the environment globally and preferably also in the United States.
• Knowledge of the major policy recommendations discussed as part of the IPCC.
• Knowledge and experience conducting impact evaluations and/or systematic reviews of climate-smart agriculture and other climate change related interventions, both globally and in the United States is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of using Python and R for climate change modeling is preferred but not required.
• Experience contributing to projects for USAID is preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team; must be a team player and demonstrate a sense of responsibility and sensitivity in dealing with diverse audiences.
• Good communication skills with the ability to work effectively with others in a virtual work environment.
• Comfortable working independently and as a member of a team with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills to meet quality standards under strict deadlines.‍

‍

Disclosures:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

‍

Salary & Benefits

AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $118,000 to $145,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

‍

Location

United States (remote)

‍

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.‍

‍

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:

AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to recruitment@air.org.

If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov/scams.

Submit an interest application

Refer this job to a friend

Share on your newsfeed

Please note, each section of the application is required in order for you to be considered for this opportunity. If you do not complete the required screening questions, or if you close your browser before completing each section of the application, your application will not be submitted for this position.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

American Institutes for Research’s commitment to Diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations and work environment. Diversity is valued and Inclusion is reflected in all efforts to recruit, develop, and engage the diverse staff needed to accomplish our mission.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.org or call 202.403.5000.

‍