Research Associate!

Our client is a leading independent Research Institute dedicated to understanding and transforming how we interact with the natural world is seeking for a goal driven individual to fill the vacant position below.

Job Title: Research Associate - Environment Social Scientist

Location: Accra

Duration: 12 Months Contract (likely to be extended)

Job Summary:

The ideal candidate will support the implementation of the science activities under the Ghana Risk Modelling Alliance (GRMA) project. The Research Associate will play a key role in supporting field and desk-based data collection, conducting data analyses, and assisting in the development of learning curricula for stakeholder training programmes. The post holder will also contribute to the broader activities of the company and the GRMA project team.

Key Responsibilities:

· Co-design, implement and analyse questionnaires to understand perceptions and knowledge regarding current and future uptake of disease modelling and the socio-cultural, economic and political processes that modulate vulnerability and adaptation needs.

· Undertake semi-structured and ethnographic interviews with stakeholder groups and individuals to understand values, places, practices, identities and experiences and how these may be affected by projected changes.

· Transcription and analysis of collated data using established qualitative data analysis approaches.

· Conduct systematic reviews and adaptation policy analysis (including topic modelling).

· Support the coordination and logistics of stakeholder workshops - balancing appropriate representation of all actor groups across scale and sectors.

· Communication of science to peers and other stakeholders using appropriate techniques (e.g. posters, oral presentations, reports, data visualizations, refereed publications, workshops, popular science articles).

· Work with the wider team to develop interdisciplinary research proposals and apply for research grants.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

· A minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant social science, development, forestry or agricultural science discipline.

· A minimum of 3 years working experience in research.

· Experience in undertaking a relevant project during degree or postgraduate programme.

· Experience in undertaking interviews with stakeholders, particularly about policy, agriculture or climate adaptation.

· Experience in questionnaire design for research, particularly in policy interfaces, agriculture or climate adaptation.

· Knowledge of relevant social science theories and participatory methodologies.

· Experience in desk-based literature reviews related to policy-interfaces, conservation or climate adaptation.

· General computing competency (particularly Microsoft Excel).

· Proficiency in qualitative (eg. NVIVO, Atlas.ti) and quantitative data analysis software/tools (eg. R, SPSS, STATA).

· Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidenced by reports, publications or talks to different audiences.

· Good knowledge of research and fieldwork ethics in international and LMIC contexts.

Desirable

· Proven track record in organizing stakeholder workshops and field data collection.

· Good knowledge of ethical issues in society and application in research context.

· Knowledge of relevant qualitative data analysis software (eg. NVivo).

· Knowledge of social science statistical analysis approaches.

· Demonstrated interest or background in agriculture, pest management, environmental science, or related fields.

Benefits

· A dynamic and supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation

· Opportunity to engage with both local and international research communities and policy development initiatives.

· Mentorship and collaboration with experienced professionals and researchers across diverse disciplines.

· Opportunity to build skills in data science, pest risk modelling, and curriculum development within an international research environment.

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