Full-Time Data Scientist for wildlife conservation in Africa and Asia (@Nairobi)
Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity for data scientists interested in wildlife conservation in Africa and Asia. We’re looking for a candidate with excellent skills in R, hierarchical models, spatial data analysis and database management.
Under the supervision of the MIKE Coordinator, the MIKE Data Scientist will:
1) Implement the analytical programme of work of the MIKE Programme and coordinate the Programme’s scientific outputs by: Managing and further developing the MIKE data management systems; developing and applying effective quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the accuracy, consistency and comparability of the data sets; preparing reports of MIKE analyses for technical and non-technical audiences alike, including range State governments, the CITES Parties, the scientific community and the public; participating in the preparation of specialized papers for publication in the peer-reviewed scientific literature; and contributing to the preparation, conduct and follow-up of technical meetings. Representing the CITES Secretariat at relevant national and international fora, and presenting the MIKE Programme’s scientific work and findings; and responding effectively to relevant inquiries on specialized topics from the media and the scientific community.
2) Participate in the development and coordination of site-level monitoring and information management initiatives implemented under the MIKES Project, including: Developing improved monitoring tools and systems for data collection, management and application; providing technical and scientific guidance and advice to participating governments and partners to strengthen monitoring systems and capacity at participating sites, including through the preparation of training materials; and leading in the development, documentation and deployment of monitoring protocols for the collection of relevant data.
3) Participate in the development and coordination of international information management and dissemination initiatives implemented under the MIKES Project, including: Conducting analyses of monitoring data and preparing analytical reports and data visualizations; contributing to the further development of tools and methodologies for analysing monitoring data to ensure the production of reliable, cost effective and user-friendly synthesis information; collaborating with the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) in developing and consolidating systems and capacity for monitoring trade in elephant products, and exploring collaborations for similar databases for other illegally-traded target species; and collaborating with partners on monitoring the population status, trends and threats to target and contributing to the development of population status databases.
4) Participate in the management, monitoring and further development of the MIKE Programme by: Leading the development and implementation of the MIKE Implementation Monitoring System (MIMS); communicating regularly with designated focal points in governments, implementing partners and MIKE governance structures on technical and implementation matters; reviewing and preparing relevant documents and progress reports; identifying problems and issues to be addressed, proposing corrective actions and tracking their execution; coordinating activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) concerning project activities for which he/she is responsible, and preparing related documents/reports , (work programmes, budgets, etc.); participating in the supervision of consultants, including scientists and statistical experts.
5) Undertake any other related duties as required.
For more details about the MIKE programme, see http://cites.org/eng/prog/mike.
Salary and benefits will be in the range of standard UN salary scales. See http://icsc.un.org for details.
