Research Officer

We are seeking a Research Office to help integrate scientific knowledge into conservation strategies.

**Application deadline**
Monday, 15 April 2024 - 23:45
- **Location**
Sao Tomé & Príncipe**Full time**
40 hours per week
- **Contract**
2 year fixed term (renewable)**Salary**
Gross monthly salary: EURO 800 - 1000BirdLife International is the world’s largest nature conservation partnership. Through our unique local-to-global approach, we deliver high impact and long-term conservation for the benefit of nature and people.We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and experienced individual for the position of Research Officer. The main purpose of this role will be managing collaborations with academic institutions for biodiversity research, integrating scientific knowledge into conservation strategies, and promoting research in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Key responsibilities include obtaining research permits, coordinating with partners, setting conservation priorities, developing databases, and facilitating training and workshops. The role also focuses on advocating for science-informed decision-making in various sectors, enforcing resource management laws, overseeing conservation plans, and enhancing public awareness and education about biodiversity.

**The Research Officer will have the following responsibilities**:

- Support the implementation and field management of collaborations with international academia, e.g., framework of collaboration established with the BIOPOLIS association and ongoing collaboration with CE3C; and facilitate further engagements and promote collaboration with national institutions involved in biodiversity-related research, e.g., CIAT & U-STP.
- Use and disseminate information for better integration of science into Bird Life’s conservation approach, as well as that of its strategic partners in Sao Tome and Principe, e.g., Government Institutions, IFAD, UNDP, (I)NGOs.
- Strengthen the capacities of stakeholders for a science-informed approach and facilitate the dissemination of information through stakeholder awareness and adequate communication.
- In detail, this includes:

- **Advance Scientific Knowledge**:

- Obtaining necessary permits and certifications for scientific activities and coordinating with local and international scientific partners.
- Promoting and supporting fundamental and applied research in São Tomé and Príncipe Islands, including co-development and review of research activities and outputs.
- Planning and overseeing the implementation of national-level project research activities, including field monitoring and reporting (including supporting the Conservation Officer in monitoring biodiversity and threats in the São Tomé Obo Natural Park through transect-based bi-annual surveys and implementation of management-oriented monitoring systems e.g., SMART).
- Identifying research and sampling sites, and facilitating research visits, meetings, and activities.
- ** Use scientific knowledge to set and suggest appropriate conservation priorities and management tools - in collaboration with local and national agricultural, forestry, biodiversity conservation and protected areas authorities.**:

- Assist in developing and enhancing databases, as well as digitizing accumulated knowledge.
- Identify and organize pertinent training courses and facilitate workshops to showcase research findings and collaborate with stakeholders.
- Engage in incorporating knowledge into private sectors, regional and national policy frameworks and development strategies.
- Advocate for the use of scientific knowledge in technical and decision-making processes e.g., in agriculture and forestry sectors, biodiversity conservation, and protected areas management, at various levels, from local to national.
- Support the effective enforcement of national laws and international agreements related to the management of biological resources, including providing guidance on the Nagoya Protocol to stakeholders.
- Oversee the implementation and assist in the evaluation of conservation action plans.
- ** Disseminate scientific knowledge and promote public awareness and appreciation of biodiversity.**:

- Produce concise briefs and thematic recommendation sheets.
- Support the dissemination of produced scientific knowledge.
- Assist in creating communication materials.
- Conduct presentations and lectures in support of national educational institutions.

**Other**:Any other duties as delegated by your line manager

**Required skills, experience and qualifications**:

- University Degree BSc (or higher). Diploma, Advanced diploma, associate degree, Experience in lieu of education level will also be considered.
- Interest in and understanding of conservation and development issues. Scientific research experience will be considered an advantage.
- Knowledge and proven experience in developing/implementing scientific project.
- Prior at least 2 years field work experience in related areas of experti