Postes à Montpellier, France

The International Potato Center (CIP) is searching for an outstanding and experienced candidate as a Senior Research Associate and/or Research Associate to contribute to various interdisciplinary research projects (ID) carried out by our hosted organization, the Wyss Academy for Nature.

Based on the experience, skills, and performance during the interview, either of the two position types can be offered.

The Wyss Academy for Nature (WA) at the University of Bern’s vision is to achieve a just and sustainable world in which nature conservation and human wellbeing reinforce each other. We are a place of innovation, where research, business, policymakers, practitioners, and communities co-design solutions for sustainable futures. We aim to research, develop, and implement innovative solutions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, land use change, and rising inequality by connecting technical, social, economic, institutional, and policy innovations at the interface of nature and people. The WA comprises four regional hubs: Europe (Switzerland), South America (Peru), East Africa (Kenya), and Southeast Asia (Laos).

About the role:

• This nationally recruited position will be based in Puerto Maldonado, Peru.
• The selected candidate will contribute to various interdisciplinary research projects (ID) implemented by the Wyss Academy for Nature staff and partners.
• The candidate will act as the focal point for the Artisanal Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) ID project, which studies challenges and opportunities for enabling a responsible artisanal mining transition in the Peruvian Amazon. The study aims to generate knowledge to accelerate the adoption of better practices among actors in the gold value chain.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the implementation of ID research projects in coordination with the MDD scientist, Wyss Academy professors, and project leads.
• Supervise and support research activities, including data collection and analysis, literature review, secondary data collection, household interviews, and surveys.
• Support the design and implementation of Randomized Control Trials and analyze data using various statistical methods.
• Establish and coordinate partnerships and engage with local stakeholders through workshops and learning events.
• Prepare internal documents with preliminary results for discussion.
• Participate in producing scientific articles, policy briefs, and outreach materials.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies.

What are we looking for?

• A degree in economics, finance, political science, environmental economics, or agricultural economics, ideally with a specialization or clear interest in development economics (MSc highly desired).
• At least 6 years of experience in applied research for development or conservation, preferably with international or governmental organizations.
• Strong statistical and econometric skills.
• Experience in designing and implementing randomized control trials is a plus.
• Programming skills in R, Python, or Stata are desired.
• Knowledge of economic valuation methods for ecosystem services and biodiversity is preferred.
• Knowledge of cost-benefit analysis is desirable.
• Prior experience with tropical landscapes is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate and learn from leading researchers at the University of Bern.
• Opportunity to participate in summer schools and conferences, and to visit the University of Bern.
• Generous compensation package and a one-year contract with renewal potential.