Grasslands Research Associate — Ecology & Policy

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment; Alessandria; On-site; EUR 3,700 - 5,600; Full time

Job summary

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment is seeking a Research Associate for The Grasslands Initiative. You will support research at the intersection of ecology, livelihoods and policy, reviewing literature, analysing data, and translating findings into actionable insights for landscape restoration and policy engagement.

The role involves coordinating with partners, preparing knowledge products, and travelling to field sites.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Geography, or related discipline.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience after Master’s degree.
• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills.
• Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative methods and data analysis.
• Knowledge of GIS or statistical software (R, Python, Stata) desirable.
• Interest in grasslands, restoration ecology, policy or rural development.
• Willingness to travel to field sites and work in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize research on grasslands, restoration, pastoralism, fodder systems, biodiversity and climate resilience.
• Support field studies, landscape assessments and documentation of conservation and restoration initiatives.
• Collect, organise and analyse ecological, socio-economic and spatial data.
• Assist in developing research frameworks, indicators and monitoring approaches for landscape interventions.
• Review relevant government policies, programmes and financing mechanisms.
• Prepare research reports, policy briefs, presentations and other knowledge products.
• Coordinate with research institutions, field partners and other stakeholders.

Skills

Literature review

Data analysis

Research writing

Policy engagement

Education

Master's degree (Ecology/Environment/NRM/Geography)

Tools

GIS tools

R

Python

Stata

Job description

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment is seeking a Research Associate for The Grasslands Initiative. You will support research at the intersection of ecology, livelihoods and policy, reviewing literature, analysing data, and translating findings into actionable insights for landscape restoration and policy engagement.

The role involves coordinating with partners, preparing knowledge products, and travelling to field sites.