The Ecosystem Services Analyst (Analyst) contributes to the Ecosystem Services Unit's global work in the sphere of ecosystem evaluation, carbon accounting, climate change mitigation and adaptation, REDD+, watershed management, and environmental services.
We are looking for an Analyst passionate about being part of a close-knit interdisciplinary team of scientists and geospatial experts working in international development with a focus on climate change, land use, and hydrology. The candidate should be passionate about using data to drive decisions, traveling to the field for hands-on experience, and helping to deliver complex scientific concepts to a broad audience.
We are looking for a candidate with strong writing and communication skills (for writing technical reports, communication materials, and proposals), as well as experience in data management and analysis. The Analyst must be skilled in Excel and/or other data management software, have experience conducting technical analyses evaluating ecosystem services (at least at a graduate level), and be adept at translating complex scientific concepts to a broader audience.
The work environment at the Ecosystem Services Unit is collaborative and dynamic, providing growth opportunities in science, project management, and international development. Professional fluency in English is required and an additional language is preferable. The position is based in Arlington, Virginia, with the potential for telecommuting.
The Analyst is primarily responsible for carrying out technical analysis, assisting in project management, and supporting new business development. Pending COVID-19 restrictions, there will be relatively frequent domestic and international travel (estimated 15-30% of the year) to project sites to lead consultations with clients and key stakeholders from government, civil society, and private sector, to conduct field work and technical trainings, and to deliver presentations on scientific topics to technical and non-technical audiences.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project Implementation
- Support technical analyses focused on ecosystem evaluation
- Work both independently and in teams; seeking guidance and advice as needed.
- Assist in the writing and development of reports.
- Travel both domestically and internationally. Travel may include workshops, meetings with partners, government officials and funders and fieldwork involving hiking for multiple hours sometimes carrying heavy equipment and staying in less than ideal accommodations.
- Conduct presentations and trainings to a variety of stakeholders.
- Support project management duties such as drafting consultant and subaward agreements
- Maintain positive relationships with clients and development partners through proactive and professional communication.
Ecosystem Services Analyses
- Capable of conducting data analysis using software such as Excel.
- Maintain a high level of scientific rigor on technical deliverables, including close adherence to the latest best practices and recommendations from the scientific community
- Track new tools and methodologies focused on ecosystem valuation through participation in professional networks, attendance of industry events, and personal skills development.
- Train overseas and US-based staff on techniques to ensure skillsets are sustained within Winrock
- Serve as an ambassador of Winrock to global private and government audiences, emphasizing our unique technical capabilities in addressing interlinked social and environmental issues and science-based decision-making.
New Business Development
- Contribute to the development of new business by assisting in proposal writing and coordination, including co-authoring technical sections, past performance references, capabilities statements, and CVs of several proposals per year.
- Help identify sources of new funding to support the Ecosystem Services Unit through work with government, multilateral agencies, non-government organizations, etc.
- Directly coordinate with other units in the Energy & Environment group, as well as other groups at Winrock, to identify opportunities and develop strategies for pursuing interdisciplinary work with Winrock's practices in water, adaptation, clean energy, agriculture, and human rights.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Graduate level degree in environmental science, forestry, ecology, environmental studies, geography, or a related discipline or Bachelor's degree and 1- 2 years work experience in a related field.
- Ability and willingness to travel internationally up to 15%-30% of the year, for 1-3 weeks at a time, often to developing countries.
- Demonstrated advanced aptitude in Excel and/or other data management software.
- Demonstrated ability to write reports and project briefs.
- Demonstrated ability to present in front of an audience.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific concepts to audiences of diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent oral and written communication in English.
- Current and permanent US work authorization.
Desired
- Experience with application of existing scientifically validated models, e.g. hydrologic, biogeochemical, or climatic models.
- Experience with statistical analysis.
- Knowledge of UNFCCC frameworks and climate change policy.
- Experience with geospatial analysis.
- Experience writing blogs or other forms of written and/or visual communication (including e.g., on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Knowledge of statistical techniques in a natural resource management context.
- Experience working or living in developing countries.
- Fluency in a second/third language (particularly French, Spanish, or Portuguese).
Winrock is an equal opportunity employer.
Winrock offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package.
Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to perceived or actual race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law.
