Environmental Scientist

**Environmental Scientist**

**Purpose of the Role**:
The Environmental Scientist will be responsible for designing, supporting, and implementing technical components of the ReLISA project related to environmental monitoring, restoration ecology, greenhouse gas emissions measurement, and MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) systems. The role includes research, field assessments, tool development, and contribution to guidance and training materials for nature-based climate solutions in South Africa.

**Key Responsibilities:A. Environmental Monitoring and Field Assessment**
- Conduct on-the-ground assessments of land-use types, degradation patterns, and ecological restoration opportunities.
- Collect, interpret, and synthesize environmental data, including biomass measurements, soil samples, and vegetation cover.

**B. MRV System Design and Implementation**
- Contribute to the development of robust MRV methodologies aligned with international standards (IPCC, GHG Protocol, VCS, REDD+).
- Support the creation of emissions baselines and scenario modelling for restoration areas.
- Assist in defining measurable indicators for GHG emission reduction, sequestration, and ecosystem service enhancement.

**C. GHG Emissions Calculations and Analysis**
- Perform calculations of GHG emissions and removals associated with various land use and restoration activities.
- Use IPCC emission factors, field measurements, and national datasets to estimate carbon fluxes.

**D. Methodology and Tool Development**
- Develop templates and protocols for carbon measurement and environmental reporting.
- Support the integration of environmental indicators into spatial decision-support tools.
- Contribute to the development of field manuals and operational checklists for MRV data collection.

**E. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing**
- Develop training materials and lead sessions on land-based MRV, field data collection, and restoration best practices.
- Collaborate with CSIR researchers and consortium partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and co-learning.
- Prepare and present scientific and technical content for diverse stakeholders, including community members, government, and donors.

**F. Reporting and Documentation**
- Produce high-quality technical reports, methodology guides, and field study documentation.
- Contribute to research publications, project updates, and final project close-out documentation.
- Assist with drafting policy briefs that integrate scientific insights with practical policy options.

**Qualifications and Experience:Education**:

- Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or related field. A PhD is advantageous.

**Experience**:

- Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in environmental science, preferably focused on land-use, climate mitigation, or biodiversity restoration.
- Demonstrated experience with field-based environmental data collection and analysis.
- Hands-on knowledge of GHG inventory methodologies (e.g., IPCC Guidelines, GHG Protocol).
- Experience working on ecosystem restoration, nature-based solutions (NbS), and climate mitigation projects.
- Familiarity with South African environmental policy, carbon markets, and national climate change commitments.

**Skills and Competencies**:

- **Technical Competency**: Proficient in environmental monitoring tools, field measurement techniques, and carbon accounting.
- **Data & Tools Proficiency**: Experience with GIS, remote sensing (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS), and statistical tools (e.g., R, Python, Excel).
- **Communication**: Strong technical writing and report development skills; ability to communicate clearly with scientific and non-scientific audiences.
- **Team Collaboration**: Able to work in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to collaborative knowledge production.
- **Adaptability**: Comfortable working across varied terrains, socio-ecological contexts, and dynamic project environments.

**Key Deliverables**:

- Site-specific environmental assessments and MRV plans.
- GHG emission reduction calculations for restoration interventions.
- Templates and manuals for environmental monitoring and carbon measurement.
- Contributions to training materials and final reporting.

**Job Type**: Temporary

**Education**:

- Bachelors (required)

**Experience**:

- environmental science, preferably focused on land-use: 8 years (required)

Work Location: Remote

Application Deadline: 2025/06/13