In the context of the project: ‘Enhancing coastal protection, biodiversity and ecosystem services through better knowledge and engagement in mangrove rehabilitation in Suriname and Guyana’ is there vacancy for a

Social Scientist researcher in engagement and communication

Project context:

Coastal protection through mangrove conservation involves both understanding where species of mangrove are located and their site-specific failure thresholds; and stakeholders’ consensus on benefits and strategies of coastal-protection implementation

Key Duties & Responsibilities: Based on the strengths and experience of the successful candidate, the position will take selected responsibilities in a range of activities. Examples of these activities include:

• To support design and delivery of community-orientated activities, including interviews, focus groups and workshops with local communities that will be informed by the inputs from the natural science part of the team and that will provide input into the gamification design.
• To support continuous engagement with the communities and co-design of the gamification outputs.
• To support the gamification activities and outputs
• To communicate and translate (Dutch to English and vice versa) material to different audiences in a variety of ways working closely with the PDRA in gamification at Edinburgh University and the PDRA in Environmental Monitoring and Communication at Heriot Watt University.
• To support data preparation (e.g., transcription), analysis using qualitative methods (e.g., thematic analysis) and archiving of material.
• To support preparation and delivery of the final workshops with the communities and other key stakeholders, and preparation of the subsequent reporting.
• To support preparation and delivery of project results and other training and dissemination activities.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. At times, a flexible working schedule may be required to meet key duties and responsibilities, including periods of extended field work.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications: Educated to BA level or higher (or equivalent qualification or relevant professional experience) in social sciences or arts and humanities, e.g., Anthropology, Cultural studies, Languages, Psychology, Political Sciences, Philosophy or similar

Criteria:

Essential

1. Evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility.
2. Excellent written and oral communication skills to facilitate liaison with project partners to ensure effective research conduct
3. Well-developed organisational skills, ability to prioritise, and to achieve deadlines under pressure
4. Excellent adherence to ethical standards and guidelines
5. Independent worker capable of working with minimum supervision and to agreed deadlines and milestones
6. Well-developed interpersonal skills, including ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, build and maintain relationships with a variety of internal and external colleagues using face-to-face, remote and online communications
7. Dependability, reliability and consistent ability to produce high quality/ quantity of work
8. Dutch native speaker with excellent English speaking, reading and writing ability

Desirable

1. PhD (or equivalent qualification or relevant professional experience) in social sciences or arts and humanities
2. Documented understanding of the links between natural and social sciences and science communication for audiences in academia and non-academia (including local communities).
3. Practical experience in the local cultural, social and environmental context of Suriname and/or Guyana is favourable.
4. Experience and interest in working internationally, with different and often contrasting social, cultural and economic conditions.
5. Experience in social data curation.
6. Experience in preparing scientific data for scientific writing of academic publications.

Contract: Full-time (40 hours per week), fixed term for 24 months, anticipated start June 15, 2024.

Salary and other provisions will be discussed during the interview.

How to Apply: Applications can be submitted until midnight on Friday the 31 of August 2024, to the following email addresses:

• Drs. M. E. Achthoven (email: recruitment@uvs.edu)
• Dr. S. Naipal (email: Sieuwnath.naipal@uvs.edu / naipals@yahoo.com)
• Dr. I.Bovolo (email: isabella.bovolo@durham.ac.uk)

When applying, please include a CV and cover letter and other relevant documentation addressing these selection criteria.

Contact for enquiries: Potential candidates who wish to discuss the post informally can contact:

• Dr. S. Naipal (email: Sieuwnath.naipal@uvs.edu / naipals@yahoo.com)
• Dr. I. Bovolo (email: isabella.bovolo@durham.ac.uk)