Researcher-Global Center on Biodiversity for Climate Research Associate Cambodia Indigenous Peo[...] in Oxford

Location: Phnom Penh with fieldwork in Mondulkiri, and visits to Oxford (UK) and Australia

Schedule: Full-time

Other benefits: Health insurance, annual bonus, annual trip, maternity leave, sick leave, special leave and annual leave, capacity building and study scholarship

Contract: Three years (following three-month probation); yearly contracts based on satisfactory performance

Report to: Program Director of CIPO and the GCBC Scientific Oversight Committee

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Organisation (CIPO) is implementing a 3-year research project with funding from the UK Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC). The project, titled ‘Recognizing and rewarding the contribution of Indigenous knowledge to the sustainable management of biodiversity’, is in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), Monash University (Australia), and the University of Oxford (UK). This transdisciplinary partnership will identify innovative solutions to support Indigenous stewardship of biodiversity in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary (KSWS), through research on the Bunong people’s knowledge and practices, and investigating the co-design of novel incentives mechanisms, such as procurement auctions. Project outputs (including scientific articles, policy briefs, and outreach events) will help to inform the future direction of the KSWS REDD+ project, global environmental policy on indigenous peoples, and empower Indigenous communities to advocate for the recognition of traditional knowledge rights and management practices in their engagement with climate and biodiversity financing.

JOB PROFILE

We are looking for an outstanding Researcher with strong skills in qualitative and participatory indigenous community research, interested in conservation, development, and Indigenous rights. The Research Associate will lead on implementing social research components of the GCBC research project to document Indigenous knowledge and co‑design governance and incentive mechanisms that recognise this knowledge. The Research Associate will work closely with an assistant researcher, with Indigenous communities, and with leading national and international experts in a multi‑disciplinary team, participate in exchange visits to Monash and Oxford Universities, and receive training and mentorship. The Research Associate will use methods including dialogue, participatory action research methods, participatory mapping, and co‑design workshops. The Research Associate will lead in writing research papers, policy briefs, and training manuals as well as presenting research findings to key stakeholders. If qualified candidates are interested, they may pursue PhD studies in parallel with their work with tuition funded by WCS.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and implement participatory and qualitative research in Keo Seima District, Mondulkiri province, including co‑design workshops, action research, and participatory mapping.
• Write and prepare high-quality research papers, policy documents, and research training manuals.
• Deliver presentations to share research results and engage with key stakeholders.
• Work in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to achieve project milestones on schedule.
• Travel internationally to attend training and networking opportunities at international partner universities.
• Supervise and mentor assistant researchers and community researchers.
• Do other related tasks based on the CIPO and project team assignment.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in the social sciences, environment, development, or a related field.
• Excellent ability to deliver well‑organised communication skills in English, and Khmer speaking and scientific writing. Spoken Bunong is preferred.
• Experience in working/conducting fieldwork and working with Indigenous communities.
• Deep understanding and knowledge about the challenges and contexts of Indigenous communities in Cambodia, experience in facilitating meetings and ability to effectively engage with policymakers and other diverse stakeholders.
• Motivation to learn new research skills and take advantage of learning opportunities.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.

We encourage Indigenous persons to apply. Application based on the criteria required.

APPLICATION

Interested applicants are invited to submit a Motivation Letter and CV in one single pdf file, and an example of scientific or technical writing, by email to info@cipocambodia.or before the 18th December 2024. Interviews for the selection will be conducted on the 4th to 6th January 2025 at CIPO.