Researcher

Hybrid working in the UK with access to our London or Edinburgh offices.

About Us

IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe. We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this. We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights. We innovate: developing, co‑producing and supporting evidence‑based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all. We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us.

We are now looking for an English and Spanish speaking Researcher to join us on a full‑time basis, working 35 hours per week, for a 12 month fixed‑term contract.

The Benefits

• Salary of £44,892 - £55,773 per annum
• 25 days’ annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
• 7.5% employer pension contributions
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is an unmissable opportunity for a high‑calibre, English and Spanish speaking research professional with experience in forest and farm development work in Latin America to join our international organisation. You’ll have the chance to design and deliver vital work that helps to shape understanding in an area that matters deeply to communities, livelihoods and the environment. What’s more, you’ll join a globally connected organisation that values collaboration, innovation and learning, and offers access to hybrid working, as well as a strong benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and long‑term development.

The Role

As a Researcher, you will deliver research and analysis on forest and farm finance across the Global South, with a special emphasis on Latin America, working to strengthen sustainable finance models that support people, nature and climate goals. A significant focus of the role will be designing and delivering action research projects, generating qualitative and quantitative evidence and applying appropriate research frameworks to deepen understanding of forest and farm finance. Working with forest and farm producer organisations, you will analyse findings, develop new knowledge and produce research outputs that support the development of green value chains, improved access to finance and stronger self‑generated finance models. You will also co‑ordinate collaborative projects with international partners, contribute to funding proposals and support communication and engagement activities that share research insights with wider audiences.

Additionally, you will:

• Support project planning, reporting and budget management
• Write and edit research outputs for publication and dissemination
• Build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, funders and research networks

About You

To be considered as a Researcher, you will need:

• A solid research background with skills and experience evidenced by a track record of growing publications in your own field (e.g. research reports, policy briefs, tools or toolkits)
• Field research and in‑country experience in forest and farm development work in Latin America
• Experience in research or in technical capacity development in relevant areas such as forestry or agroforestry, forest enterprise development, climate or development finance
• Experience of research team coordination, including from a distance
• Fluency in both English and Spanish
• Knowledge of institutions, actors, and current debates and research agendas in the field of forestry, agriculture and development
• An understanding of how to work effectively with partners in developing countries
• A relevant postgraduate degree in an area such as forestry, land use, economics, sustainable development or similar, or equivalent experience
• Professional training and/or a certification in economics or access to finance for vulnerable communities
• The willingness to travel to developing countries

This role requires a Basic DBS check. IIED is a hybrid working organisation, and you are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.

The closing date for this role is 12th April 2026.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don’t satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you’re looking for an impactful role as a Researcher, please apply via the button shown.