The RSPB Centre for Conservation Science is seeking a talented Conservation Social Scientist to join our People Conservation Science team on a 15-month fixed-term contract.
Reporting to Dr Natasha Constant, Principal Conservation Scientist, the post will support the Gola Programme in Sierra Leone and Liberia, working closely with RSPB colleagues, the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) and the Gola Rainforest Company (GRC).
What's the role about?
The Greater Gola Landscape spans 350,000 hectares across Sierra Leone and Liberia and represents the largest remaining block of Upper Guinea Forest. The Gola Programme is a partnership between CSSL, GRC, SCNL, the governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia, local communities and the RSPB. The programme aims to conserve this globally important forest landscape while supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, water security and sustainable livelihoods.
Funded through the EU NaturAfrica Project, this role will lead social science research on community forestry governance in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The research will assess governance systems from community and stakeholder perspectives, identifying opportunities to strengthen participation, transparency and benefit-sharing arrangements. Findings will inform future evaluation of conservation, social and equity outcomes within community forestry models and support evidence-based conservation practice.
Key responsibilities
• Conduct a review of academic and grey literature on community forestry governance in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
• Design and deliver mixed-method social science research, including stakeholder mapping, participatory rural appraisal, focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
• Train and support local field teams and partner organisations.
• Undertake 8-10 weeks of fieldwork in Sierra Leone and Liberia to investigate governance, participation, decision-making, compliance and benefit-sharing processes.
• Co-organise and facilitate two multi-stakeholder workshops involving conservation organisations, government agencies and policymakers.
• Analyse qualitative data using NVivo and produce high-quality reports, recommendations and academic outputs.
• Work collaboratively with local partners to strengthen evidence-based conservation and community forestry practice.
The role is home-based in the UK but requires several extended international trips.
Essential criteria
• Experience conducting social science fieldwork in international and remote settings, ideally within Africa and/or tropical forest landscapes.
• Strong research design, data management and analytical skills.
• Experience organising and facilitating international multi-stakeholder workshops.
• Excellent report-writing skills and the ability to translate findings into practical recommendations for policy and practice.
• Experience working collaboratively with NGOs, academic institutions, government agencies and local communities.
• Experience delivering training, mentoring or capacity-building activities.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across different cultures and stakeholder groups.
• Ability and willingness to undertake fieldwork within Sierra Leone and Liberia for an extended period (8-10 weeks).
• Experience applying rigorous research methods, including research design, data collection, data management and analysis to produce high-quality evidence and outputs.
• Experience collecting, coding and analysing qualitative data using NVivo.
• Experience of qualitative and participatory research methods, including stakeholder analysis, interviews, focus groups and participatory rural appraisal.
• Proven scientific background (e.g., a PhD or equivalent experience managing a research project) in a relevant subject (e.g., human geography, anthropology, sociology, development studies) or topic (e.g., governance or institutional analysis related to conservation, forestry, land governance or rural development.
Additional information
This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) on a 15-month fixed-term contract with estimated January 2027 start date.
We aim to conduct interviews for this position w/c 7th December 2026
For further information please contact: Natasha.Constant@rspb.org.uk
As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by/exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.
Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the bottom of this advert.
Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (Pro-Rata)
Social Science Governance Specialist employer: RSPB
As a leading employer in the conservation sector, RSPB offers a dynamic work environment in the stunning location of Aviemore, where employees are encouraged to collaborate on impactful landscape restoration projects. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values teamwork and innovation, RSPB provides unique opportunities for growth while making a meaningful difference in the natural world.
