Education, knowledge, and experience:
· MSc /PhD in a relevant environmental science discipline (forestry, ecology, natural resource management, etc.) with a strong understanding of governance (such as political science, international development, sociology, anthropology, political ecology, gender studies, human geography, etc.).
· A minimum of 5 years (if PhD holder) or 10 years (if MSc holder) of experience in research for development in the context of stakeholder dynamics, institutions, gender considerations, and Civil Society interaction with the REDD+ process in the Congo Basin, with a focus on the DRC.
· Demonstrated experience and ability in team leadership, project management, conflict mediation and participatory process management.
· Strong understanding and experience of the REDD+ process and climate change mitigation in the Congo Basin, particularly in the DRC.
· Work experience in a research institute is an advantage.
· Previous experience working with Civil Society and navigating the Civil Society environment.
· Competence in scientific methods for research, including data analysis and writing and preparation of peer-reviewed publications in scientific or multidisciplinary journals in environmental sciences is an asset.
· Deep understanding of REDD+ governance at national and subnational levels in the DRC, with the ability to navigate across multiple institutions.
Personal attributes and competencies:
· Ability to manage a small in-country unit, ensuring effective communication with the national office, headquarters and other thematic groups.
· Ability to manage difficult dialogues and conflicts, while ensuring inclusive decision-making and transparency.
· Readiness to travel extensively within the DRC and internationally (approximately 25% of the time), including to remote and publicly serviced locations.
· Highly dynamic and able to closely monitor the evolution of REDD+ implementation, activities and policies in the DRC. Strong motivation and ability to communicate with non-academic audiences to ensure that scientific knowledge effectively benefits civil society.
· High level of ethics and professionalism.
· Fluency in French and English (written and spoken) is essential. An in-person or video conference interview will be conducted in both languages.
· Knowledge of national languages (Lingala and Swahili).