Research Assistant

Summary

Join the African Leadership University's School of Wildlife Conservation as a Research Associate and contribute to groundbreaking research on Africa's wildlife economy. You will conduct robust research and statistical analysis, write reports and policy briefs, prepare presentations, and support various school initiatives. This role requires a graduate degree in a relevant field, 1-2 years of research experience with statistical software (R and Python), and GIS experience. Excellent communication skills and an understanding of the African wildlife economy are essential. The position offers the possibility of remote work or being based in Kigali, Rwanda.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in Economics, Conservation, Business, Statistics or similar
• 1-2 years of practical research experience, including statistical experience (specifically R and Python) and data collation and analysis (preferably in practice)
• 1-2 years of GIS/mapping (QGIS or ArcGis) and related experience
• Excellent attention to detail, rigour and efficient and effective task and time management
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure
• Ability to work in a multicultural, dispersed team
• Flexible and comfortable with change - “startup” mindset
• Excellent communication skills; written and spoken English skills essential
• Understanding of the wildlife economy/business of conservation in Africa is essential & required

Responsibilities

• Conduct relevant robust research & statistical analysis on the wildlife economy in Africa
• Write reports on wildlife economy activities, including country case studies, to illustrate the current value, as well as the potential, of the wildlife economy in Africa
• Cross-tabulate, analyse and interpret wildlife economy data for wildlife economy reports, policy briefs, presentation and marketing tools
• Prepare and conduct presentations on the wildlife economy research
• Support other areas of work, as and where required, including the Business of Conservation Conference
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal, by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards

Preferred Qualifications

• French and/or Portuguese an added advantage
• This role could be remote or preferably located in Kigali, Rwanda