International Vacancy Announcement

1. Position: Research Scientist, director for research unit of the Centre

Duty station: Addis Ababa, with occasional travel to countries in the Horn of Africa region

Duration: On contract basis with possible extension

Salary: Negotiable

Number: One

Reports to: The Executive Director

Job summary:

The Research Scientist will be leading the Research Unit of the Centre and will provide strategic direction and oversight for the Centre’s research portfolio. The research scientist will focus on advancing research and innovation including designing and implementation of high-impact research programs aligned with national and regional strategic research and development priorities. The role involves developing strategic partnerships with regional governments, academia, international organizations, and contributing to evidence-based policy formulation on issues such as climate change, biodiversity management, ecosystem restoration, carbon markets, and urban resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and oversee multidisciplinary research initiatives aligned with HOAREC&N’s strategic research themes
• Manage and execute the Center’s research portfolio
• Initiate and lead regional scale research programs by engaging regional network members and designing landscape-based cross border ecosystems initiatives
• Mobilize research funding and manage donor relations
• Publish in top-tier and accredited journals in Ethiopia and abroad.
• Mentor junior researchers and represent the Centre in global forums.
• Be committed to addressing regional challenges like environmental degradation and conflict-driven migration through cross-border cooperation and knowledge dissemination.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Center’s research strategy
• Provide scientific and technical leadership across thematic areas
• Establish and manage strategic research partnerships at regional and global levels
• Oversee research quality, publications, and knowledge dissemination
• Supervise and mentor research team members, provide capacity building training
• Participate in editorial and research publication journal management
• Perform such other tasks and assignments of the Center consigned by the executive director

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in Environmental Science and related fields
• Minimum of 10–15 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (preferably in research positions)
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and funded research projects
• Demonstrated experience in research program management and policy engagement
• Experience in management, strategic planning, policy, research and data processing, etc…
• Knowledge of budget preparation, cost estimation, monitoring and fiscal management principles and procedures
• Experience in network management and fund raising with success records
• Experience in designing modules and conducting of short-term trainings on environmental themes

Competencies, Knowledge and skills

• Research Excellence and Innovation: Demonstrated ability to lead high quality research with a strong publication record and expertise in environmental sciences, climate change resilience, ad-aptation, or sustainable resource management, and related fields of study.
• Leadership and Strategic Vision: Proven track record in managing large-scale projects, teams, and budgets, with experience in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Funding and Resource Mobilization: Recorded success in securing competitive grants from in-ternational donors and building partnerships.
• Mentoring and Capacity Building: Proven ability to guide and develop emerging researchers, in-cluding PhD supervision and training workshops.
• Communication and Advocacy: Exceptional skills in disseminating research findings through conferences, reports, and media, with cultural sensitivity to regional contexts. Excellent leader-ship, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Analytical skills and knowledge of data analysis software: proven data organization and analyti-cal skills, tested knowledge of data analysis software, GIS and application of statistical tools
• Strong commitment to environmental sustainability and regional development
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multi-country environment
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Proficiency in English and other languages (an asset)
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

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2. Position: Senior Research Fellow

Duty station: Addis Ababa, with occasional travel to countries in the Horn of Africa region

Duration: On contract basis with possible extension

Salary: Negotiable

Number: One

Reports to: Research director

Job Summary

The Senior Research Fellow will lead thematic researches, serve as principal investigator for regional and national research projects, conduct independent and collaborative research on pressing regional issues such as climate resilience, biodiversity management, ecosystem restoration, environmental change and climate-induced migration, and integrated land use planning, while supporting the Centre’s broader objectives in environmental governance and resilience building. The role involves contributing to research program development, team building and coordination, cross-border research collaboration and supporting evidence-based policy and practice in the field of environmental management, ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions and climate resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Initiate and independently design research projects, coordinate and lead research proposal writing for funding applications
• Contribute to project design and implementation within the Center’s programs such as Sustainable Energy, Carbon and Urban Resilience; Socioecological landscape Resilience, Environmental governance and Partnerships.
• Analyze data for policy recommendations, sole or co-authoring publications.
• Assist in grant proposals and providing technical guidance to junior staff and partners.
• Facilitate workshops whenever organized.
• Engage with local communities and governments in the Horn of Africa.
• Promote cross-disciplinary approaches to address environmental challenges
• Design and implement research projects in assigned thematic areas
• Lead data collection, analysis, and publication of research outputs
• Contribute to policy briefs, technical reports, and scientific papers
• Support fundraising efforts through proposal development
• Supervise junior researchers and research fellows
• Engage with stakeholders and partners in the Horn of Africa region
• Perform such other tasks to be delegated by the research scientist and the executive director

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in environmental science and in a relevant field
• Minimum of 7–10 years of work and relevant research experience
• Proven record of publications and applied research
• Experience in interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research
• Strong analytical and writing skills

Competencies, Knowledge and skills

• Advanced Research Expertise: Strong background in environmental or related fields with a solid publication history and proficiency in research methodologies like GIS, modeling, or field surveys
• Project Management and Collaboration: Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects and interdisciplinary teams.
• Grant Writing and Partnership Development: Ability to develop funding proposals and maintain relationships with donors and collaborators.
• Teaching and Knowledge Transfer: Skills in mentoring fellows, delivering seminars, and integrating research into educational frameworks.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Proficiency in data analysis and translating findings into actionable policies, with adaptability to dynamic regional issues.
• Knowledge of data analysis software: proven data organization and analytical skills, tested knowledge of data analysis software, GIS and application of statistical tools
• Strong commitment to environmental sustainability and regional development
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multi-country environment
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Proficiency in English and other languages (an asset)
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

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3. Position: Research Fellow

Duty station: Addis Ababa, with occasional travel to countries in the Horn of Africa region

Duration: On contract basis with possible extension

Salary: Negotiable

Number: One

Reports to: Senior Research fellow

Job Summary

The Research Fellow will support ongoing research projects, establish a database of funding sources and pursue active funding opportunities, contribute to concept note development, proposal writing, data collection and analysis, and assist in the preparation of research outputs and knowledge products under the guidance of the senior research fellow.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze field data, contributing to reports and publications, participating in program implementation.
• Engage in community outreach, and aid in the preparation of grant applications.
• Collaborate on capacity-building efforts, such as workshops on environmental management.
• Contribute to HOAREC&N’s advocacy for better regional environmental policies
• Assist in research design, data collection, and analysis
• Contribute to report writing and academic publications
• Support project implementation and coordination
• Participate in stakeholder consultations and fieldwork
• Provide technical and administrative support to research teams

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD degree in Environmental Science and/or related fields
• 2–5 years of relevant experience (or strong academic and research background for early-career candidates)
• Experience in research methods and data analysis
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
• Proven record of engagement in research projects and contributions

Competencies, Knowledge and skills

• Research Skills and Initiative: Solid foundation in environmental sciences or allied disciplines, with emerging publication experience and hands-on research abilities.
• Teamwork and Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in diverse teams and integrate inputs from academia, practitioners, and communities.
• Technical Proficiency: Competence in tools like data analysis software, remote sensing, or qualitative methods.
• Learning and Adaptability: Eagerness to develop expertise through mentorship and fieldwork, with flexibility in addressing evolving environmental issues.
• Communication Skills: Effective in report writing, presentations, and stakeholder interactions, with awareness of cultural and regional nuances.
• Analytical skills and Knowledge of data analysis software: proven data organization and analytical skills, tested knowledge of data analysis software, GIS and application of statistical tools
• Strong commitment to environmental sustainability and regional development
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multi-country environment
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Proficiency in English and other languages (an asset)
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

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Application procedure:

Interested and competent applicants are invited to submit:

• A detailed version of CV, which clearly shows the qualification, experience, competencies and skills
• A cover letter/motivation letter in English language, which clearly states the position you are applying for
• Copies of academic and professional credentials (all in pdf)
• Contact details of at least three professional referees (Email and Telephone number)

Application Deadline: 08 May 2026. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

Applications are accepted only through the following e-mail: recruitment@hoarec.org