Manager, Behavioral Science  at Conservation International

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Coordination

• Serve as the project’s focal point for CI’s Africa Field Management Unit (FMU), ensuring alignment between the Moore Center for Science, CI’s Africa programs, and implementing partners. 
• Lead the development of an Implementer’s Guidebook, synthesizing behavioral science evidence and practitioner experience into clear, actionable modules for community-based implementers.  
• Serve as the primary liaison across multiple stakeholders (internal science team, implementer partners, national and local authorities) to ensure alignment, co-creation, and timely delivery of deliverables.  
• Partner with academics and field practitioners to co-design field-based learning experiences and guidebooks.  
• Lead field-based data collection and stakeholder engagement in rural community settings.  
• Take a leadership role in people-centered conservation solutions.  
• Supervise and mentor one (or more) research staff/assistant(s); set performance objectives, manage workflow, and support professional growth.  
• Maintain proactive communication with the Senior Scientist and Project Manager, ensuring updates, risks, and opportunities are shared promptly.  

Research & Implementation Support

• Manage and execute field research logistics, including timelines, partner coordination, and workshops for wellbeing and behavioral studies in southern Africa.  
• Contribute technically (~40% of time) to research design, field data collection, and analysis, particularly mixed methods work in wellbeing and behavioral economics.  
• Ensure all fieldwork and outputs meet CI’s standards for scientific rigor, data quality, and relevance to field implementation.  
• Work collaboratively with partners such as Meat Naturally, Conservation South Africa, and Peace Parks Foundation to translate research findings into implementable actions.  

Knowledge Translation & Capacity Building

• Ensure that behavioral science components are integrated into broader organizational priorities and that knowledge generated is actionable for implementers.  
• Coordinate internal learning exchanges, briefings, and synthesis sessions with Africa FMU, fostering stronger linkages between science and implementation.  
• Contribute to technical workshops and cross-team learning events that strengthen CI’s role as a thought leader in people-centered conservation and Natural Climate Solutions.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in one of the CI US offices or in the CI Africa FMU.  
• This position requires regular travel to southern Africa and leading workshops and fieldwork in rural communities  
• Some travel - up to 25% may be required.    
• Flexibility in the work schedule may be necessary in order to accommodate time differences between HQ and the region.  
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some days remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
• This role will be a fixed-term assignment, anticipated to begin in January 2026 and end in December 2027. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, conservation science, social science, or a related field, with 4 to 6 years of experience in scientific research or managing conservation or research initiatives.  
• Ability to translate behavioral and social science evidence into actionable guidance and decision-support tools.  
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to tailor complex ideas for diverse audiences.  
• Ability to manage multi-partner research or conservation projects, coordinating timelines and deliverables across dispersed teams.  
• Experience coordinating or conducting fieldwork in rural or community-based contexts, with sensitivity to cultural and ethical considerations.  
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and sound judgment; able to work independently while maintaining strong communication with colleagues and partners.