Researcher
Position Summary.
Join us as a Researcher helping Greenpeace lead the fight against climate change and environmental destruction. Become a pivotal part of our dynamic team in Kuala Lumpur, with potential activities extending throughout the region as needed. The Researcher will play a crucial role in supporting our campaigns through rigorous scientific research, data analysis, investigation and the development of compelling reports. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental science, policy analysis, and a commitment to Greenpeace’s mission of promoting sustainable and equitable solutions to environmental challenges.
Greenpeace undertakes research as an integral part of its campaigns. The researcher will be involved in planning, coordination and execution of research in Malaysia.
The researcher is responsible for furthering Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s programme objectives through capacity building, implementation of best practice, advice on strategic use of various types of research as well as development and guidance of high-quality research projects. They will also contribute to the development of the Projects, Actions and Public Engagement Units tactical and strategic capabilities specifically on research.
It is expected that you will be working in Malaysia and based in the Kuala Lumpur office, as well as work in other countries within the region as required. In certain situations, as determined by external events and upon the recommendation of the line manager, you will be expected to move between research projects, issues and campaigns as needed. Your efforts will directly contribute to a broader understanding and support for sustainability, paving the way for a healthier planet.
This position demands an individual who is passionate about learning and growth. We offer extensive opportunities for professional development within our global organization, encouraging our team members to evolve continuously and contribute effectively. By joining us, you will not only accelerate your career but also amplify our collective impact on global environmental advocacy.
1. Purpose.
(a) Conceptual.
- Advise campaign projects on research-related matters and research and data-oriented opportunities in Malaysia.
- Design research and investigations plans according to Greenpeace research standards and protocols, including identifying and verifying credible, relevant, and reliable sources of information and following research best practices and guidelines.
- Ensure research projects are in line with Greenpeace risk management protocols and as well as ethical guidelines to ensure safe and effective research practices.
- Keep abreast of research methodologies, tactics, tools, and discourse on the main environmental issues which could be of use to Greenpeace.
- Familiarize and uphold Greenpeace’s core values and position on environmental issues, and ensure that these values and messaging are reflected in research projects.
(b) Applied.
- Assist Campaign Leads to develop research plans that effectively contribute to Greenpeace campaign objectives and strategy. Prepare feasibility assessments of potential research and investigation opportunities as well as cost/benefit analysis.
- Lead and implement desk and field research projects, from developing research proposals to data and intelligence gathering, analysis, reporting, summary and presentation.
- Identify research needs and support to seek out and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including internal and external specialists and technical experts, to fulfill these needs and produce high quality research outputs.
- Support and collaborate with the Regional Research & Investigation Coordinator, providing regular updates on research plans and projects in Malaysia, contributing insights from local contextual analysis, trends and patterns, and contributing to regional and global research initiatives as needed.
- Provide research support to campaign planning. Identify campaign opportunities and requirements for research during the campaign planning process. Provide research and insights on political, economic, social and technological trends relevant to environmental campaigns.
- Prepare and communicate research findings, including producing executive summaries, briefings, reports, and materials to support campaign goals, and other research outputs as needed. Support campaign teams to find the best way to communicate research findings to relevant audiences ensuring clarity, conciseness and accuracy.
- Stay up to date and familiar with various research databases, tools and platforms to support research needs. Recommend additional tools and resources when relevant.
2. Engagement
(a) Internal.
- Report to and work closely with the Regional Research & Investigation Coordinator (and Regional R&I team) for guidance and alignment with Greenpeace standards and strategy.
- Work closely with local campaigners in Malaysia to effectively plan and conduct research projects that contribute to campaign and country objectives.
- Liaise with regional and global Greenpeace experts and specialists, including scientists, mapping experts, legal counsel, global campaign advisors and specialists, and others as needed.
(b) External Networks and Representation.
- Build and maintain a network of external contacts, specialists, and sources throughout the country (and region) to assist with research projects.
- Support proposals, fulfillment and reporting on grant requests for research-related funding.
3. Delivery
(a) Timeliness
- Ensure accurate and professional research tasks are delivered in a timely manner.
- Support research plans and proposals to reflect realistic and feasible timeframes to deliver desired outputs, taking into account the potential for unexpected results and outcomes.
- Communicate regular updates on research progress.
(b) Quality
- Ensure research processes and outputs are of professional quality and adhere to Greenpeace standards and protocols, resulting in accurate, credible, reliable outputs. Follow appropriate safety and security protocols.
- Evaluate research process and outcomes, assessing whether projects have achieved stated objectives and contributed measurably to campaigns. Complete evaluation reports if required, including documenting lessons learned and areas for future improvement.
- Monitor expenditures related to the function of the researcher.
- Perform other duties as directed by the line manager.
Job Requirements.
Level of Education:
- Degree or equivalent experience – in Environmental Policy or Science, Environmental Studies, Human Rights, Sustainable Development, Journalism, Law, Business Administration or other research field. Master’s degree preferred.
Work Experience:
- 3 years or more in research-related work .
- Experience leading research projects.
- Skills and experience with various research methodologies and applications - preferably both desk-based and field work, in Malaysia and/or Southeast Asia.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and experience - ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people; public speaking skills; online communications experience; ability to make effective presentations in remote, diverse and multi-cultural environments.
- Experience applying research findings strategically for public awareness campaigns, corporate campaigns, policy work, or other solutions-oriented work – demonstrated ability to think both strategically and creatively.
Functional Skills:
- Highly developed research and analysis skills, including the ability to identify, gather and interpret relevant information, and deliver clear and actionable findings.
- Strong knowledge of research standards, process and best practices, and ability to review, assess and give feedback on research quality.
- Strong skills in project managing, organizing, planning, and implementing research.
- Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
- Ability to communicate with various stakeholders and provide regular progress/status updates.
- A keen interest in and understanding of environment and humanities work related to campaigning, social movements and environmental protection. Experience in environmental activism is a plus.
- Proven ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team.
- Understanding of security, information security, health and safety issues related to field research work (e.g. risk management, hazmat procedures)
- High level of computer literacy.
- Ability to travel for field research activities as needed.
Job Type: Contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: RM4,000.00 - RM5,500.00 per month
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Maternity leave
- Parental leave
- Professional development
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Research: 3 years (Required)
- Communication skills: 3 years (Required)
- Project Management Skills: 3 years (Required)
- Environmental and Humanities Knowledge: 3 years (Required)
Language:
- English (Preferred)
- Chinese (Preferred)
- Bahasa (Preferred)
Application Deadline: 08/31/2024
Expected Start Date: 10/01/2024