Manager, Behavioral Science

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY – This position is based in the United States (Arlington, VA), Kenya (Nairobi), or Botswana (Gaborone)

Conservation International (CI) protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and partnerships, CI identifies and secures critical places in nature that support biodiversity, climate resilience, and human well-being.

The Manager, Behavioral Science, will play a pivotal role in linking cutting-edge behavioral and social science research with on-the-ground conservation and restoration implementation. Affiliated with CI’s global science division, the Moore Center for Science and Solutions (MCSS), and funded through the CI–University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Arnhold Climate Solutions Collaborative, this role contributes to CI’s Africa Field Management Unit (FMU) efforts to test and scale Natural Climate Solutions (NCS).

The manager will strengthen partnerships between CI’s scientific teams, field implementers, community-based organizations, and research partners, ensuring that local knowledge and field evidence are translated into practical, implementer-ready tools and strategies. This position will help generate evidence to support the growth of CI’s Herding4Health (H4H) program — a partnership between Conservation International and Peace Parks Foundation — by co-developing innovative solutions and leading the edition of an Implementer’s Guidebook that illustrates a range of field-tested participative research approaches that can be leveraged to improve community engagement and behavioral change.

A key responsibility of this position will also be to support the teams, ensuring project compliance with Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) requirements for rangeland and livestock management initiatives funded by Voluntary Carbon Markets, as well as adhering to evaluation policies of multilateral funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The manager will oversee and support transnational research efforts, including well-being assessments, household surveys, and behavioral field experiments. The Manager will also synthesize findings into outputs that influence policy, partner programs, and CI’s internal learning agenda. This includes writing technical and non-technical reports, facilitating partner workshops, and ensuring that scientific findings are actionable and accessible for implementers on the ground.

This role may involve co-managing one or more field scientists, and an ability to work across multiple teams composed of research scientists, program managers, and field coordinators. Fieldwork will primarily occur in countries of CI’s Africa FMU.

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.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across institutions, including NGOs, academic partners, and community organizations.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Environmental Social Science, Behavioral Science, or a related field.
• Experience applying behavioral science to conservation or community engagement.
• Experience conducting fieldwork in a rural African context.
• Experience developing applied research products that bridge science and implementation (e.g., handbooks, field guides, decision-support tools).
• Familiarity with experimental or quasi-experimental methods for behavioral research or impact evaluation (e.g., well-being surveys, discrete choice or field experiments).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior research staff and provide constructive feedback on deliverables.
• Familiarity with Voluntary Carbon Markets Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification frameworks, evaluation policies of multilateral environmental funds (e.g., Green Climate Fund), and Monitoring and Evaluation approaches for donors.
• Knowledge of languages spoken in South Africa and/or Spanish or Portuguese would be a plus.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.