Job detailsJob TypeFull-timeLocation301 Sparkman Dr, Huntsville, AL 35899+ Leaflet | OpenStreetMap contributorsFull Job Description

Job no: 498591

Department: Earth System Science Center

Work type: staff full-time exempt

Location: Huntsville, AL

Categories: Research – Other

Purpose of the Position:

We are currently seeking a Research Scientist to provide econometric assessments of SERVIR science activities across its network. The goal of the position is to deepen the understanding of the impact of SERVIR services and to more fully incorporate econometric analysis in the evaluation of current projects and the development of future work. The position will be located at the National Space Science & Technology Center in Huntsville, Alabama but will support activities domestically and internationally, including travel to Eastern and Southern Africa, Hindu Kush Himalaya; Southeast Asia; West Africa; Amazonia; and Central America. SERVIR is a joint program of NASA, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and geospatial organizations around the world that help communities in Asia, Africa, and the Americas address environmental challenges with the use of NASA Earth-observing satellites. (https://www.servirglobal.net) SERVIR is part of NASAs Capacity Building Program under NASAs Applied Sciences Program (ASP) that focuses on specific geographic regions to develop thematically focused science products, tools, and services that meet the needs of decision-makers in those regions. The four Thematic Service Areas are Agriculture and Food Security, Water & Water Related Disasters, Land Cover and Land Use Change and Ecosystems, and Weather and Climate. SERVIR is currently active in five regional Hubs: (1) SERVIR-Eastern and Southern Africa (E&SA), in Nairobi, Kenya; (2) SERVIR-Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) in Kathmandu, Nepal; (3) SERVIR-Mekong (with the possibility of expansion to Southeast Asia as of Oct 2022) in Bangkok, Thailand; (4) SERVIR-West Africa (WA) in Niamey, Niger; and (5) SERVIR-Amazonia (SA) in Cali, Colombia. A sixth hub is under development in Central America. The SERVIR Science Coordination Office (SCO), located at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), aligns the SERVIR Applied Sciences Team (AST) projects with services run at SERVIR hubs. The SCO participates in work planning processes for hubs to provide guidance on existing and new NASA-applied research. The SCO also has the responsibility to provide science and Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) support as needed to enhance hub capacity and the scientific value of SERVIR products, tools, and services. To improve how SERVIR designs and assesses the impact of satellite-based services, SERVIR will incorporate econometric analysis into its service planning process. The economic analysis will quantify the economic value of several of SERVIRs key services and provide strategic guidance on mainstreaming economic impact assessment into SERVIR. Incorporating lessons from VALUABLES and other NASA- and USAID-funded impact evaluations, the position will provide SERVIR strategic guidance on the methodologies for embedding economic valuation into its service planning processes and will be responsible for leading several econometric analyses of 2-3 services. The position will begin to assess a few services and dive deeply into evaluating the economic value brought by using Earth science information (e.g., the value of information under uncertain conditions, cost-benefit analysis). The capability brought by this position will be valuable for the broader NASA Applied Sciences Program, not only through the development of demonstrably valuable new tools but also through new capacities and spaces for knowledge sharing.

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in Economics/Applied Economics, and domain expertise in relevant fields (e.g., environment, agriculture, water, climate, disasters) or a similar field or equivalent experience
Minimum of 12-21 months of full-time verifiable relevant work experience
Publication record demonstrating proven experience in econometric analysis and economic impact assessment, particularly in the contexts of environment and international development
Basic understanding of Earth Science and satellite observations
Ability to communicate potentially sensitive information, especially related to the value of information, services, and systems
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to work on interdisciplinary teams and across diverse cultures
Scientific communication skills, including the development of stories and narratives, and/or the ability to work with communications experts

Desired Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Economics/Applied Economics, and domain expertise in relevant fields (e.g., environment, agriculture, water, climate, disasters) or a similar field is preferred
Experience working with NASA and/or other Federal agencies is desired

Published Salary (if available):

Advertised: Oct 31 2022 Central Daylight Time Applications close:

Hiring InsightsJob activityPosted 30+ days ago

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