Researcher: Deforestation-Free Supply Chains

Overview:

The Olab Researcher on deforestation-free supply chains is a new role that requires skills in desk-based research, quantitative and qualitative analyses, and report writing, as well as technical knowledge about agricultural supply chains and the measures and policies needed to decouple them from deforestation.  The successful candidate will be highly self-motivated and have experience of working with addressing deforestation in one or more major forest-risk commodities (e.g., soy, beef, palm oil). Responsibilities for the role include research, design and delivery of stakeholders’ interviews, summary and report writing, and the presentation of findings to diverse audiences.

 About Olab:

Olab is one of Brazil’s leading sustainability strategy consultancies: over the last 15 years, we have worked with more than 100 clients from the agricultural and food sectors, governments, non-profits and multi-stakeholder forums. We apply a mix of research, facilitation and strategy skills to support these clients in how they address complex challenges related to land use, agriculture supply chains and climate change.

As facilitators, we place great importance in the quality of processes, ensuring buy-in from relevant stakeholders, and a sense of ownership of any co-designed plans and policies; as strategy consultants, we support the design and delivery of strategic planning, theories of change, voluntary agreements and public policies; and as researchers, we recognize the importance of bringing quality data and analysis to decisions and action relating to land-use and sustainable supply chains. 

We are a small team of 15 people, and place value in the quality of our relationships and a sense of care for one another. We provide opportunities for on-the-job learning, through mentoring; as well as technical training relating to specific areas of expertise required by our team members.

Responsibilities:

The researcher will be expected to work independently and to carry out high-quality quantitative and qualitative research on the causal pathway between commodity supply chains and deforestation, and the interventions that can be put in place to decouple one from the other. Among the questions that the research outputs will be expected to answer are:

▪          What measures have been shown to effectively deliver on deforestation and conversion commitments in commodity supply chains?

▪          What landscape interventions and governance structures have been most impactful in transforming sourcing landscapes?

▪          What factors lead to producer uptake of ‘sustainability products’? How might the rate of uptake be accelerated?

▪          What engagement practices – and with whom – have been shown to drive progress towards DCF commitments?

▪          Does supply chain action result in threat alleviation for natural ecosystems and if so, under what conditions?

Under the supervision of the Head of Food Systems at Olab, the Researcher’s work will cover the following realms:

1. Desk-based research from academic, documentary and grey literature sources

▪          Literature review from a variety of resources

▪          Preparation and updating of a research bibliography

▪          Development of analytical frameworks

▪          Syntheses of literature and documentary evidence

2. Interviews with experts, partners and implementers

▪          Preparation and updating of a list of interlocutors

▪          Drafting of a script to guide the interviews

▪          Organization and administration of the interviews

▪          Carrying out of semi-structured interviews, with appropriate note taking

▪          Analysis and presentation of outcomes of the interviews

3. Summarising and Report Writing

▪          Write up of research findings in the form of summary briefs

▪          In collaboration with colleagues, write up more formal outputs, including a research paper and policy brief

▪          Gather feedback and inputs on all reports, and revise accordingly

4. Present Findings and Facilitate Expert Discussions

▪          Convene experts from a variety of organizations to discuss findings

▪          Present findings in PowerPoint format

▪          Design and co-facilitate discussions among experts and practitioners

▪          Write up summary reports from expert discussions

Profile and Experience

The successful candidate is likely to match many of the following features:

▪          3 – 5 years’ experience of working with forest-risk commodities and research

▪          Demonstrated experience in documentary research and literature reviews, including qualitative and quantitative analyses

▪          Knowledge of the soy and beef supply chains; ideally additional experience of other commodities such as cocoa, palm, sugar.

▪          A self-starter with the motivation to work independently

▪          Good verbal and written communication skills; experience with facilitation is an asset

▪          Fluent in spoken and written English. Proficiency in Indonesian, Spanish or Portuguese a plus

Contracting & Working Conditions

This is a consultancy-based position with a fixed-term contract of 9 months, extendable upon agreement. The consultant is expected to work independently and manage their own schedule while delivering agreed outputs. The remuneration is set as a monthly fee, with no additional benefits. Payments will be processed in BRL (or internationally in USD/EUR if required). While the role is remote, occasional in-person meetings in Brazil may be needed.

At Olab, we value diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to identifying candidates and building teams with a diverse set of skills, experiences and abilities.