Lead Researcher for Planetary Health Communications

Internews, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering local media in the world’s most challenging environments, is seeking a Lead Researcher to support the development of a comprehensive communications landscape for planetary health. This role will focus on conducting stakeholder mapping and research to enhance the global communication strategy for planetary health, in collaboration with the Planetary Health Alliance.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a comprehensive desk review and mapping exercise to identify key global stakeholders in planetary health communications, including media platforms, NGOs, governmental agencies, and academic institutions.
• Conduct a thorough analysis of current planetary health communication strategies, focusing on media consumption habits, audience preferences, and challenges faced by information producers.
• Design and develop interview questions, select key informants, and carry out interviews to gather qualitative data to inform the communications landscape.
• Examine the role of AI in planetary health communications, analyzing how AI is used by producers and its impact on content quality, frequency, and accessibility.
• Based on research findings, provide clear, actionable recommendations to improve the communication of planetary health information and strategies for better audience engagement.
• Deliver comprehensive reports, including an inception report, stakeholder mapping, engagement strategy, and implementation plans to inform global planetary health communication strategies.

Required Qualifications:

•  Undergraduate or graduate degree in public health, media studies, social sciences, or a related field, or at least 8 years of relevant work experience in research, communications, or planetary health.
• At least 1 year of experience working with AI and emerging communication technologies, along with strong expertise in qualitative research methods (e.g., key informant interviews, focus groups).
• Proven experience in conducting high-quality research, including data analysis, desk reviews, and qualitative research methodologies.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Nvivo) and familiarity with social media monitoring and media development techniques.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and recommendations.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and teamwork skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including international agencies, health authorities, and NGOs.
• A demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values and a passion for planetary health and global communications.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply soon. Please click here for more information.