Terms of Reference

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Social Scientist (in Bahia, Brazil)
FPIC & Community Development

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Background
Groundd is a women-led consulting firm advancing community-centered development, inclusive conservation enterprises, and policy innovation for sustainable trade. We work across Africa, Latin America, and Europe, advising governments, NGOs, and businesses on community engagement, nature-based solutions, sustainable value chains, climate resilience, and green policy development.

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We are expanding our presence beyond Africa, targeting European and LATAM markets where our frameworks and technical services can support institutions building impactful, climate-smart, and inclusive programs.

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About the Role

We are seeking a Brazil-based professional to lead and coordinate the execution of Groundd's deliverables during the design and pilot phase of the Onça Ecological Corridor project in Bahia.

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This role is central to implementing activities related to:

• FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent)

• CERS framework

• Socioeconomic diagnostics and value chain analysis

• Field coordination and community engagement

• Developing readiness roadmaps for nature-positive community enterprises.

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Main Responsibilities

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1. Coordination of Groundd Deliverables

• Lead daily execution of Groundd’s scope in Brazil.

• Organize schedules, work plans, and operational priorities.

• Ensure timely delivery of CERS diagnostics, socioeconomic data, and value chain mapping.

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2. FPIC and Field Articulation

• Plan and implement ethical, participatory FPIC processes.

• Organize field missions, workshops, and consultations with local stakeholders (associations, producers, landowners).

• Maintain trust-based relationships with local partners like Panthera and RAMO Earth.

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3. CERS Methodology Implementation

• Apply CERS methodology in pilot areas and coordinate data collection.

• Identify priority enterprises and value chains aligned with conservation and income generation.

• Translate findings into practical investment recommendations.

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4. Socioeconomic Diagnostics

• Supervise data collection on livelihoods and community organization.

• Analyze value chains for deforestation-free and regenerative potential.

• Identify operational bottlenecks and institutional strengthening needs.

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Desired Profile

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Essential Requirements

• Residence: Based in Brazil (strong preference for Bahia) with legal work authorization.

• Experience: 5 to 8 years in community development, rural livelihoods, value chains, or conservation projects.

• Skills: Fluent Portuguese and professional English level.

• Availability: Frequent travel to remote areas of Bahia.

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"Plus" Qualifications

• Experience with traditional communities (Quilombolas, Indigenous Peoples, etc.).

• Knowledge of tools like Kobo, Survey123, or QGIS.

• Familiarity with agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, carbon markets, or blended finance.

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Application Process

Interested candidates should send the following to stephanie@staygroundd.com:

• Updated CV

• Brief motivation letter

• Availability and salary expectation (in BRL)

• Current location/base​

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We are looking forward to hearing from you!