Climate Mitigation Staff Scientist, IPCC Working Group III Technical Support Unit

Position: Climate Mitigation Staff Scientist, IPCC Working Group III Technical Support Unit Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Location: Washington DC (Hybrid)

Posting Dates: May 8, 2024 - June 6, 2024

Application Instructions:

Resume/CV/Cover letter must detail professional expertise and education in climate mitigation.

This position offers a hybrid work model and is based at the USGCRP office in Washington DC. Regular in person meetings required (1 to 2 days per week).

Candidates residing outside the Washington DC metro area are required to indicate their relocation date. Alternatively, they should confirm their capability to commute to the office on a hybrid basis.

OVERVIEW

Jointly established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) prepares comprehensive and up-to-date assessments of policy-relevant scientific, technical, and socio-economic information needed to further understand the scientific basis of climate change, potential impacts, and options for mitigation and adaptation. Working Group III (WGIII) assesses climate change mitigation. For the IPCC Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) cycle, the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) is funding a Technical Support Unit (TSU) to provide technical and administrative services in direct support of the elected IPCC WGIII Co-Chairs. To enhance efficiency, the TSU is distributed – with nodes at the USGCRP office in Washington DC, and at partner entities elsewhere in the United States and abroad. USGCRP coordinates and integrates global change research and supporting activities conducted by 15 Federal agencies and departments, with the day-to-day operations facilitated by a National Coordination Office administered by ICF. The IPCC AR7 cycle is a program priority.

BASIC FUNCTION

The Climate Mitigation Staff Scientist works closely with the TSU Head and Head of Science. Provides high-level scientific support to address commitments of IPCC Working Group III – specifically preparing and reviewing the WGIII contribution to the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) and the AR7 Synthesis Report. Plays a lead role in science project teams, contributing interdisciplinary scientific content via advanced knowledge of climate mitigation topics. Serves as a lead staff resource for the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. Serves as WGIII TSU representative on IPCC Secretariat-led action teams, e.g., the Communications Action Team (CAT). Typical functions include development of written reports and guidance for assessment authors; meeting objective and agenda planning, content development, and presentation delivery for author meetings; liaising with authors and scientific staff across the working groups; using advanced knowledge of the science to compile, review, and edit reports; and attending national and international meetings as a representative of IPCC WGIII.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1)    Scientific Coordination (45%): Ensures that WGIII assessments are accurate, balanced, and comprehensive, providing quality assurance services for the research community and stakeholders. Develops plans for and manages production of materials supporting the assessment process, in consultation with senior scientific staff within and across working groups and leading mitigation experts serving on writing teams. Reviews draft materials submitted by authors to verify adherence to plenary-approved outlines and to support clarity and effectiveness of assessment; ensures that assigned draft chapters objectively reflect the latest scientific findings; and helps motivate writing teams to stay on a very tight mandatory schedule while maintaining the highest scientific integrity. Uses expert knowledge of the underlying science and relevant literature to develop innovative ways of improving message and communicating key findings. Supports the planning and conduct of Expert Meetings and Workshops and assists in the preparation of proceedings/reports.

2)    Scientific Management (40%): Assists the Head of Science and WGIII TSU science colleagues with the evaluation and synthesis of scoping meeting and writing team nominations packages, providing streamlined materials for WGIII Bureau consideration. Helps coordinate large-scale projects which could include development of Frequently Asked Questions, cross-volume boxes, and/or the WGIII contribution to IPCC-wide glossary. Offers independent comments on draft chapters to reduce redundancy, ensure consistency, and promote effective assessment practice within and across drafts. Generates TSU syntheses of collected comments from the staged reviews to identify common themes. Generates Lead Author Meeting presentations and author guidance to highlight said themes. Serves as a science advisor to the Volunteer Chapter Scientist cadre – regarding grey literature, reference management, copyright, and other tasks that may be under their purview.

3)    IPCC Action Teams (5%): Serves as WGIII TSU representative on IPCC Secretariat-led action teams (e.g., CAT), consisting of representatives from each IPCC Working Group, the secretariat, and other IPCC officials. Contributes to the Error Protocol process. As needed, prepares and reviews rapid response materials.

4)    Report Preparation (5%): Assists with draft preparations and reviews, and with production of final deliverables (both hardcopy and digital compilations).

5)    Special Projects (5%): Undertakes special projects upon request of the TSU Head, Head of Science, and/or the WGIII Co-Chairs. Mentors Volunteer Chapter Scientists, junior TSU staff, and a rotation of interns.

DECISION MAKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Makes independent decisions on allocation of time to achieve objectives established by the WGIII Co-Chairs and senior TSU management and takes initiative to identify and solve problems in preparation of assigned deliverables. Represents program to outside entities with considerable discretion in communicating program objectives and requirements. Works independently and exercises initiative under broad general guidance. Deals with stakeholders at all levels requiring an ability to work across language and cultural barriers.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

•     Broad, advanced knowledge of the theory and practice of environmental assessment as applied to climate mitigation science and scenarios.

•     Broad, advanced level knowledge of public policy issues related to global climate change.

•     Familiarity with the climate mitigation community, and the ability to foster new contacts and working relationships.

•     Expert in synthesizing and summarizing scientific and/or technical information.

•     Advanced writing skills, for both technical and non-technical audiences, and in proofreading and editing technical documents.

•     Excellent public speaking skills.

•     Ability to be an effective advocate of the TSU to the international scientific community.

•     Excellent project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills to enhance meeting deadlines under pressure.

•     Knowledge of web page development, graphics, and desktop publishing software.

•     Ability to handle confidential/sensitive information in a manner consistent with ICF policy, and an ability to act in a professional manner consistent with the “USGCRP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility” statement.

•     Willingness and ability to travel (including international destinations).

•     Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and communications tools such as Slack and an array of videoconferencing platforms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•     Ph.D. in social or natural science discipline or engineering relevant to climate change mitigation assessment

•     3+ years of experience working with interdisciplinary research community.

•     US Citizenship or US Permanent Resident

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•     IPCC prior experience

Additional Job Description

Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of clearly identified factors. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Networks with senior internal and external personnel in own area of expertise. Works under fairly limited direction. Normally receives little instruction on day-to-day work, general instructions on new assignments. Determines and develops approach to solutions within policies and procedures. Work is evaluated upon completion to ensure objectives have been met. Regularly interacts with functional peers within the immediate organization, as well as with clients or vendors. Interaction normally requires the ability to gain cooperation of others and/or conducting presentations of technical information concerning specific project/schedules.