Working Group III (WGIII) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is filling the position of
Head of Science for the IPCC WGIII Technical Support Unit
Deadline extended till 7 January 2024.
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. WGIII assesses climate mitigation options (click here for more information). For the IPCC Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) cycle, the U.S. Global Change Research Program 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 WGIII TSU is distributed – with nodes at the USGCRP office in Washington DC; at partner entities in Asheville, NC, and elsewhere in the United States; and around the globe, e.g., co-located with the developing country co-chair in Malaysia. ICF administers the TSU-Washington node.
The Head of Science provides senior-level scientific leadership for WGIII assessment programs; works with, and under the guidance of, the WGIII Co-Chairs to structure, summarize, and disseminate key findings generated by and during the assessment process; and provides scientific direction to TSU staff in support of IPCC-wide commitments. The Head of Science also works closely with the TSU Head to ensure that scientific and logistical coordination effectively support WGIII priorities. Major efforts involve scoping, preparation, and review of the WGIII contribution to the AR7 and any Special Reports under its purview, and the organization and documentation of expert meetings and workshops that support the process. The Head of Science interacts directly with the WGIII Co-Chairs and manages assigned projects and workflow for the science staff both in Washington DC and abroad.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership: Advises the WGIII Co-Chairs and WGIII Bureau on broad goals of assessment programs and on scientific needs and directions that affect the work plan. Provides strategic scientific leadership to define the emphasis and content of WGIII deliverables. Manages development of summary documentation on behalf of the WGIII Co-Chairs, including the Summary for Policymakers (SPM) and Technical Summary (TS) of WGIII-led reports.
Scientific Management: Directs TSU staff in all scientific aspects of WGIII deliverables. Leads WGIII efforts to coordinate scientific issues with sister working groups and with other cross-disciplinary programs. Helps ensure that WGIII products are accurate, balanced, and comprehensive; that the assessments reflect the current state-of-the-science and maintain the highest scientific standards; and that development adheres to IPCC rules and procedures.
Scientific Outreach: Troubleshoots issues arising during reviews of draft material, negotiating solutions between the source and relevant lead authors – requiring an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and refined interpersonal skills. Presents WGIII goals, objectives, activities, and findings to an array of audiences, including scientific organizations, governments, environment and industry groups, and other interested stakeholders.
Skills and Competencies
• Expert knowledge of the theory and practice of environmental assessment as applied to climate mitigation science and scenarios.
• Expert understanding of scientific/technical concepts in support of multidisciplinary research activities.
• Expert knowledge of environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities to climate change.
• Advanced skill in acquiring and interpreting information from a wide range of sources to promote program objectives.
• Advanced skill in establishing and maintaining good communications and working relationships with an extensive network of leading scientists.
• Substantial negotiation and interpersonal communications skills to work with diverse, highly opinionated individuals and groups in a charged political environment.
• Advanced ability to be an effective advocate of the program to the scientific community (international and domestic).
• Advanced project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced writing skills, for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong public speaking skills to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• 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 to travel (including international destinations).
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in social or natural science discipline relevant to climate science, plus ten or more years’ experience conducting research on climate mitigation. Preference given if five or more years’ direct experience in international assessment activities, working with the IPCC process and/or scientific management of large multidisciplinary groups.
Application Information
This is a term position through 30 April 2026, with the possibility of extension. Employment is through ICF, a global advisory and technology services provider. This is an international search process, with the possibility of a remote or hybrid working arrangement, provided ICF has an existing presence in the country of origin. If comparable qualifications, preference will be given to candidates within the Eastern Time Zone and/or Washington DC metropolitan area.
If interested in the position, apply directly by uploading your CV and motivation letter to the ICF Career Portal. If you have questions, you may contact the WGIII TSU Head (David Dokken) at <tsu@ipcc-wg3.gov> or ICF via the chat feature in the ICF Career Portal. This job posting will be open until 7 January 2024.