Working Group III (WGIII) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is filling the position of
Staff Scientist for the IPCC WGIII Technical Support Unit
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 change mitigation (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 TSU is distributed – with nodes at the USGCRP office in Washington DC, and at partner entities elsewhere in the United States and abroad. ICF administers the TSU-Washington node.
The Staff Scientist works closely with the TSU Head and Head of Science, providing high-level scientific support to address WGIII commitments – specifically preparing and reviewing the WGIII contribution to the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) and the AR7 Synthesis Report, and serving as a staff resource for the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Coordination: Ensures that WGIII assessments are accurate, balanced, and comprehensive, providing quality assurance services for the research community and stakeholders. Reviews draft materials submitted by authors to verify adherence to plenary-approved outlines and to ensure that assigned draft chapters objectively reflect the latest scientific findings. 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.
Scientific Management: 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 an IPCC-wide glossary. 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.
Cross-Working Group Collaboration: Serves as WGIII TSU representative on cross-working group initiatives and action teams. Contributes to the Error Protocol process. Assists with draft preparations and reviews, and with production of final deliverables (both hardcopy and digital compilations).
Skills and Competencies
- 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).
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in social or natural science discipline or engineering relevant to climate change mitigation assessment, plus three or more years of experience working with an interdisciplinary community. Prior IPCC experience a plus.
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. U.S. citizenship or permanent lawful resident status is required. The position is based in Washington DC, at the USGCRP National Coordination Office (hybrid work arrangement).
You can access the full position description and apply for the post (uploading your CV and motivation letter) by visiting the ICF Career Portal. If you have questions, you may contact the WGIII TSU Head at tsu@ipcc-wg3.gov or ICF via the chat feature in the ICF Career Portal. This job posting will be open until 30 April 2024.