Head of Climate Science and Impacts Team (f/m/d)

Context of the role

We are currently seeking a new Head of our Climate Science and Impacts team (hereafter referred to as Science Team) based in Berlin, Germany.
 
The Science Team is a dynamic place for natural and social scientists to do meaningful research on climate change. Climate Analytics aims to close the loop between emissions pathways, global climate projections, climate impacts and the application of climate services at the regional to sub-national level. We are committed to supporting the achievement of the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degree Celsius Long Term Temperature Goal and are striving to provide the science needed to drive climate ambition. Our team includes expertise on scenario research, global climate projections, climate action, impacts, adaptation, and loss and damage. We have a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, particularly with Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries. 
 
Within Climate Analytics, the Science Team works closely with other teams, particularly the Implementation Strategies team, the Climate Policy and Diplomacy team, and with our regional offices in Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, North America and South Asia, ensuring the organisation's overall work is based on the best available science. The Science Team is structured in groups focused on key work areas, with Group Leads guiding the thematic work within the team. 
 
The Science Team works on an exciting array of third-party funded projects that contribute to the global discourse on climate science and policy. The Team also generates regionally specific scientific knowledge to make sure those working on the ground to implement climate mitigation and adaptation strategies have access to the best science.
 
As Head of the Science Team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the scientific outputs and supporting the organisation's mission and culture. Your leadership and expertise in climate change sciences will be instrumental in developing Climate Analytics Science work globally. Experience and involvement in international scientific (and ideally policy) discourses on climate change is integral. Your input and expertise will be vital to maintain and grow Climate Analytics’ scientific profile and contribution to the issue generally.
 
With our expanding regional presence through offices in the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, the US and Australia-Pacific, there will be ample opportunities for you to work across and provide scientific leadership to various regions, including the most vulnerable countries. You will also author a variety of scientific outputs ranging from reports, blogs, and peer-reviewed publications to interactive tools. 
 
We offer a dynamic working atmosphere in an international and interdisciplinary team with great connections in a network of partner institutes and stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to engage with the international climate change negotiations and support our work with stakeholders globally – particularly those in small island states, the least developed countries and other vulnerable countries.

Strategy and Leadership: 

• Provide scientific leadership – including on strategic choice of key focus research topics.
• Provide leadership on state-of-the-art science, methodologies and approaches for assessments and tools for climate change impacts, risks, adaptation and other core topics of the team.  
• Support the group leads to implement their projects and ensure these are aligned with Climate Analytics’ strategy, as well as with our mission and vision.
• Support group leads in the strategic management of resources. 
• Build a spirit of collaboration and develop synergies with other Climate Analytics teams. 
• Maintain scientific integrity and provide overall quality oversight of Science Team work.
• Maintain and enhance the scientific profile of the organisation.

• Represent Climate Analytics' science externally in the media and at high-level events, conferences, and science-policy processes.
• Establish and maintain solid working relationships with key stakeholders, including the scientific community in which we work, representatives of small island states and least developed countries, non-governmental organisations and UN institutions relevant to our work.

• Provide leadership to identify opportunities with new and existing partners in relation to climate science and empower group leads to develop their capabilities in this area.
• Lead in-team processes to develop new ideas, programmes and projects.
• Support the acquisition of funding through networks and strategic leadership.

• Lead and manage the Science Team including line management of group leads.
• Select, recruit and onboard new team members at the group lead level and support group leads in developing their recruitment of new team members.
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by Climate Analytics policies, standards and commitments, taking into account gender parity and diversity objectives.

Your profile

• Strong academic background in climate change science (PhD) as well as a track record of scientific publications and leadership of research teams

• Well-developed and demonstrated leadership and management skills with the ability to build and motivate high-performing teams. 

• 10+ years’ work experience in addition to PhD
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align teamwork with organisational goals.
• Good knowledge of climate system and impact modelling approaches. Familiarity with the use of climate emulators and their application for climate impact studies, consequences of emission pathways for global and regional climate change.
• Connections or affiliations with academic institutions, or an interest to develop such are an asset (to facilitate supervision of PhD-students)
• A good understanding of and willingness to engage in the scientific and media discussion around the 1.5°C long-term temperature goal in the Paris Agreement
• Experience working with SIDS and LDCs (and other vulnerable countries) in the field of climate science, impacts, adaptation to climate change or related issues is an asset. 
• Strong scientific network in relevant areas of expertise is important.
• Network with scientific actors (or scientists or regional scientific organisations) in regions beyond the EU, contributing to debates and analysis are an asset.
• Comfort with and experience contributing to debates and analysis at the climate science-policy interface is important.
• Experience working with IPCC and/or UNFCCC is an asset.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills are essential. Additional languages are an asset.
• Willingness to travel is important.

Our offer

Application Deadline: Open until filled
Starting date:  as soon as possible
Location: Berlin, Germany
Terms: We are looking for a long term collaboration, the terms of which are negotiable.

Please apply with your CV, cover letter and a list of three references in PDF format exclusively using the application form. Please indicate in your cover letter your earliest start date and your salary expectations.

Applications by email or by post can unfortunately not be processed.