Climate Change at IIHS

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time and needs to be tackled simultaneously from multiple knowledge domains. Recognising this, climate change research and practice at IIHS draws upon expertise in energy systems, urban and infrastructure systems, disaster management, human geography, environmental science, sustainability studies, and development studies. Projects span large international consortia, such as the Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR) and Reconfiguring Energy for Social Equity (ReSET), to thematic projects such as Recovery with Dignity (RwD) and Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture as Green Infrastructure (UPAGrI). IIHS also works at the science-policy interface with contributions to international initiatives such as the IPCC Assessment Reports, UN Global Assessment Reports on Disaster Risk Reduction, and UNEP Global Environment Outlook. Climate change projects at IIHS span research, analysis, practice (consulting) and training; often in conjunction with other domain areas.

Job Description

This position will be housed within the Practice Programme at IIHS. We are looking for two or more associates with research and practice experience and interests in (1) climate change adaptation and urban sustainability; and (2) climate change mitigation and energy systems.

The associate will contribute to research that spans natural science and social science domain areas and have the opportunity to join a diverse team and grow with it. The position/s will involve a mix of research projects, teaching and practice engagements requiring the application of innovative research tools and contributing to the generation of new knowledge. There will be opportunities to learn about different research methodologies and contribute to related academic outputs.

We are looking for an immediate hire. This is a contractual position for an initial term of 11 months, renewable on mutual consent.

Activities and Tasks

Responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, the following:

Supporting research on climate change adaptation and climate resilient development including (but not limited to) diagnostic studies of regions, cities; baseline impact and vulnerability assessments; desk-based reviews on adaptation and mitigation synergies and trade-offs in cities;
Providing research support to teaching and training programmes on climate change; and in doing so, conducting literature reviews under applicable knowledge areas; carrying out primary and secondary data collection (of quantitative, qualitative, map, and other data); processing and analyses; drafting research reports and producing other outputs. Formats for teaching vary from classroom teaching to online and digital blended courses and the candidate will be required to provide support in content generation and management of courses, if any;
Contributing to ongoing IIHS projects on climate change in cities and urban sustainability on a need and mutually agreeable basis; supporting climate change research projects through their interim and cyclical progress reviews, including proposal building, keeping minutes, organising contacts, financial planning, preparing letters, presentations and reports, coordinating logistics, and preparing all aspects of project conclusion;
Providing support to other IIHS activities including academics, research, training, practice, operations and others;
Participating in all activities of Institution-Building at IIHS; carrying out tasks as assigned by IIHS; and travelling on IIHS work within or outside the country as and when needed.

Structure and Reporting

The research associate will be an External Consultant coordinating with a Senior Consultant – Practice at IIHS and will be required to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of internal teams and external individuals/organisations, and students.

Person Specification

A Masters’ degree in Climate Change/ Sustainability / Development Studies / Economics / Natural Sciences / Urban Planning or relevant related areas;
Two to six years of post-qualification research experience related to climate change adaptation or mitigation, vulnerability assessments, climate-development linkages, with some experience of fieldwork;
Demonstrated written outputs on the topic (peer-reviewed or grey literature).

Other skills required for this role, include:

Demonstrated research and/or consulting skills in the interdisciplinary areas of urban sustainability, climate risk assessment, climate policy, and development studies;
Excellent communication, relationship management, and interpersonal skills;
The ability to work individually and in a team, in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

This is a contractual position for an initial term of 11 months, renewable on mutual consent. This offer is on an exclusive basis, which implies that other professional assignments (whether compensated or not) that bear a potential conflict of interest with IIHS cannot be undertaken.

The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Location

This position is based in Bengaluru and will entail travel to other locations in India, including field-based work as necessary.

Review and Assessment

The role and performance of the incumbent shall be subject to normal review and assessment systems at IIHS.

Diversity Policy

IIHS is an equal opportunity employer that encourages women, people with disabilities and those from economically and socially excluded communities with the requisite skills and qualifications to apply for positions.

To apply for this job please visit iihs.co.in.