Head of Science, IPCC Working Group III Technical Support Unit - REMOTE

Head of Science, IPCC Working Group III Technical Support Unit

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Posting: 10/23/2023 -12/20/2023

Target Start Date: January 2024

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.

Cover letter: Please include a summary of meeting/exceeding the minimum qualifications of the role and professional skills experience. This role will collaborate with a diverse global team, and we highly encourage applicants to emphasize information about global/international assessment leadership experience.

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 mitigation options. 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; 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. USGCRP coordinates and integrates global change research and supporting activities conducted by 14 Federal agencies and departments, with the day-to-day operations facilitated by a National Coordination Office administered by ICF. The IPCC Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) cycle is a program priority.

FUNCTION

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 supports 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.

DECISIONMAKING AND PROBLEMSOLVING

Makes independent and complex decisions on commitments emanating from the IPCC Bureau. Fosters relationships and works closely with stakeholders and IPCC authors to achieve the diverse goals of the Working Group III scientific assessment process. Makes substantial contributions in defining scientific goals and approach of assessment programs. Takes initiative and leads efforts to identify and solve problems to achieve assessment program goals and objectives. Makes independent, highly complex, and innovative decisions based on full working knowledge of scientific topics and integrated understanding of project operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1)    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 – including the WGIII contribution to the AR7 and/or Special Reports or Technical Papers requested/agreed by the Panel, and IPCC workshops and expert meetings. Helps ensure the scientific integrity of assigned projects from inception to completion. Manages development of summary documentation on behalf of the co-chairs, including the Summary for Policymakers (SPM) and Technical Summary (TS) of WGIII-led reports. Leads WGIII efforts to coordinate scientific issues with sister working groups and with other scientific programs on cross-disciplinary issues. Serves as core member of the Synthesis Report writing team, identifying key findings and themes that emerge and integrating into a cohesive product. Actively par