Researcher, Climate Change and Risk

Mar 28, 2019 | Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
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Stockholm International Peace Research Institute is an international institute based in Sweden, dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is seeking a talented Researcher in the study area of Climate Change and Risk (CCR). The Researcher will produce high-quality research on climate-related security risks and support multilateral organizations’ responses to these risks. The Researcher should have a demonstrated knowledge of issues relating to climate-related security risks and preferably sound knowledge of the multilateral system, such as the United Nations and the European Union.

Context

SIPRI is an independent international institute whose core mission is to undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. SIPRI provides excellent opportunities for scientific and personal development and is an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all over the world.

In recent years, SIPRI has broadened its focus to a wider understanding of security, exploring the linkages between peace, security and development. In 2016 SIPRI established its CCR Programme. The CCR Programme—which is situated in the Peace and Development study area—pursues research to identify and assess climate-related security risks, and policy actors’ responses to those risks. The overarching goal of the CCR Programme is: to identify and understand sources of insecurity linked to climate change; prevent and resolve conflicts; and contribute to sustaining peace.

The Researcher position

The primary responsibilities of the Researcher are: (a) to deliver high-quality research on climate-related security risk; and (b) to support the work of the Expert Working Group on Climate-related Security Risks (EWG). We expect an equal proportion of time will be spent between these two responsibilities.

The first major responsibility is dependent on the profile of the Researcher. For example, the Researcher may be oriented towards questions concerning where, when, why and for whom climate-related security risks arise. Alternatively the Researcher may be interested in specific sub-areas of climate change and risk research (e.g. peace and conflict, migration, development and disaster risk reduction) or research on how organizations are able to efficiently respond to those risks.

The second major responsibility is to support the work of the EWG Secretariat. This includes: commissioning and guiding research; collaborating with SIPRI’s partners on improving climate risk assessment and risk management strategies; and disseminating high-quality policy-relevant knowledge targeted at multilateral organizations. The EWG Secretariat consists of a Director, who guides the political outreach work; a Research Assistant, who supports daily administrative work; and senior advisors, including the SIPRI Director and the Director of SIPRI’s CCR Programme.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Researcher is responsible for:

• Designing, conducting, and writing high-quality research;
• Supporting the work of the EWG Secretariat;
• Communicating research findings through journal articles, research reports, policy briefs and other publications;
• Preparing research proposals and contributing to other proposals prepared within the Peace and Development study area;
• Collaborating on issues related to climate change and risk with other SIPRI Researchers and external Researchers when relevant;
• Mentoring junior staff, including promoting dissemination of their research; and
• Taking part in the collective life of the Institute.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have the following experience and skills:

• A university degree or degrees, in disciplines and topics relevant to this post, at Master or Doctoral level.
• At least 2–3 years of experience as a Researcher initiating and carrying out research projects;
• Strong knowledge of issues relating to climate-related security risks, either more broadly or in-depth in a specific sub-area (e.g. peace and conflict, development, migration, disaster risk reduction or organizational responses);
• Demonstrated knowledge of the multilateral peacebuilindg architecture, preferably the United Nations and/or the European Union;
• Proven ability to work and deliver in small teams; and
• Mastery in both written and spoken English, other languages are highly desirable.

The following qualifications are of advantage:

• Experience in working in multilateral organizations; and
• Sound knowledge on the methodology of integrated climate risk assessments.

Contract period

Starting 1 September 2019, the contract period will initially last two years; with the possibility of extension. The post is full-time. The post requires residence in Stockholm, Sweden. The salary package will be negotiated individually.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A letter of intent specifying why you are applying for this position (1 page);
• A CV including your degrees, work experience, publications, language skills and contact details for two referees;
• Copies of diplomas for university degree(s); and
• Two writing samples (in English and at least one single-authored sample). 

Applications should be emailed to: researcher.climate@sipri.org. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 22 April 2019. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews are expected to be held in May.