Expert in Peace, Environment and Climate Science

Nov 2, 2020 | Human Security Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
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The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) designs and coordinates Switzerland's foreign policy on behalf of the Federal Council. It also works to defend the interests of the country and promote its values. The Political Directorate (DP) coordinates Switzerland's foreign policy. All of the FDFA's representations abroad are subordinate to it. The department develops strategies and measures in the areas of bilateral and multilateral relations, security, international solidarity and the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The political direction is headed by the Secretary of State.

The Human Security Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is looking for an Expert in Peace, Environment and Climate Science at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) within the framework of the co-operation with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the first major inter-governmental conference on the environment. Connected to this anniversary and to developments in both the global climate and the global security equation, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a well renowned and respected institution in the field of peace research and policy is planning to draft a major international report, specifically addressing challenges and opportunities in relation to environment and peace. The report is due to be finalized in 2022.

The purpose of the project Environment of Peace 2022 (EP 2022) is to focus international attention on practical steps to address the negative impact of today’s environmental crises on tomorrow’s prospects for peace and security.

The Report will explore the knock-on consequences of climate change and other environmental deterioration in terms of human insecurity, political instability, disputes and conflict. Furthermore, it will look at and recommend actions to manage, limit or prevent the damage. It will identify and promote opportunities that the climate crisis offers to enhance cooperative governance and strengthen societal resilience.

The report will be prepared by an international team of experts under the guidance of a high-level panel.

The purpose of this position is to support the research and writing of the report that is at the core of EP 2022.

Tasks and responsibilities:

The Researcher will be part of the EP 2022 core team and report to the senior writer/researcher of the project. He/she will help the team and other relevant parts of SIPRI to produce high-quality and timely work. The primary responsibilities of the Researcher are:

• To ground the EP 2022 report’s research and findings in the latest climate and environmental science, and understand its potential impact on conflict, human security, and peacebuilding;
• To articulate in language that is free of jargon and will be readily understood by policy-makers, journalists, and ordinary citizens the scientific evidence for existing and future changes that affect security and peacebuilding, including the linkages between different environmental challenges (e.g., climate change, air quality, loss of biodiversity) as well as their effects on health; and
• To undertake research on the connections between climate change and other environmental changes and their cumulative impacts on insecurity.

In light of these responsibilities, the main tasks of the Researcher will be:

• Co-designing, conducting, and writing high-quality research;
• Collaborating on issues related to climate change and related environmental issues, peacebuilding, and human security with other authors in SIPRI and external researchers and consultants when relevant; and
• Mentoring junior staff, including promoting dissemination of their research.

Productivity

The Researcher is expected to contribute significantly to the report Environment of Peace 2022:

• Author or co-author chapters in the report, decided in dialogue with the SIPRI’s Director, the Project Lead and Senior Researcher

Requirements

• The Researcher should have a deep knowledge and understanding of both conflict transformation, as well as climate and environmental science, and an interest in policyrelevant analysis;
• A university degree (or degrees), in disciplines and topics relevant to this post, at Master or Doctoral level, or a peer reviewed publication to this standard;
• 3 – 5 years of experience as a researcher initiating and carrying out her/his own research projects;
• Knowledge of quantitative research methodologies and familiarity and understanding of qualitative research methodologies;
• Demonstrable interest in the topic of the EP 2022 project.;
• Work well with others and have a talent for clear writing and communication to various audiences
• Experience working on climate change, environmental science, socio-ecological systems and if possible, on the linkages between environment and insecurity;
• A record of publications that is commensurate with the length of time worked in research;
• Experience working in multilateral organisations and participating in or influencing policy processes is not essential but is advantageous;
• Proven ability to work and deliver in small teams;
• Proven fluency and clarity in written English. Passive knowledge in two Swiss official languages;
• Physical and mental fitness to work in this context (Assignments are subject to successfully meeting the medical standards);
• Swiss nationality.

Duty station:

The position is based in Stockholm and, as with all research posts at SIPRI, requires willingness and availability to travel for the purposes of, inter alia, field research, and presenting and disseminating research findings.

Start of assignment:

As soon as possible

Interviews are scheduled to take place on:

24-25 November 2020

Duration of contract:

1 year (renewable one year)

Deadline for applications:

15 November 2020

Family:

accompaniment by partner and children is possible

Click here to learn more about the organisation: www.sipri.org.

For further information, please contact:

Assignment:

The assignments take place within the framework of the Swiss Expert Pool for Civilian Peacebuilding. The seconded expert receives a contract from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs for the duration of their deployment PVFMH (D) / OPers-PDHH (F) / OPers-PRA (I).

Please apply through the Swiss Federal Administration recruitment system: https://www.stelle.admin.ch/stelle/it/home/stellen/stellenangebot.html

A complete application contains:

• an application letter in English;
• a CV in English;
• diplomas and work certificates;
• the completed Personal History Form PEP (see: https://bit.ly/34nASvU)

Full vacancy announcement can be found here.