The Paris Hub of the Future Earth Secretariat is seeking a Science Officer
1-year contract (renewable subject to satisfactory performance)

Location
Paris (France)

Closing date for applications
17 October 2019

Future Earth is an international research program with a mission to accelerate the transformations to global sustainability through research and innovation. It builds on the networks of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP), DIVERSITAS, and the International Human Dimensions Program on Global Environmental Change (IHDP).

Future Earth supports a network that harnesses the experience and reach of thousands of scientists and innovators from around the world to facilitate research, catalyze innovation, and synthesize knowledge. A key part of Future Earth’s work occurs through our network of more than 20 national committees, ), 20 Global Research Projects that generate research at the forefront of sustainability science, and through seven Knowledge Action Networks (KANs) that are collaborative frameworks that facilitate highly integrative sustainability research on key societal challenges.

The Secretariat for Future Earth encompasses five global hubs that are located in Canada (Montreal), France (Paris), Japan (Tokyo), Sweden (Stockholm) and the US (Colorado). The Future Earth Secretariat provides coordination and enabling services to Future Earth’s community of researchers, decision makers, and stakeholders. The Paris Hub is administered by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), and is hosted by Sorbonne University (Pierre et Marie Curie Campus). It is currently composed of 6 staff.

Task description

The Science Officer will work in a dynamic international setting on a range of issues. The primary responsibilities of the Science Officer will include:

1. Leading Future Earth’s engagement in the European Commission funded RRING Project including facilitation of the engagement of the Future Earth community in project activities, involvement in technical activities and liaison with project partners.
2. Contributing to the Science Based Pathways Sustainability Initiative including coordination of scientific workshops and meetings, liaison with researchers and stakeholders, and coordination of project publications.
3. Contributing to the scoping and organization of international workshops and meetings as part of Future Earth’s initiatives and actions.

The role is dynamic and will evolve in line with the requirements of the team in the Paris hub and the global Secretariat. In particular, this role is being recruited in part to replace a service Science Officer who will be on maternity leave for a part of the contract duration and the tasks will vary accordingly throughout the contract.

Candidate qualification requirements:

• At least a Masters level degree in a relevant sustainability science discipline (natural or social sciences).
• 5 – 8 years’ work experience. Experience in international teams is especially valuable.
• Expertise in global change and global sustainability issues.
• Knowledge of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles.
• Demonstrated skills in facilitation and network coordination. Experience with scientific research network coordination an advantage.
• Excellent organizational and communications skills. Ability to prioritize competing demands and deadlines.
• Well-developed sense of autonomy and ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
• Excellent communication skills. Fluency in English (native speaker level).
• Availability to travel within France and internationally.

Conditions

• Position will start in January 2020.
• 1-year appointment, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance.
• Full-time French CDD contract (Contrat à durée déterminée).
• Maximum annual gross salary is in the order of 37 – 39k € depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in France (i.e. EU citizen or holder of valid work permit) for the duration of the contract. 

Application procedure

Applicants to this position are requested to submit an English language curriculum vitae and cover letter describing how their skills and experience would help them meet the requirements of the role. Applications, in one combined PDF file, should be sent via email to xavier.peres@futureearth.org with ‘Paris Science Officer’ in the subject line. The closing date for applications is 16 October 2019. Interviews will preferably be held in person in Paris, or alternatively online, in the week of 21 October 2019.  These dates are provided for information and planning and should not be considered as an interview invitation at this stage.