Lead - Climate Impacts and Adaptation

JOB DESCRIPTION
KAPSARC seeks a highly motivated and driven Lead with experience in climate
change impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability research in Saudi Arabia and the
MENA region. This includes in particular: (i) assessing the economic and non-
economic costs and benefits (including co-benefits) of direct and indirect
impacts of climate change across regions and sectors; (ii) estimating the
financing needs of and relevant instruments or policy actions needed to
channel support to adaptation to climate change; (iii) and integrating climate
risk management and adaptation solutions into decisions on policy and
investments. This also includes (iv) developing and maintaining analytic
models and analysis tools of climate change, sectoral impacts, and adaptation
strategies for scientific inquiry and decision research, and supporting and
providing insights into climate change and sustainability-related research.
Expertise in any of the following areas will also be valued: adaptation
discussions and mechanisms under the UNFCCC and the global governance of
adaptation, climate emulation using simple climate models (e.g., Hector,
MAGICC), and land use emissions. Prior experience in working with large
climate datasets is desirable.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong analytical expertise and have
experience leading and publishing research and providing consulting in their
areas of expertise. Initiative, teamwork, and an innovative mindset are highly
valued qualities for the candidate. The successful candidate is also expected
to design and lead a project on assessing the economic impacts of climate
change on the Saudi economy and sectors, and the role of adaptation in
addressing the impacts of climate change and supporting sustainable
development. The candidate will conduct applied research and high-quality
analyses relevant to Saudi Arabia's energy ecosystem and will be expected to
advise stakeholders in the Saudi energy ecosystem through the generated
analyses and insights.

Responsibilities:
* Developing and leading a research project on climate impacts, risks and adaptation, with a focus on Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, and generating policy-relevant analyses and insights to advise KAPSARC's stakeholders in the Saudi energy sector.
* Conducting rigorous and high-quality research and analysis and delivering tailored advisory services for KAPSARC's stakeholders.
* Contributing to, and delivering, presentations at meetings, workshops and conferences.
* Producing evidence-based policy papers, working papers, academic papers, and timely briefs on relevant topics that are clear, concise and reader-friendly.
* Disseminating research through effective communication approaches that meet the needs of different audiences and maximize the impact of KAPSARC's work.
* Collaborating effectively within KAPSARC and its policy networks to ensure that KAPSARC's advice on climate and sustainability policy is consistent and coherent.
Competencies:
* An expert with experience within one or more of the following fields: climate science, climate impacts, adaptation and vulnerability, environmental statistics, global climate change policy and regulations, earth systems modeling, integrated assessment modeling, or climate emulations.
* Experience conducting research aimed at supporting evidence-based, data-driven public policy.
* Familiarity with policy-oriented research aligned with international best practices.
* Ability to gather and analyze relevant information and data, and to demonstrate critical thinking.
* Ability to write high-quality analytical and evidence-based policy-relevant papers in a style that is clear, concise, logical and well-structured. Experience with authoring peer-reviewed publications is a definite advantage.
* Solid verbal communication skills and ability to disseminate research through effective communication approaches that meet the needs of different audiences and maximize the impact of KAPSARC's work.
Qualifications:
* A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, or a relevant master's degree plus experience equivalent to a Ph.D. level.
* ‎8+ years of professional experience around the areas of energy economics, climate change policies, and environmental sustainability, preferably within a research organization, government, or an international organization.
* Excellent command of the English language (spoken/written).