Location: Paris, France

Closing date for applications: Applications will be reviewed as we receive them. The call will be closed as soon as a candidate is successful, and no later than 5 June 2023. 

Future Earth is an international research program with a mission to accelerate transformations to global sustainability.  Future Earth convenes researchers and scholars from all parts of the world, across different societal and academic sectors, and across the natural, social, and human sciences. Future Earth initiates and supports international collaboration between these researchers and stakeholders to identify and generate the integrated knowledge needed for successful transformations towards societies that provide good and fair lives for all within a stable and resilient Earth system. A key part of Future Earth’s work occurs through our networks that generate research at the forefront of sustainability science and facilitate highly integrative sustainability research on key societal challenges.

The Secretariat for Future Earth encompasses 9 Global Hubs located in Canada, China, France, India, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, Taipei, and the US. The Future Earth Secretariat provides coordination, facilitation and enabling services to Future Earth’s community. The French 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 six staff. 

The French Global Hub focuses on advancing the Science-Based Pathways for Sustainability initiative, science-policy-society interface activities, and on supporting early career researchers. Its activities are framed by four core objectives: 

1. Increase inclusivity and diversity of researchers involved in sustainability science (disciplines, approaches, regions, career stages);
2. Support researchers’ engagement in inter- and transdisciplinary research;
3. Provide researchers with spaces for reflection and experience sharing regarding sustainability science practices, challenges and progress;
4. Promote transformative inter and transdisciplinary research in the sustainability science arena and at the science-society interface.

Task description

The Science Officer will work in a dynamic international setting on a range of issues. They will work in close interaction with the whole French Hub team to:

• Create capacity-building products (videos, webpages, database, etc…) based on academic content developed as part of the French hub’s activities;
• Adapt and disseminate our core messages through different channels (website, social media, newsletters, posters, leaflets, etc.);
• Develop and maintain partnerships with key organizations and communities worldwide to strengthen our capacity to reach our core objectives;
• Lead event organization at national and international levels (conferences, summer schools, webinars, etc.).

The role is dynamic and will evolve in line with the requirements of the team in the French hub and the global Secretariat.

Candidate qualification requirements:

• At least a Master’s level degree either in sustainability science disciplines (natural or social sciences), in environmental humanities or in communications. A very good understanding of sustainability science is requested.
• At least 2 years of experience (including PhD period or volunteering experience) related to sustainability issues. Experience in international teams is especially valuable. 
• Excellent command of French and English. Working knowledge of other languages is considered an advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. To evaluate writing skills, a test will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Creative, curious, willing to learn and passionate about sustainability challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Well-developed sense of autonomy and ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
• Availability to travel within France and internationally.

Conditions

• The position will start as soon as possible.
• 1-year appointment, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance.
• Full-time French fixed term contract (Contrat à durée déterminée or CDD).
• Annual gross salary is in the order of 32-38k € depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Note: The successful candidate must imperatively be eligible to work in France (i.e. EU citizen or holder of valid French 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. Non-EU citizens must provide a copy of their French work permit. Applications, in one combined PDF file, should be sent via email to isabella.pellegrino@futureearth.org with ‘Paris Science Officer’ in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them. The call will be closed as soon as a candidate is successful, and no later than 5 June 2023. Interviews will be held in person in Paris, or alternatively online.