Climate Risk Specialist

~ The East-West Center promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. ~

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. The Center is an independent, public, nonprofit organization with funding from the U.S. government, and additional support provided by private agencies, individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments in the region.

Position Overview 

The East-West Center is accepting applications for a two-year, limited appointment as a Climate Risk Specialist in the Research Program. The position is a grant funded position seconded to the State of Hawaii (SOH) Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and will coordinate the grant collaboration between the East-West Center and the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission funded by the United States Climate Alliance.

This collaboration (Climate Ready Hawaii Initiative) will develop standard operating procedures to guide mainstreaming of climate change consideration and resilience practice in key State agencies. The Specialist will lead the implementation of a portion of the Initiative aimed to develop a roadmap for the SOH’s agencies dealing with climate change impacts.

Location: This position is based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Work will be conducted primarily remotely while COVID restrictions are in place, but successful candidates are required to reside in Hawaii throughout their appointment. Employees are expected to be onsite at our Honolulu offices once it is deemed safe to do so.

Responsibilities

Major duties include:

• In collaboration with DLNR, designs and executes the project;
• Manages relations with relevant government agencies;
• Drafts and publishes all publications and reports;
• Researches and prepares reports of best practices and knowledge of climate proofing and mainstreaming for state and county governments in Hawaii;
• Assesses local agency institutional capacities to fulfill climate proofing and mainstreaming goals; and conducts analyses of strategies to implement climate proofing into daily operations;
• The Specialist will also engage state and county governments to establish and maintain a network for contacts, institutional linkages and formal agreements to pilot the incorporation of climate vulnerability and risk assessment and mitigation in existing infrastructure and future planning;
• Develop and deliver informational presentations for stakeholders to inform them of the issues, risks, and recommendations for climate proofing efforts;
• Work with EWC staff to integrate EWC climate science and policy best practices into the project; and
• Assists in writing progress and final reports for submission to the grant provider.

Qualifications

Required: 

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to public policy, or allied discipline, with strong emphasis on climate change, resilience, climate change science, economics or other related fields
• At least three years of professional experience in the fields of environment and climate change adaptation for local climate risk assessments, environmental risk assessment, risk mapping, climate modelling, and /or climate change mainstreaming
• Experience in operationalizing climate risk/related policies indifferent states
• Knowledge of best practice methodological approaches for localized risk assessments
• Strong analytical and writing skills and track record in producing relevant reports and other communications and knowledge materials
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and experience in organizing and facilitation consultations and workshops
• Sensitivity to diverse opinions and difficulties arising from differing social and cultural perceptions

Preferred: 

• Familiarity with the context of Hawaii’s climate policies and related climate risk assessments

Compensation

• An annual salary of $87,241 (which includes a cost-of-living allowance currently at 10.28%, but subject to change) and an attractive benefits package.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to reach our employment portal.
• Application information should include a cover letter with the position title and a statement addressing how the qualifications are met, a resume, and names and contact information of three professional references.
• Screening and assessment will be based on materials submitted.
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.            

As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the
basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including in admissions and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. 

ALL QUALIFIED PERSONS, ESPECIALLY WOMEN, MEMBERS OF MINORITY GROUPS, VETERANS AND PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY, ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY OR ARE A PROTECTED VETERAN, WE INVITE YOU TO IDENTIFY YOURSELF, ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, AND TO ASSIST US WITH PLACEMENT AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION.