Social Scientist

Social Scientist

TERMS OR REFERENCE

FOR THE POSITION

SOCIAL SCIENTIST

1. 1.         ABOUT THE   CARIBBEAN INSTITUTE FOR  METEOROLOGY     AND HYDROLOGY (CIMH)

The CIMH is an Institution of the Caribbean Community and the technical Organ of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization. The mandate of the CIMH is to assist in improving and developing the Meteorological and Hydrological Services as well as providing the awareness of the benefits of Meteorology and Hydrology for the economic well-being of the CIMH Member States. This is achieved through training, research, investigations, and the provision of related specialized services and advice.

In achieving its mandate, the CIMH has established an affiliation with the University of the West Indies where its primary responsibility is the delivery of the B.Sc. programme in Meteorology in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. The CIMH is also recognized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and globally as:

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Regional Training Centre for the Caribbean;
• A centre for applied research and development in meteorology, hydrology/water resources, climatology and related areas including disaster risk reduction and impacts forecasting;
• The WMO Regional Instrument Centre for the Caribbean;
• A WMO Centre of Excellence for Training in Satellite Meteorology;
• The WMO Regional Climate Centre (RCC) for the Caribbean;
• The Caribbean Centre for Climate and Environmental Simulations;
• The Climate Data Archive for CMO Member States;
• The Pan American Centre for the WMO Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS);
• Caribbean Regional Marine Forecast Support Centre.

By virtue of the above, the CIMH is active in such areas of hydro-meteorological and climate risk impacts forecasting as well as agricultural risks forecasting and has had strong collaborations with other regional institutions, national organizations in CMO Member States and the international community.

1. 2.         DESCRIPTION

The CIMH is seeking to recruit a Social Scientist to support the activities of its Regional Climate Centre and the wider CIMH.

1. 3.         DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Principal and the Head of the WMO Regional Climate Centre for the Caribbean, the Social Scientist will be responsible for executing social science related activities at the CIMH.

Specific duties of the Social Scientist include:

• Support for the expansion and sustainability of the Caribbean Sectorial Partners Early Warning Information Systems Across Climate Time Scales (EWISACTS) Consortium including:
  
   (i) The deepening of the partnership with the existing partners leading to a new and improved suite of co-designed, co-developed and co-delivered products and services; and

(ii) Exploring new novel arrangements with the financial, insurance, recreation and education sectors among others.

• Leading the implementation of the Roadmap and Plan of Action for the Caribbean Sectorial Partners Early Warning Information Systems Across Climate Time Scales (EWISACTS) Consortium for the period 2020 - 2030.  Implementation would include seeking or supporting efforts to mobilise resources for execution of proposed activity.

• Providing mentorship and leadership to CIMH staff and interns assigned to support RCC and wider CIMH activities related to work of the Social Scientist to ensure a positive mentorship, learning and work experience.

• Collaborating with other CIMH staff, contractors and programmes as it relates to the provision of social science services

• Lead the continued sustainability, operation, development and maintenance of the Caribbean Climate Impacts Database.

• Any other activities that may be assigned by the Principal or Head of the RCC that are consistent with the activities outlined in this TOR.

4. PROFESSIONAL REQUIRMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates should possess:

• A graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) specializing in either social or behavioural sciences and associated sub-disciplines is preferred. Candidates possessing a graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) specializing in climate/environmental science, environmental management, disaster risk management, agriculture and food security, health, water resources management,  may also apply.
• At least 5 years of research experience following completion of the M.Sc. or at least 2 years of research experience following completion of the Ph.D.
• A proven record of publications in peer reviewed academic journals and/or conference proceedings.

5. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate should be (i) performance driven, (ii) able to work independently, (iii) able to function in a highly dynamic and collaborative work environment, have (iv) excellent coordination and communicational skills and (v) experience in project or programme work.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be familiar with:

(i)         qualitative and quantitative social science methods and tools;

(ii)        participatory research approaches;

(iii)       common spreadsheet/database software, and

(v)        the scientific principles of climate variability, extremes and change in the Caribbean.

Knowledge of GIS and spatial analysis tools would be an asset.

6. EMOLUMENTS AND BENEFITS

Compensation will be commensurate with academic background and experience. The ideal candidate should be a mid-career professional.  

7. DURATION & EXPECTED START DATE

The position is available for 2 years in the first instance, starting preferably in (Date) or as soon as possible thereafter.

8. APPLICATIONS

Interested candidates are required to submit applications (Cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates (copies), and the contact information for two professional referees) addressed to:

David A. Farrell, Ph.D.

Principal

Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology Husbands (CIMH)

Please apply by the deadline of 4pm AST/EDT on September 27, 2024.