Science Advisor

We're looking for a Science Advisor to help ensure that the best available science is used to support climate litigation around the world.

ABOUT THE ROLE. CLN is a non-profit foundation that supports partners across the world to drive stronger climate action through litigation against high-emitting actors. We are now looking for a new Science Advisor to play a critical role in bridging the gap between science and law in the context of climate litigation, including by supporting the translation of key legal concepts and standards into actionable remedies in climate cases.  This is a new post that offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to climate action as we approach 2030, and to shape this new post within CLN.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting legal teams on how best available science can be integrated to support and strengthen their legal and advocacy strategies, and advising on effective ways to present scientific data to national and regional courts.

• Assessing scientific and evidentiary gaps in ongoing and future climate cases, and working with CLN staff and external partners – including academic and scientific institutions – to explore ways to address those gaps in a manner consistent with legal principles.

• Supporting the quantification of legal standards into science reports.For instance, applying the legal standards presented by the European Court of Human Rights in the KlimaSeniorinnen case in relevant national carbon budget reports, and exploring scientific grounded minimum reduction efforts for corporate entities.

• Acting as a bridge between the legal and scientific communities.
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with leading climate scientists, academic institutions, and researchers.
  • Facilitating collaborations to ensure that legal teams have access to top-tier scientific expertise to support their cases.
  • Identifying opportunities to communicate the needs of the climate litigation community to relevant scientists (i.e. at conferences, workshops, expert meetings).

• Conducting ongoing research and preparing clear, concise briefing notes and explanations on key scientific issues for CLN staff and external partners.

Given this is a new role in the organisation and the evolving nature of the climate litigation field, we expect that there may be changes to how this role works in practice once the right candidate is in post.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

This is an exciting new role and we're keen to hear from people with relevant skills and experience coupled with a passion for climate justice.

Essential Experience, Skills, and Knowledge:

• Academic qualifications: Undergraduate degree in climate science, environmental science, geoscience, or a related field, with a strong academic record.
• Technical expertise: Proficiency in data analysis and modelling using R and/or Python.
• Ability to build and maintain a network of contacts in the scientific community, fostering collaborations and partnerships.
• Excellent science communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including legal professionals and non-specialists.
• Research and analytical skills: Strong research, analytical, and drafting skills, with the ability to distil complex scientific information into clear, actionable insights.
• Ability to think ‘outside of the box’: Willingness to work alongside a broad range of experts to explore how we can apply existing knowledge and expertise to solve novel legal problems.
• Personal attributes: Highly motivated, reliable, and able to work independently while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Strong alignment with CLN’s values and commitment to our vision and mission, and a commitment to building a trust-based, inclusive and empowering organisation.
• Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

 Desirable Experience, Skills, and Knowledge:

• PhD or equivalent professional experience in climate science or a relevant discipline.
• Work experience: 3–6 years of post-university experience (or equivalent academic experience) in the field of climate change, climate policy, or a related area.
• Existing scientific network: Established network of scientific and academic contacts, particularly those working on climate change and environmental issues.
• Multilingual abilities: Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, though not essential.

We know that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria above, we still encourage you to apply.

WHY JOIN CLN?

• The unique opportunity to work for a mission-driven organisation at the cutting edge of climate litigation, and contribute to the climate justice movement worldwide.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic team of highly skilled professionals who combine their expertise with a passion to make a difference.
• The space to shape and continuously develop your role.
• A flexible hybrid work environment, with opportunities for temporary remote work.

PLEASE NOTE:

This role can be based in either Amsterdam or London (both office or hybrid).

Salary is from €50,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

We are advertising this role at 0.6FTE on a fixed term contract, but are willing to consider additional hours depending on the candidate and the needs of the organisation.

All candidates must have existing right to work in the Netherlands or UK.  We cannot sponsor visas.

CLOSING DATE - 16 FEBRUARY 2025