The International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) located at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory campus of Columbia University is accepting applications for a Staff Associate II position. The SAII will support IRI research staff in the development of research, analysis, fieldwork, and interfacing with projects to assure alignment with other IRI research and engagement, primarily on index insurance and Anticipatory Action related projects. Solves problems in moderately complex situations, analyzing possible solutions based on education and experience using judgement and precedent. Provides knowledge of research subject specifically within function on team. Plays coordination role in specific research projects. Supports an array of Financial Instruments Sector Team research projects, with primary focus on IRI's work with the NASA SERVIR project in French speaking Africa, and the Financial Instruments Sector Team stakeholder capacity-building projects, which support the development of insurance and the use of forecasts for low-income farmers and national governments.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Gather field data for disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that are likely to include economics, climate science, policy, remote sensing, risk and vulnerability assessments, participatory action research, participatory planning research or agricultural sciences.
• Document research findings, status and processes.
• Co-author research manuscripts.
• Facilitate, develop materials for, and participate in meetings, workshops and capacity-building trainings, ofter internationally, involving in-region travel, primarily in French speaking Africa and coordination with partners and stakeholders. Summarizes and explains information to others. Some workshops may be for project partners from other institutions or nations, including on-the-ground implementation teams. Initially, the focus would be for practical training in Africa of government employees, Universities, insurance companies, and local village representatives.
• Operate and contribute to quantitative software and web tools for research, application, and training processes.
• Assist in the development of proposals.
• Promote knowledge-sharing and communication of research by contributing to efforts in IRI outreach and institutional publications.
• Interacts with research assistants and graduate students in research activities.

• Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Climate Science, Public Policy, Remote Sensing, Agricultural Sciences or related field and (4) years of experience OR a Master's degree plus (2) years of experience, OR (2) relevant Master's degrees.
• Basic written and verbal English skills are essential.
• Experience in research, capacity-building, and interfacing with large-scale index insurance projects desired.
• Experience in French speaking Africa (particularly in Senegal) preferred.
• Fluency in French required.
• Candidate should have experience with software tools to support operational and analytical research activities including light markup software, git repository management, and data analysis in Stata and R.
• Candidates must be able to perform in international settings, through virtual means, if necessary, both academic and non-academic.
• Significant travel may be required (conditions permitting) to represent the IRI in multiple regions with multidisciplinary researchers and partners.
• Reports directly to a Senior Research Scientist and performs with minimal supervision and direction.
• Exercises independent judgement and initiative within specific parameters. Carries out research projects with limited PI supervision both collaboratively and independently.

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will remain open until the position is filled. Target start date is July 1, 2024.

Appointments are made on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1st, contingent upon performance and funding.

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory campus values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from members of underrepresented minority groups.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

Minimum Salary: 31200.00 Maximum Salary: 31200.00 Salary Unit: Yearly