All Things Urban

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is the leading global network of over 2,500 cities, towns and regions committed​ to building​ a sustainable future.

The successful candidate will be a part of the Urban Research team at the ICLEI World Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. The position is attractive for mid-career professionals interested in a dynamic working environment, working as part of a growing international team.

Main responsibilities: - Support the implementation of ICLEI’s Global Research Strategy by: 1) Developing proposals and grants based on the priority themes and topics identified through ICLEI’s Research Strategy, including the interlinkage between digitalization and sustainable development; 2) Contacting and collecting inputs from all ICLEI offices and global thematic coordinators to ensure up to date research priorities are identified; 3) Conducting research on sustainable urban development, and collecting data and information, linking current and relevant trends in academic and policy discourses to ICLEI’s work; and 4) Supporting the development and dissemination of ICLEI urban research publications (case studies, policy briefs, reports, peer-reviewed papers) and communication materials (blog posts, newsletters, etc.). - Contribute to the implementation of research components in projects such as: 1) A newly started European Commission funded project (A Horizon project) titled Cross- sectoral planning decision-making platform to foster climate Action based on land-use planning (RethinkAction): 1.1) Development of engagement strategy and creation of end-user community; 1.2) Coordination of co-creation activities with the end-user community; 1.3) Designing training packages and facilitate global capacity building events for local governments and cities; 1.4) Developing and contributing to the project related knowledge products (journal articles, solution package, case studies). 2) A Belmont Forum funded project titled “Innovative Initiatives for Governing Food, Water, and Energy Nexus in Cities (IFWEN)”: 2.1)Contribute to development of technical contributions and publications, including policy guides for local governments. 2.2) Support project coordination, including reporting, partner contact and engaging with ICLEI offices. - Support the organization and/or contributions to research sessions at events such as the ICLEI World Congress, and Daring Cities Forum 2022. - Contribute to project acquisition activities to expand ICLEI’s research & innovation portfolio.

Requirements: - University degree (or equivalent) in Urban Studies, Sustainable Development, International Relations, Public Administration, Governance or Computer Science and a related field. A relevant Master’s or Ph.D. degree is an asset. - Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in a related field. Experience working on grants and proposal development is highly desirable. - Familiarity with research processes and sstrong analytical skills; competence in MS Excel is necessary; familiarity with visualization software such as Power BI, or coding in Python, or knowledge in Blockchain technology is a plus. - Strong writing skills as well as competence in copyediting and proofreading. - Confident user of Microsoft Office, ideally also experience with graphical design software such as Photoshop and InDesign. - Fluency in written and spoken English, with proficiency in other languages an asset. The successful candidate: - Shows high interest and enthusiasm for research on sustainable urban development. - Is self-motivated, with a positive and pro-active attitude, as well as excellent interpersonal skills. - Is well organized, accurate, attentive to details, and takes ownership of tasks and quality delivery. - Has a strong ability and willingness to work as part of a team, as well as independently. - Is dedicated to the team’s focus on collaborative research, applied research, innovation, and sustainability knowledge generation. - Shows excellence in communicating ICLEI’s message to public policy makers, research & innovation partners, private sector entities, and donors. - Possesses knowledge in at least one area of digitalization (Blockchain technology, Artificial Intelligence, etc.), and interested in linking their knowledge to sustainable development. - Is highly proficient in oral and written English; with strong writing skills.

- The position is available from 1 March 2022, at the ICLEI World Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. - The Officer reports to the Senior Research Officer and Head of the Research Team. - The contract will have a limited duration of two years, with the possibility of extension - Annual salary starting at 35,587 Euro before tax and social insurance fees, with the final salary to be determined based on the chosen applicant’s skills and experience - Probation period is of three months - Workings hours: 40 per week - 30 days of paid leave per year - Working language: English - The employment contract will be based on German law - International travel may be required. - Communication with partners around the world may require work outside of normal office hours. Application Deadline: 14 February 2022

This job is available for international candidates.