BACKGROUND
The mission of the IIASA Population and Just Societies (POPJUS) program is to identify sustainable development challenges and explore people-centric system solutions for sustainable, resilient, just and equitable societies. The program focuses on strengthening the human-centered and population-based approach, taking into consideration equity and the just distribution of opportunities, outcomes, and processes. The POPJUS Equity and Justice (EQU) Research Group focuses on the human dimension of selected globally relevant policy challenges, with the aim of delineating and advancing their analysis, management, and governance with special attention paid to the design and application of equity and justice frameworks, both within the group and across IIASA.
THE POSITION
This opportunity is for a part-time (50-75%) research assistant to join the IIASA EQU research group for a period of six to eight months. Main tasks will be identifying and interviewing stakeholders in preparation for planned value elicitation exercise workshops and a policy exercise. The work will be conducted as part of the EU- and China-funded project RECREATE “Resource nexus for transformation to circular, resilient, and livable cities in the context of climate change”. The aim of the project is to significantly reduce energy, water and material resource use, and related environmental impacts, to build resilience to ever-increasing uncertainties from globalization and climate change, and to become more livable for growing populations in different urbanization contexts in China and Europe. The successful applicant will be part of an interdisciplinary team, working together with the IIASA Energy, Climate, and the Environment (ECE), Advancing Systems Analysis (ASA), and POPJUS programs.
MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
The successful applicant will mainly support the stakeholder engagement work in Vienna of the RECREATE project under the supervision of senior scientists. Specific tasks of the successful applicant include but are not limited to:
Establish and maintain contacts with relevant stakeholders in Vienna
Carry out interviews with selected stakeholders
Organize and support the stakeholder value elicitation (We Value) exercises in Vienna with project partners from China
Assist in the development, translation, and facilitation of a stakeholder policy exercise
Assist in publishing relevant results in peer-reviewed journals/books and participate in scientific conferences and workshops
Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and results
Support outreach activities for the project
In line with the team spirit that prevails at IIASA, the incumbent may occasionally work on other tasks assigned by their superiors, that might not be directly related to this appointment but where the post holder has relevant experience and skills, and/or a shortage of immediate personnel capabilities requires such.
OUR REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, social or political sciences, statistics, geography, environmental science, or other relevant fields
Fluency in German (written and spoken) is required. Strong English language communication and writing skills are necessary, and proficiency in other languages will be considered an asset
Knowledge of the literature and practice on circular economy, resilience, and/or stakeholder engagement processes is desirable
Proficiency with standard data editing software (e.g. MS office)
IIASA offers an interdisciplinary and international workplace, and the possibility to interact with researchers of different nationalities, with strong ties to a world-wide network of research institutions engaged in environmental systems research. The successful candidate must be able to work in, and have respect for, an intercultural environment.
APPOINTMENT TERMS:
The selected candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible. We will offer an initial fixed term, part-time (20 to 30 hours per week, depending on the availability of the selected candidate), employment contract for six to eight months respectively.
Duties will be carried out at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria.
This position is classified as “Scientific”.
WE OFFER:
A minimum gross annual salary of € 32,139.00 (full time equivalent) which is exempt from income tax in Austria.
The advertised salary is:
Negotiable, based on the qualifications, skills and experience of the selected individual
Subject to deductions for health insurance and/or social security
Not directly comparable with other employers in Austria, due to the unique legal status and privileges granted to IIASA
Subject to the principle of income aggregation (Progressionsvorbehalt in German).
Details about further attractive benefits here.
About IIASA
IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce. This is reflected in our Core Values. We encourage qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, from all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply. In the case that candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to applicants from countries where IIASA has a National Member Organization (NMO).
Further Information
For further information about this opportunity please contact:
Thomas Schinko, EQU Research Group Leader
For general information about employment at IIASA, please contact:
Alia Harrison, recruitment coordinator
Applications
To apply for this opportunity, you will need to provide the following documents in English:
A cover letter outlining your motivation for and fit to the position.
Your Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
The names and contact details of two work-related reference givers.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the post has been filled.
Deadline for receipt of applications: Until filled
