Climate Change and Migration Research Specialist (Kochi) - SES (Job Vacancy)

About the School of Environment and Sustainability (SES)
The School of Environment and Sustainability at IIHS examines and answers questions around sustainable development and the environment, ecological restoration and nature-based solutions, and adapting to climate change impacts and risks. The School focuses on human settlements and socio-ecological systems across a continuum from semi-natural ecosystems to mega cities in India and the Global South.

SES has one of the largest concentrations of IPCC authors in a single South Asian institution with leadership positions in chapters across three major reports over the AR5 and AR6 cycles, and two SR1.5 derivative reports – the Summary for Urban Policymakers and GCF-supported Summary for Financial Decision Makers.

Job Description
The climate change and migration research specialist will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers working on climate change and migration, and responsible for anchoring field engagements in Kochi. As part of the team, the incumbent’s involvement will include planning and execution of fieldwork that comprises qualitative and quantitative methods with a focus on climate-induced migrations. S/he will conduct life history interviews and key informant interviews, organise workshops and stakeholder engagement activities, and build local networks. The role requires working closely with local partner/s in Kochi to coordinate field tasks.

This is a contractual position for an initial term of 11 months, renewable on mutual consent.

Activities and Tasks
• Assisting with the development and implementation of research tools and instruments;
• Contributing towards literature reviews and background research as needed;
• Conducting field research activities as assigned, including:
• Life history interviews with migrants from Odisha;
• Semi-structured and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders;
• Observing community dynamics, organising group discussions and facilitating meaningful dialogue;
• Developing and using creative tools during multi-stakeholder events;
• Maintaining detailed field notes and records of research activities; transcribing interviews;
• Preparing data for analysis by cleaning, coding, and entering information into spreadsheets;
• Collaborating with the IIHS Media Lab and Word Lab teams to ensure effective data collection and evidence building; create audio-visual content and develop material for wider dissemination; support website development and website updates;
• Providing support in identifying the need for, and organising, workshops and stakeholder consultations at multiple locations in India;
• Providing support to other IIHS activities including academics, research, training, practice, operations, and institution building at IIHS; carrying out tasks as assigned by IIHS; and travelling on IIHS work within the country as and when needed.

Structure and Reporting
The climate change and migration research specialist will be an External Consultant coordinating with the Senior Research Consultant – Practice at IIHS and will be required to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of internal teams and network partners.

Person Specification
The ideal candidate should have:
• A master’s degree in social work, social science, development studies, rural development, environmental studies, or related discipline;
• Experience in conducting qualitative and/or participatory data collection (e.g., focus group discussions) and administering quantitative household surveys;
• Previous experience in working on migration and with migrant communities;
• Familiarity with the Odisha state and its migratory trends, including its socio-cultural and political landscape;
• Language proficiency in: Odiya, Hindi, and English.

This is a contractual position for an initial term of 11 months, renewable on mutual consent. This offer is on an exclusive basis, which implies that other professional assignments (whether compensated or not) that bear a potential conflict of interest with IIHS cannot be undertaken.

The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Location
This position is based in Kochi, Kerala, and will entail travel to other locations in India.

Review and Assessment
The role and performance of the incumbent shall be subject to normal review and assessment systems at IIHS.

Diversity Policy
IIHS is an equal opportunity employer that encourages women, people with disabilities and those from economically and socially excluded communities with the requisite skills and qualifications to apply for positions.

Contact
Please write to us at hr@iihs.co.in if you need any clarifications while filling the online application form.