Now seeking expressions of interest for Programme Lead, Processes & Observations

Expressions of interest are being sought for Challenge Leadership Team (CLT) role of Processes and Observations Programme Leader in the Deep South Challenge: Changing with our Climate. Applications close Friday 12 July 2019.

The Challenge undertakes and coordinates research to achieve its mission of “enabling New Zealanders to anticipate, adapt, manage risk, and thrive in a changing climate.” The Challenge has been renewed for Phase 2 (2019-2024) and is currently establishing its portfolio of research across Climate Modelling, Observations for Model Development, and the Challenge’s four Domains (Māori, Communities, Infrastructure, and the National Economy).

Each science project team works with key partners and stakeholders (researchers and end-users) to co-create, develop, implement, and disseminate research findings within, and across, each science programme.  Integration with other climate-relevant New Zealand research programmes is also a priority.

The Processes and Observations Programme Leader position will provide critical science and planning support to the Deep South Challenge. You will draw on your extensive national and international knowledge and research networks to ensure the wider Challenge research programme contributes to the mission. You will work closely with the Deep South Challenge team to ensure Observational based research is integrated within the Challenge, and will strengthen and develop relationships with stakeholders, end users, other research providers and other research programmes, including the Antarctic Science Platform and the other National Science Challenges. A clear vision of the pathway from science to impact will be necessary to achieve the Challenge’s mission.

Our Observations for Model Development which will be led by Processes and Observations Programme Leader builds on the successful Phase One Processes and Observations programme while aiming to further integrate with other challenge research. Initial Phase Two projects will be contracted shortly, while further research will be developed following identification of the observational science which will be most relevant to answering the Challenge’s mission.  

The successful applicant will have the exciting opportunity to be part of the process to define our research in Phase 2.  We therefore require a strategic thinker, who can operate effectively as part of a team and assist in pulling together multidisciplinary research teams. The successful applicant will also be able to demonstrate extensive experience in co-creating research in close collaboration with stakeholders.

Up to 0.25 FTE is available for this position, for an initial two year appointment from 1 September 2019, with the possibility of continuing by mutual agreement.

The CLT is led by the Challenge Director and comprises the Challenge Manager, and one representative for each of the five Challenge Programmes. The Director reports to the Deep South Challenge Governance Group. Our other advisory groups include the Kāhui Māori, Independent Science Panel and a Representative User Group.

Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to the Challenge Manager, Anne-Marie Rowe, [email protected] by no later than 5 pm Friday 12 July 2019. 

For more information regarding this position, contact the Challenge Director, Dr Mike Williams ([email protected], +64-4-386-0389).