Project Assistant in the Technical Support Unit (IPCC WGI)

There are many ways to engage with the IPCCWorking Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is filling the position ofProject Assistant in the Technical Support UnitThe position is located in the Paris area (Plateau de Saclay, France).The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) andthe World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide policymakers with rigorous,transparent, and objective scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and potentialfuture risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation options. The IPCC is now undertakingits Seventh Assessment (AR7) cycle. The IPCC Working Group I (WGI) assess the physical scienceunderpinning past, present, and future climate change. The WGI Technical Support Unit (TSU)provides scientific, technical, operational and communications support that underpin and implementthe WGI assessment.The Technical Support Unit (TSU)The TSU works at the unique IPCC interface between science and policy in the provision of theclimate knowledge and information that is relevant for policy needs and decision making. The teamis responsible for facilitating and implementing the assessment process undertaken by the authorteams and overseen by the WGI Bureau. The team is hosted by Université Paris-Saclay and locatedin the facilities of Ecole normale supérieure (ENS) Paris-Saclay.The Project Assistant RoleThe Project Assistant reports to the Head of TSU and works closely with all TSU staff memberssupporting them on a daily-basis on all operational aspects. This position will also work closely withthe French Co-Chair to monitor his emails, requests for interventions and agenda.We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic in supporting rigorous and robust operations for thepreparation of the IPCC assessment of the state of the art of climate knowledge for policymakersand stakeholders around the world.Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupport to the TSUDaily financial management (purchases, order forms, invoices) in relationship with the Université Paris-Saclay staffCo-ordinate, book travel arrangements and plan itineraries for TSU staff; process associated expense claimsAssist in producing documents, reports and presentationsAssist new team members when arriving in FranceCo-ordinate arrangements for virtual meetings and manage diary accordinglySupport the team on a daily basis as neededProject assistanceAssist the Head of TSU in the delivery of operation-related activities of the Technical Support Unit throughout the preparation, review and completion phases of the WGI report(s)Assist in the organization and participate in the running of offsite workshops and meetingsLiaise with the TSUs of other Working Groups and the IPCC Secretariat located in Geneva as neededLiaise with IPCC Working Group I authors as neededExecutive assistance for the French Co-ChairManage external requests (press, conference organizers, associations, etc.) from France and abroad: schedule interviews and requests for interventions; liaise with event organizers; follow-up and maintain diaryRequirementsRelevant academic/vocational qualifications plus some work experience in a relevant role or the equivalent in experienceKnowledge of the functioning of the French administrationFluency in written and spoken French and EnglishExperience of working in a research-focused work environmentVerbal and written communication skills to enable drafting of correspondence and documentation, proofreading and minute takingThe ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of seniorityGood interpersonal skills, a high level of professionalism and a proactive approach to workAbility to set and work to deadlines and willingness to work under pressure from time to time in order to meet deadlinesGood time management and organisational skillsAbility to work independentlyAn ability to work methodically, to use initiative and to prioritise your workAn ability to deal with sensitive and confidential informationComputer literacy and the ability to use Microsoft Office, on-line diaries, spreadsheets and databases (Excel); presentations (PowerPoint); and willingness to learn other applications relevant to TSU administrationWillingness to travel occasionally, usually overseas, for periods of up to five days as a member of the TSU teamApplicationThe position is a fixed term contract from Université Paris-Saclay for 3 years with a possibility of extension for the duration of the IPCC Seventh Assessment cycle planned for 5-7 years. Please send by 22 October 2023 at the latest, your application consisting of a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, and contact details of two referees, to Clotilde Péan , Head of the WGI TSU. #J-18808-Ljbffr