Chief Scientist

Objective. The Chief Scientist will provide strategic leadership to the CVF-V20 Secretariat in aligning the latest science with policy, finance, and advocacy efforts across climate-vulnerable economies. As the principal science advisor, the Chief Scientist will lead the CVF-V20 Science and Health Agenda, anchoring it in a climate justice lens. This includes prioritizing scientific research and policy linkages on climate-health risks, planetary boundaries, and innovative scientific engagement for adaptation and resilience financing. The role will ensure vulnerable countries’ voices shape global scientific discourse—particularly in health, ocean systems, and emerging technologies.

Scope of Work. The Chief Scientist will have the following roles and responsibilities:

1. Serve as the lead scientific advisor to the Secretary-General and Managing Director, providing inputs into CVF-V20 strategies, Climate Prosperity Plans (CPPs), and advocacy platforms;

2. Direct the CVF-V20’s Science and Health Agenda, with focused leadership on:

   • Reassessing 1.5°C and Paris thresholds, with real-time warming data and associated adaptation/finance needs;
   • Defining climate vulnerability using scientific metrics—geophysical, ecological, and socio-economic—to guide CVF membership and policy;
   • Climate and health risks, including:
     • Vector-borne diseases, extreme heat-related morbidity/mortality, climate-induced migration, and public health system fragility;
     • Adaptation pathways for health systems, including shock-proofing infrastructure and ensuring climate-resilient healthcare delivery;
   • Supporting capacity-building for solar geoengineering engagement (in collaboration with the Degrees Initiative), ensuring informed participation by CVF members;
   • Advancing coral protection as a first tipping-point biome, catalyzing data-sharing and financial innovation for reef restoration;
   • Supporting ratification and technical advocacy for the BBNJ Treaty, especially concerning ocean-based carbon sinks and biodiversity protection;
3. Build and sustain partnerships with scientific institutions, health organizations (e.g., WHO), and climate science platforms (e.g., IPCC) to amplify CVF-V20 positions;
4. Ensure science-driven input into CVF-V20 flagship programs including debt-for-climate-health initiatives, the Global Shield, vertical funds, and MEL systems;
5. Lead the development of scientific briefs, insight papers, and strategy notes; co-author or guide peer-reviewed contributions reflecting CVF-V20 priorities;
6. Represent the CVF-V20 in high-level climate, science, and health forums to shape the international agenda and strengthen the evidence-policy link;
7. Mentor fellows and engage youth networks to promote science diplomacy, research, and local capacity in CVF-V20 countries;
8. Support the Secretariat in internal reviews and external evaluations of scientific and technical dimensions of programs;
9. Ensure a safe work environment by implementing safety and security protocols and promoting staff well-being;
10. Prepare Quarterly Narrative Reports of the CVF-V20 Members’ programs and Team’s performance;
11. Lead outreach activities and seek opportunities for potential partners and lead regular alignment or updating calls with existing partners; and
12. Perform additional duties in support of CVF-V20 goals as assigned by the Managing Director or CVF-V20 management and leadership.

1. The candidate must demonstrate deep familiarity with the UNFCCC COP process and multilateral diplomacy on climate-related matters.
2. PhD or advanced degree in health, climate science, environmental science, public health, or a related interdisciplinary field;
3. Minimum 10 years of experience leading research, policy advisory, or scientific coordination in climate and/or health domains;
4. Strong record of authorship in peer-reviewed publications or major global science-policy reports (e.g., IPCC, WHO, UNEP);
5. Demonstrated ability to engage on global scientific debates, especially where vulnerable country representation has been limited;
6. Experience linking climate risk data to fiscal, public health, or finance strategies, particularly in LDCs, SIDS, or LMIC contexts;
7. Familiarity with global policy frameworks (Paris Agreement, SDGs, WHO climate-health action, BBNJ Treaty);Familiarity with global climate policy frameworks (e.g., the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals, biodiversity targets) and their intersection with national development plans.
8. Project management skills, including the ability to oversee monitoring and evaluation systems, deliver timely reports, manage budgets, and ensure accountability.
9. Strong capacity-building and mentoring capabilities to enhance the technical expertise and leadership skills of regional teams.
10. Outstanding communication and diplomatic skills, capable of representing the organization at high-level international forums, negotiations, and multilateral meetings.
11. Proven ability to convene and collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders—government officials, scientists, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, and multilateral institutions—to mobilize support and foster consensus.
12. Experience working in or with climate-vulnerable regions, combined with cultural sensitivity and the ability to adapt engagement strategies to local contexts.
13. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of additional languages relevant to CVF-V20 regions is an asset.
14. Strong commitment to achieving measurable outcomes that promote climate resilience, just transition, and inclusive growth.

1. Submit CV and cover letter to hr@cvfv20.org by 15 June 2025, 17:00 GMT.
2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for multiple rounds of interviews during the first two weeks of July 2025.
3. Final selection will be made by mid-July 2025.