Staff Associate I

The Climate School of Columbia University invites applications for a Staff Associate I (SAI) to provide support to the National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) by using their knowledge of index insurance, financing forecast actions and scientific methods of analysis to support Research Staff in the development of research, analysis, fieldwork, and interfacing on projects to assure alignment with other NCDP research and engagement, primarily on index insurance related projects. Uses analytical skills to solve moderately complex problems based on guidelines, protocols, and procedures. Plays coordination role in specific research projects. Supports an array of Financial Instruments Sector Team research projects, with primary focus on the Financial Instrument Sector Team's Anticipatory Action work in Francophone Africa and phone-based participatory processes in Africa and the United States, other work may include the Financial Instruments Sector Team stakeholder capacity-building projects, which support the development of insurance, disaster risk reduction, and use of forecasts for low-income farmers and governments.

Characteristic Duties & Responsibilities:

• Gather field data for disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that are likely to include economics, climate science, policy, remote sensing, risk and vulnerability assessments, participatory action research, participatory planning research, or agricultural sciences.
• Document research findings, status, and processes.
• Perform analysis to support research manuscripts.
• Facilitate, develop, materials for, and participate in remote and in-person meetings, workshops and capacity-building training sessions, often internationally, involving in-region travel, primarily Africa and coordination with partners and stakeholders. Shares information and confirmation of data. Some workshops may be for project partners from other institutions or nations, including on-the-ground implementation teams. Initially, the focus would be for practical training in Africa of government employees, universities, insurance companies, and local village representatives.
• Aid in the design of quantitative software and web tools for research, application, and training processes.
• Perform analysis that may support the development of proposals.
• Promote knowledge-sharing and communication of research by contributing to efforts in outreach and institutional publications.
• Assist in discussions with research assistants and graduate students in research activities.
• Reports directly to a Senior Research Scientist. Performs with general supervision and direction. Exercises independent judgement and initiative within parameters set by the Senior Research Scientist. Works within guidelines to carry out assigned duties in the needs of a project, conducting specific modeling and analysis of data.
• Will not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of experience in economics, climate science, technology, policy, remote sensing, or agricultural sciences or a Master's degree plus 2 years of experience. Master's degree is preferred. Strong written and verbal English skills are essential. Strong written and verbal French skills desired. Experience in research, capacity-building, and methods for training and implementation for large-scale Forecast Based Anticipatory Action projects desired. Candidate should have experience with software tools to support operational and analytical research activities including potentially light markup software, git repository management, relevant Columbia Climate School tools such as NOKI, PyCPT AA Dashboard installation/operation and data analysis in Python and R. Candidates must be able to perform in international settings, both academic and non-academic, virtual and in person (conditions permitting). Significant travel may be required (conditions permitting).to represent the NCDP in multiple regions with multidisciplinary researchers and partners.

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will remain open until the position is filled.

Appointments are made on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1st, contingent upon performance and funding.

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.