This role will be responsible for leadership of the Centre for Climate and Health Security's (CCHS) 'Climate and Health Assessment Team', leading a small team of climate change and health scientists. You will have responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the Team, including responsibility for the development and implementation of the team's Business Plan as well as a strategic workplan to develop the Centre's climate and health assessment capacity. This will include developing and leading an assessment reporting cycle, co-delivering and maintaining a 'living' digital evidence base, synthesis and mobilisation of products and services to package evidence into accessible and suitable formats for the Centre's partners and stakeholders.
Location
The UKHSA offers hybrid working where you will be expected to be office-based 60% of the time. This role can be based at one of our UKHSA offices/locations (Leeds, Manchester, Totnes, London, Horsham, Cardiff, Bristol, Nottingham, Harlow, Liverpool, Fareham, Gloucester, Newcastle and Birmingham) with opportunities for an element of working from home. You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Working Pattern - Full Time
Responsibilities section:
Providing expert knowledge and experience of climate change and health assessment to lead the CCHS's Climate Change Assessment Team and be responsible for:
- Developing, synthesising, assessing and providing expert scientific advice and research concerning the health impacts of climate change, climate adaptation, and health co-benefits.
- Leading advancement of evidence synthesis and assessment methods and tools to accelerate assessment and learning on climate and health
- Identifying and addressing knowledge gaps concerning the public health impacts of climate change.
- Influence the development of effective policies relating to climate change and public health through close working relationships with key Agencies, organisations and Government Departments.
- Responsible for the synergistic design and development of information systems in partnership with the Data and Analytics Service and Technology Group, particularly concerning the Centre's evidence synthesis products and services.
- Responsible for planning, designing and execution of scientific or advisory projects in climate change and acting as lead researcher for initiating contracts and projects. Seeking funding for projects undertaken by the Team and contributing directly to this work.
- Lead teams responsible for undertaking specialist and complex analysis and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative data and research evidence
- Communicating the results of the Team's scientific work in peer reviewed journals and at conferences as well as in UKHSA publications.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Please refer to the attached job description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.
Required Criteria:
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1000 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential criteria
- PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g. climate change science, global environmental health, environmental sciences or management) or equivalent experience
- Significant post-doctoral or similar experience in managing and leading large policy-relevant scientific projects in climate and health with minimal supervision
- In-depth familiarity with, and knowledge of, the breadth of climate and health research and practice, including climate impacts, adaptation, and health co-benefits of decarbonisation
- Broad knowledge of methodologies for climate and health assessment, including experience in epidemiological analysis, qualitative research, systematic review, and policy analysis
- Experience leading and developing major national and/or international assessment reports in the climate and health field (e.g. IPCC, CCC), including consultation with stakeholders, developing assessment scope, and ensuring scientific rigour and policy relevance
- Significant experience working at a senior level in coordination of multi-centre projects, developing, managing and evaluating projects, managing surveillance and/or research programmes and/or Teams, and obtaining external research funds
- Significant experience of scientific report writing and scientific publication including presentation of papers at conference, peer-reviewed publications and expert committees
- Considerable staff and team management skills and experience, including extensive line management experience
- Communication skills (clarity, intelligibility, ability to build rapport, listen, persuade, negotiate), particularly the ability to facilitate effective communication of complex scientific information to diverse audiences
- The ability to translate vision into effective strategic plans, to direct change, and generate commitment from others
- Decisiveness/ accountability (ability to take responsibility, show leadership, work under pressure to tight deadlines, make decisions, exert appropriate authority, ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise, evaluation of the impact of outputs)
- Demonstrate sound political judgement and an intelligent approach to handling diverse interests
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems
Desirable criteria
- Experience of workforce development, building capacity and capability and financial awareness
- Extensive experience of teaching and training