Research Assistant - Climate Change and Democracy - Sweden

Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1995, with 34 member states spanning all continents. The Institute seeks to support sustainable democracy worldwide and assist in the development of institutions and foster a culture of democracy.

At the interface between research, fieldwork and the donor community, International IDEA provides a forum for dialogue, develops training materials, providing strategic advice, and building networks of global expert practitioners at the international, regional and national level with a range of international and national organizations.

International IDEA Strategy addresses the nexus between climate change and democracy. On the one hand, the outcome of the climate crisis will depend on whether democracies can drastically reduce their carbon footprints in the coming years. On the other hand, the climate crisis is already impacting on democratic governance. Climate change poses a challenging test for democracies’ ability to cooperate and confront highly complex global challenges. Democracies need to formulate adequate and ambitious policy responses to climate change for democracy to remain a legitimate and credible political system for young people and future generations.

A new workstream on democracy and climate change was launched by the Secretary-General during the 25th Anniversary of International IDEA in November 2020. This initiative aims at defining a new work programme on this issue by building on existing knowledge and experience gained at a global and regional level; identifying the specific niche for International IDEA’s engagement in the field; enhancing the expertise, knowledge production and policy advisory capacities of the Institute; building partnerships; and pursuing new fundraising opportunities.

In 2022 International IDEA will define a new strategy for the period 2023-2027 which will also address the nexus between climate change and democracy. On the one hand, the outcome of the climate crisis will depend on whether democracies can drastically reduce their carbon footprints in the coming years. On the other hand, the climate crisis is already impacting on democratic governance. Climate change poses a challenging test for democracies’ ability to cooperate and confront highly complex global challenges. Democracies need to formulate adequate and ambitious policy responses to climate change for democracy to remain a legitimate and credible political system for young people and future generations.

The Research Assistant will execute a range of activities to support the development of International IDEA’s new workstream on Climate Change and Democracy.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Conducts desk research on topics related to democracy, climate change, environment, including donor mapping and a systematic overview of potential resource mobilization opportunities, and the desk research required for the knowledge products of the Climate Change and Democracy Initiative.
- Supports and drafts external and internal communication material (e.g., letters, website articles and presentations
- Assists with mapping and building partnerships and supports efforts to strengthen visibility and outreach for the workstream
- Assists the Lead Advisor and Programme Officer with research and support to organize webinars and conferences on democracy and climate change-related topics
- Assists with minute taking, notes and drafting of activities/events reports.
- Supports the Lead Advisor and Programme Officer with the research, and organization for the external and internal consultations required for the Environmental Democracy Initiative.
- Supports the preparation of concepts notes and proposals for fundraising


General Profile

- Requires good knowledge and initial experience in the field of climate change and democracy and/or sustainable development and democracy, acquired academically and through practical experience working in this field.
- Has experience in using software programmes such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute as required.
- Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines.
- Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s Core Values; Respect, Integrity and Professionalism.
- Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.


Reporting line

- Lead Advisor, Climate Change and Democracy

Education and Experience

- University degree in political science, law, development studies, human rights, environmental studies, sustainable development, international relations, or other related subjects.
- Minimum of two (2) years experience with research work on topics related to democracy, democratic governance, climate change or environmental protection.
- Some practical experience in substantively supporting advocacy initiatives on climate change, the environment, democracy and/or sustainable development fields is considered an advantage.
- Experience of working in an international context, e.g., in a government, intergovernmental organization or international non-governmental organization is considered an advantage.
- Fluency in English, written and spoken. Any other widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region (Arabic, French, Spanish) is desirable.


Terms of Contract:

- Local Post.
- Fixed term appointment for one (1) year.
- Remuneration - SEK 24 331 per month


Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Sweden for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications.

Applying for this position:

- Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CEST) on 13th November 2022.
- Please note that all applications must be made in English.


Selection Process:

- Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
- Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
- All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via emai...