THE ORGANIZATION
Africa Climate Solutions (ACS) is evidence and innovation centered scientific non-profit Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to advancing climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and equitable development across Africa. ACS operates to generate actionable scientific evidence that supports resilient development pathways, climate justice, and sustainable environmental management. The organization focuses on scientific research, climate analytics, data systems, innovation, climate services, and evidence-based policy support across critical sectors including agriculture, water, energy, health, infrastructure, ecosystems, governance, and climate finance.
ACS is committed to addressing Africa’s major climate and environmental challenges, including increasing climate extremes, limited observational data systems, growing climate vulnerabilities, and the need for integrated climate intelligence to support adaptation, mitigation, and Loss and Damage assessment. Through its research programs, digital innovations, and partnerships, ACS seeks to strengthen Africa’s capacity to generate, manage, and utilize climate information for policy and investment decision-making.
About the Position
Africa Climate Solutions (ACS) seeks a highly motivated and technically strong Climate Risk Specialist to lead integrated climate risk assessments and support the development of science-based solutions for climate-resilient development in Africa. The position plays a central role in assessing climate hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and risk across key socio-economic sectors, including agriculture, water, energy, health, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
The specialist will support the generation of high-quality evidence for climate adaptation planning, Loss and Damage assessment, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and climate finance readiness. The position requires advanced analytical expertise and the ability to translate complex climate science into actionable insights for policymakers, development partners, and vulnerable communities.
The Climate Risk Specialist will work closely with researchers, data scientists, sector experts, and national and international partners to design and implement innovative risk assessment frameworks aligned with international scientific and policy standards, including those of the IPCC, UNFCCC, and climate finance mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund.
Specific Terms of Reference include:
- Lead the design and implementation of climate risk and vulnerability assessments at local, national, and regional scales.
- Conduct hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and impact analyses using observational and reanalysis datasets, climate projections, and socio-economic indicators.
- Develop sector-specific climate risk profiles and adaptation recommendations.
- Support integrated assessments of droughts, floods, heatwaves, and compound climate risks.
- Apply statistical, geospatial, and scenario-based methodologies for climate risk modeling.
- Contribute to climate finance proposal development through climate rationale and risk analyses.
- Develop technical reports, policy briefs, scientific publications, and decision-support materials.
- Support the development of climate indicators and risk analytics platforms under the ACS Data & Tools Portal.
- Collaborate with government agencies, research institutions, and development partners.
- Contribute to training and capacity-building initiatives on climate risk assessment methodologies.
Requirements
- MSc or PhD in Climate Science, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Disaster Risk Management, Geography, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in climate risk assessment and adaptation analysis.
- Strong understanding of climate hazards, vulnerability frameworks, and resilience concepts.
- Experience with climate datasets, climate projections, and geospatial analysis.
- Advanced skills in R, Python, GIS, or related analytical tools.
- Experience working with international organizations, climate projects, or donor-funded programs is highly desirable.
- Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments.
Terms of Employment
- Full-time position based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Initial contract period of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability.
- Opportunities for regional and international collaboration, training, and professional development.
Applications
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the best candidates are identified.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Interested applicants should submit:
- Cover letter explaining suitability for the position.
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- List of relevant publications and technical reports.
- Contact details of three professional referees.
Applications should be submitted electronically to hr@africaclimatesolutions.org mentioning the position “Climate Risk Specialist” in the Subject of the email.