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
The Director of Research and Innovation will provide strategic scientific and institutional leadership for Africa Climate Solutions (ACS), guiding the organization’s research agenda, innovation systems, and evidence-generation programs. The position is central to establishing ACS as a leading African science-policy institution working at the intersection of climate science, sustainable development, environmental sustainability, climate justice, and climate finance. The Director will oversee the development and implementation of interdisciplinary research programs that generate actionable evidence to support climate-resilient development pathways across Africa.
The position requires a highly accomplished scientific leader with strong expertise in climate science, environmental systems, sustainable development, or related fields, and demonstrated experience in leading complex, multidisciplinary research and development programs. The Director will be responsible for ensuring the scientific credibility, policy relevance, and strategic impact of ACS’s work, while strengthening institutional partnerships with governments, research institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and international agencies.
The Director will also lead the development of innovative climate intelligence systems, research frameworks, and evidence platforms that support climate risk assessment, Loss and Damage analysis, adaptation planning, and climate finance readiness. The role requires strong strategic vision, institutional leadership, resource mobilization capacity, and the ability to position ACS within regional and global scientific and policy processes, including those under the UNFCCC, IPCC, and World Meteorological Organization.
Specific Terms of Reference include:
- Provide overall strategic leadership for ACS’s scientific research, innovation, and evidence-generation agenda.
- Lead the design and implementation of interdisciplinary research programs on climate change, adaptation, mitigation, Loss and Damage, climate justice, and environmental sustainability.
- Oversee the development of ACS’s climate intelligence systems, digital platforms, and innovation initiatives, including the Data & Tools Portal.
- Ensure the scientific quality, methodological rigor, and policy relevance of all ACS outputs, including scientific publications, policy briefs, technical reports, and datasets.
- Guide the development of advanced analytical frameworks for climate risk assessment, attribution science, vulnerability analysis, and climate finance analytics.
- Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with national governments, universities, regional climate centers, international organizations, and development partners.
- Lead institutional engagement in regional and global scientific and policy processes, including climate negotiations, technical working groups, and international assessment initiatives.
- Supervise senior technical staff and foster a collaborative, high-performance research culture within ACS.
- Lead fundraising and resource mobilization efforts, including development of competitive proposals for climate finance and international funding mechanisms.
- Represent ACS in high-level scientific, policy, and development forums at national, regional, and international levels.
- Support institutional strategy development, organizational growth, and long-term sustainability planning.
Requirements
- PhD in Climate Science, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Hydrology, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in climate research, environmental programs, scientific leadership, or related fields.
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Demonstrated experience in leading multidisciplinary research teams and complex international projects.
- Strong understanding of climate science, climate risk assessment, adaptation, Loss and Damage, climate finance, and sustainable development frameworks.
- Experience engaging with international scientific and policy processes, including UNFCCC, IPCC, WMO, WCRP, or related initiatives.
- Proven experience in proposal development, donor engagement, and resource mobilization.
- Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Experience working in Africa and understanding African climate and development contexts is highly desirable.
Terms of Employment
- Full-time senior leadership position based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with regional and international engagement responsibilities.
- Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Initial contract duration of two years, renewable based on performance, institutional needs, and funding availability.
- Opportunities for international collaboration, scientific networking, and professional development.
- The position may require national and international travel.
Applications
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until the best candidates are identified.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Interested applicants should submit:
- A cover letter outlining suitability for the position.
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- List of peer-reviewed publications and major technical reports.
- Names and contact details of three professional referees.
- Copies of academic qualifications.
Applications should be submitted electronically to hr@africaclimatesolutions.org mentioning the position “Director of Research and Innovation” in the Subject of the email.