Open Call: Robust Information Working Group and associated Task Teams
Background
The Regional Information for Society (RIfS) Core Project of WCRP is calling for members of the Robust Information Working Group (RIWG), and associated task teams which contribute to its work, to fill a few off-cycle openings.
The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) has been coordinating global research collaborations for more than 40 years. Currently, with the impacts of climate change upon us, there is a priority on robust climate change information to inform regional decisions. For this reason, WCRP created a new Core Project on Regional Information for Society (RIfS) which is focused on enhancing the scientific value of regional climate information in policy and decision contexts.
For the description and expected outcomes of the Working Group and Task Teams, please refer to its website.
Call Description
This call is for working group members, as well as participants in several task teams. The RIWG is an enduring coordinating body: this working group addresses a theme that the RIfS SSG envisions to be of ongoing interest. The working group creates task teams under it to organize its work. Task teams end after a period of time when they have completed their work, and other task teams can be created as needed. The leads of the task teams take part in the working group, which coordinates across these interrelated topic areas. It is possible to participate at just the task team level. Preferences can be indicated in the nomination form.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Contribute to expected outcomes of the Working Group/Task Team (see the website)
- Regular and active participation in monthly to 2-monthly 1-hour meetings
- Use their networks to promote the desired outcomes of the Working Group/Task Team to establish collaborations with other relevant activities
- Advocate for the goals of the Working Group/Task Team, setting aside the particular interests of their own institution
- Contribute to the writing of guidance documents, journal articles, white papers, glossary, and other relevant documents
- Follow the WCRP Code of Conduct
Two to three co-chairs additionally:
- Chair meetings of the Working Group/Task Team, including managing scheduling conflicts and circulating agendas
- Coordinate the scientific activities
- Evaluate and recommend individuals to fill opening in the Working Group/Task Team due to resignations or removal due to non-activity
- Report on the activities of the Working Group/Task Team to the RIfS SSG, during four RIfS SSG meetings per year
- Work with the RIfS IPO to ensure that written reporting about major activities is completed in a timely manner
- Coordinate with the RIfS IPO as needed
Expertise
We are seeking experts (Academics, Practitioners and Decision Makers) with experience (or a strong interest) in the development of robust climate information for decisions and at least one of the following:
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- Social sciences particularly climate risk and vulnerability, climate adaptation, climate services, and decision-making
- Multiple knowledge systems in the context of climate change
- User centred design, co-production and/or stakeholder engagement
- Philosophy of Science
- Ethics
- Law
- Standardisation and certification
- Science Communication
- Operational climate service provision
- Climate information brokering or consulting on climate-related decisions
- Working with climate information in a Global South context
- Climate science, in particular climate and atmospheric dynamics
- Climate data reanalysis and monitoring
- Data science and analysis expertise for climate applications
- Global and/or regional dynamical or statistical climate modeling, and/or analysis of physical processes in climate model outputs
- Climate model evaluation
- Seasonal-to-decadal prediction
Here are the highlighted expertise we are seeking for each Task Team:
- Experience in working in or working closely with operational climate services
- Experience, as a decision maker, in working with climate information
- Philosophy of Science
- Standardisation and certification
- Ethics, Social Sciences, and multiple knowledge systems in the context of climate change
Time commitment
Meetings take place regularly (see above) with a longer annual meeting (in-person, pending funding). Other meetings are primarily online, with some face-to-face meetings, if possible, to leverage suitable opportunities. Some work is necessary between the meetings to reach the objectives of the working group.
For the Working Group, the initial membership term is 4 years to commence in January 2027, with possible two-year extension. For the Task Teams, the membership term is 2.5 years to commence in January 2027.
How to apply
To nominate someone (including self-nomination), please complete this application form.
Deadline
Applications must be received by November 13th at 17:00 UTC.
Selection process and criteria
The call selection panel will consist of the RIWG and Task Team co-chairs and the ex-officio RIfS SSG co-chairs.
The call selection panel will undertake the shortlisting of the applications. Priority will be given to those from regions not already represented. The identified names will then be submitted as a recommendation to the RIfS SSG for final approval.
The working group, and its task teams, each consist of:
- Size of 8-12 regular members
- 2 or 3 co-chairs
- Ex-officio membership of the working group by Co-chairs of task teams who are not already working group members
- RIfS International Project Office (IPO)
Remuneration
Working group members are not paid. Financial support to travel and participate in-person to relevant meetings may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Diversity and inclusion
WCRP is committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from:
- Early to mid-career researchers
- Women and other underrepresented groups in climate science
- Scientists living and working in all regions of the world
Questions and contact
For questions about this call, please contact the RIfS office: admin@wcrp-rifs.org