Researcher: Climate, Militaries and Conflicts

CEOBS provides a voice for our environment - and those who depend upon it - when it faces harm from armed conflicts and military activities. We are now seeking a Researcher to join our small team studying the military’s contribution to the climate crisis, and advocating for greater emissions transparency and for meaningful military climate action. 

Position overview

Militaries are major contributors to the climate crisis but it remains unclear how large their greenhouse gas emissions are because reporting under domestic and international frameworks is often voluntary or incomplete.

Since 2021, CEOBS and our international network of academic and civil society partners have played an important role in drawing attention to this data gap. Our Military Emissions Gap project works to communicate the scale of the reporting gap, to mainstream the topic in climate and military spaces, and to help create the conditions whereby the emissions from military activities and armed conflicts are properly documented and understood. We work with a wide range of stakeholders, from militaries, academia and the media, to policy makers and peace groups.

Research is vital to the project, underpinning all of our advocacy and awareness-raising activities and, thanks to recent grant funding we are now in a position to create a dedicated post for the project.

The role

You will work with our Climate Advocacy Coordinator, Director and academic partners to produce and contribute to unique research on military and conflict emissions, military-related climate impacts, and comparative studies on civil mitigation and decarbonisation strategies. The position is an excellent opportunity for an inquisitive, creative and conscientious environmental professional, with sound climate literacy and experience in carbon accounting, environmental reporting standards, and ESG policies and performance.

Core responsibilities

• Monitoring the rapidly evolving landscape of military climate mitigation strategies and reporting.
• Keeping up-to-date with emerging good practice on carbon and environmental reporting standards.
• Identifying research opportunities and generating and implementing research projects, both independently and in collaboration with partners. 
• Contributing to the development of advocacy campaigns.
• Engaging with our diverse range of collaborative partners, including militaries, government representatives, NGOs and academics.
• Seeking new networking opportunities and relationships.
• Representing CEOBS at domestic and international events.
• Providing support to the Climate Advocacy Coordinator.
• Following relevant environmental trends and dynamics and their intersection with the military sector and climate change.

Essential requirements

• A good degree in the field of environmental sciences and a minimum of 5 years experience working as an environmental professional.
• Demonstrated experience in carbon accounting. 
• Be able to demonstrate technical ability and the capacity to remain updated with emerging issues and standards. 
• Proven research skills, a keen eye for detail and the ability to communicate complex topics clearly to different audiences.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and comfortable engaging and networking with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to undertake domestic and international travel.
• Be eligible to work in the UK.

Desirable requirements

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field. 
• Knowledge of the defence sector. 
• Experience in working with the media to help tell environmental stories.
• Full membership of an environmental professional body.

What we offer

• Flexible working, with a range of hybrid and office (in West Yorkshire) working options that can be discussed at interview.
• 4% employer’s pension contribution.
• Contribution towards the costs of physical and mental healthcare through an Employee Assistance Programme. 
• A relaxed and friendly workplace and the opportunity for your work to make a difference.

The post is currently funded for 12 months, with extensions subject to further funding. It is a full-time role but can be contracted for between 30 and 37.5 hours per week. We offer 25 days holiday a year (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays.

We are based close to Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, which offers direct access to beautiful countryside and a vibrant and progressive cultural life, and is 45 minutes by train from Leeds or Manchester. Interviews will take place in July/August.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates.