Senior Climate Fellow

Opportunity

The Senior Climate Fellow will support IRAP’s climate research and advocacy on a part-time, non-residential basis from August 2026 to January 2027. The Fellow will be a thought leader in the field of climate migration who will contribute strategic thinking on achieving greater mobility options and legal protections for climate-vulnerable populations globally.

The Fellow will engage at major climate and climate migration events and will offer an outside, expert perspective on the next phase of IRAP's climate work. The Fellow will produce written work products under IRAP's auspices as well.

Responsibilities

• Research and publish under IRAP’s auspices, with exact deliverables to be determined; illustrative examples include:

• Memos proposing innovative and politically attainable legal and policy solutions to meet the scale of anticipated climate displacement;

• Implementable recommendations for U.S. policymakers on international climate migration that are not restricted to single pathways or marker bills like the Climate Displaced Persons Act;

• Analyses of how to shift the political costs of supporting practical climate migration solutions in various political contexts; and

• Submissions for UN or adjacent bodies regarding preparations and migration solutions for climate-related displacement.

• Attend climate-related engagements under IRAP auspices and potentially convene or attend IRAP-hosted climate advocacy roundtables, such as:

• NYC Climate Week, COP 31, and other climate-related convenings to present and to foster potential collaborative work; 

• Discussions among climate mobility stakeholders on medium- and long-term climate mobility  advocacy; and

• IRAP-led roundtable with nontraditional actors with a potential stake in climate migration management to expand and reinvigorate strategic thinking to achieve wins on a historically intractable subject; and

• Provide thought leadership, including advising on IRAP’s strategic direction for climate advocacy.

Qualifications

Experience

• Extensive experience in the field of climate migration.

• Successful record publishing in the field of climate migration 

• Strong network in the U.S. and global climate migration space

• Track record of presenting work at professional events.

Values, Competencies, Skills

• An enthusiastic champion for IRAP’s mission and values, bringing a commitment to creating a world where refugees and all people seeking safety have a path to lasting refuge, and thriving on a fast-paced and multicultural team of advocates, activists, and experts who center humanity in their work.

• A thought leader in the field of climate migration.

• A “big picture” thinker with the ability to implement tactically, approaching climate migration through an analytical and data-driven lens, and able to translate strategy into tangible results.

• A thoughtful relationship builder who develops rapport easily and fosters long-term connections compelling writer, presenter, and communicator, skilled in analyzing, breaking down, and communicating ideas in ways that inspire others to action.

• Action-oriented, with a “get it done” attitude and the ability to stay focused in a dynamic environment, demonstrating good judgment.

Compensation:

The Fellow will be paid a monthly retainer.

Application:   To apply, please share the following:

• Updated Resume
• A Writing Sample

                       

IRAP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, IRAP will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please refer to your request in the cover letter.

IRAP is an equal-opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. IRAP does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, ethnic background, religion, political orientation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all local, state, and federal laws related to the Fair Chance Act.