Missions

Climate change has variable impacts depending on local contexts, influenced by hazards, vulnerability, and the adaptive capacity of each territory. Small islands like La Réunion are particularly exposed due to their isolation and limited resources.

To address these challenges, the Région Réunion is undertaking several actions, including the creation of the GREC-Réunion (Regional Climate Expertise Group), the revision of the SAR (Regional Planning Scheme), and participation in the CLIMAAX project (https://www.climaax.eu/).

The CNRS is also strengthening its commitment to the French overseas territories through a project supported by the DGOM, aiming to synthesize knowledge for climate adaptation.

The CNRS and the Région Réunion are collaborating to recruit a research engineer to lead the implementation of this action-research strategy on the island.

The research engineer will actively contribute to:
• Setting up the GREC-Réunion and defining and monitoring its scientific action plan,
• Developing a vulnerability assessment of the territory to climate change,
• Designing, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring the scientific component of the regional climate change adaptation strategy, in collaboration with the Région Réunion teams in charge of the SAR.

Activités

Support for the establishment, definition, and scientific implementation of GREC-Réunion:
• Assist in coordinating the preparatory and launch phases;
• Contribute to defining the GREC-Réunion action-research program and its operational framework;
• Draft scientific projects aligned with the GREC-Réunion program.

Contribution to the development of the territory's climate vulnerability assessment:
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize scientific data and knowledge (climate, impacts, vulnerabilities);
• Participate in the scientific assessment of climate risks and territorial and sectoral vulnerabilities;
• Contribute to writing the vulnerability assessment.

Contribution to the climate change adaptation strategy within the SAR:
• Compile potential adaptation solutions for La Réunion, in connection with the project “Knowledge and Solutions for the Adaptation of Tropical Overseas Territories to Climate Change” (co-led by DGOM and CNRS);
• Identify, analyze, and assess potential adaptation pathways and solutions for the territory;
• Contribute to drafting the regional adaptation strategy.

Coordination and monitoring:
• Help facilitate collaboration among scientific stakeholders within GREC-Réunion;
• Conduct active monitoring (scientific, regulatory, and funding opportunities for research or innovation related to adaptation);
• Contribute to the development of adaptation monitoring indicators;
• Support cross-cutting and internal/external coordination on adaptation topics, in particular ensuring integration and coordination with local public inter-municipal cooperation bodies (EPCI);
• Participate in communication and outreach activities to promote GREC's work.

Compétences

Knowledge / Expertise

Education:
• Minimum Bac+8 level (PhD) in a relevant field (Environmental Sciences, Climatology, Geography, Spatial Planning, Risk Management, Ecology…), with a strong focus on climate change and/or adaptation.

Experience:
• Preferred experience in:
• Applied action-research on climate change, its impacts, and adaptation, particularly from the perspective of political science, social sciences, spatial planning, or urban studies;
• Project engineering and project management.

Additional assets:
Knowledge of the local context in La Réunion, of local authorities, and of the legal and regulatory framework of environmental policies would be an advantage.

Skills
• Strong scientific knowledge of climate change (mechanisms, impacts, vulnerability, adaptation).
• Understanding of how local authorities and their associated bodies operate (public finance, public procurement procedures) and of public policies, particularly those related to ecological transition (planning, economy, resource protection), as well as the functioning of the national civil service.
• Proficiency in GIS tools and database analysis.
• Strong analytical, synthesis, and writing skills.
• Proficiency in standard office software.
• Project management and meeting facilitation skills.

Interpersonal qualities
• Scientific and methodological rigor.
• Autonomy and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and across disciplines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Good listening and dialogue skills when working with a variety of stakeholders (elected officials, scientists, civil society).
• Intellectual curiosity and ability to learn.

Contexte de travail

The position is based at OSU-Réunion (University of La Réunion, CS 92003, 15 Av. René Cassin, Saint-Denis Cedex 9, 97400 La Réunion). Regular activities will also take place at the Région Réunion premises. The staff member must comply with the internal regulations, all general and specific health and safety rules in force at the host institution, as well as all instructions provided by the hosting structure.