Opportunity
The non-residential Senior Climate Fellow will support IRAP’s climate research, network, visibility, and credibility on a part-time non-residential basis from August to December 2026, at a time when IRAP is pivoting and deepening its climate migration advocacy. The Fellow will be someone at a senior level who is a published and recognized thought leader in the field of climate migration, who will represent IRAP at major climate and climate migration events, and who will enrich our internal and donor-facing conversations about the next phase of IRAP's climate work. The Fellow will produce written work products under IRAP's auspices.
Responsibilities
Research and publish on IRAP’s behalf, with exact deliverables to be determined; examples include:
- Pragmatic policy recommendations for countries wishing to expand access to lawful pathways or otherwise better serve climate migration;
- Submissions for UN or adjacent bodies regarding preparations and migration solutions for climate-related 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;. Analysis of how to shift the political costs of supporting practical climate migration solutions; and
- Analysis of discrete demographics, countries, and regions that are most amenable to different climate mobility policies, discussion of political and administrative feasibility, and policy recommendations with strategy for uptake.
Attend, convene, or co-convene climate-related engagements on IRAP’s behalf, such as:
- NYC Climate Week, COP 31, and other climate-related convenings to leverage and share connections, foster potential collaborative work, and speak on panels; . Roundtable among immigration advocates on medium- and long-term climate migration advocacy, including in the context of the current extreme assault on immigrant rights;
- Discussion sessions to grapple with inherent shortcomings of all lawful pathways and challenges in expanding or modifying them to serve climate-vulnerable populations; and
- Event focused on enhancing direct conversation between frontline climate-affected communities and legal advocates; and
- Contribute to IRAP’s internal thinking related to future climate advocacy, including:
- Analysis of areas for potential political uptake of climate migration-related policies within the United States, other destination countries, and transit countries globally; and. Recommendations for next steps on climate advocacy for multiple potential political scenarios in the United States and Europe.
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 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 published and recognized 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 activities and goals, integrating best practices with new thinking and approaches.
- A thoughtful relationship builder who develops rapport easily and fosters long-term connections. with a warm, energetic, and authentic personality that translates to building lasting relationships with a range of personalities.
- A 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 and nimble in a dynamic environment, demonstrating good judgment.
Compensation
The Fellow will be paid a retainer of $5,000 USD per month for six months, for a total of $30,000, to be paid in two installments.