The Institute for Human Rights and Business is currently seeking 1–2 experienced Researchers/Writers specializing in climate adaptation and resilience to lead a new phase of its flagship JUST Stories project. This is a unique global opportunity for professionals who combine rigorous research expertise with exceptional storytelling skills and a deep understanding of climate justice.
This role sits at the intersection of climate action, human rights, and global development, offering the chance to contribute to a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping how climate adaptation is understood, financed, and implemented worldwide.
Application Deadline and Timeline
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM (UK time).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to:
- First-round interviews: April 23–24, 2026
- Second-round interviews: Scheduled the following week
The expected start date is April or May 2026, with the contract running through September 2027.
About the JUST Stories Project
The JUST Stories initiative, launched in 2024, is a global effort to identify and document real-world examples of effective, people-centered climate action. While the first phase focused on decarbonization, this second phase shifts attention toward climate adaptation and resilience.
The project is grounded in a critical insight: climate solutions fail when they exclude the communities most affected. By contrast, successful adaptation emerges from inclusive, locally grounded, and co-designed approaches.
Over the next 18 months, the project will:
- Identify and document community-led adaptation solutions worldwide
- Highlight best practices and enabling conditions
- Translate these stories into actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and practitioners
These outputs are not merely narratives but serve as evidence-based tools to inform decision-making across finance, policy, and corporate sectors.
Role Overview
The selected Researchers/Writers will play a central role in shaping this next phase by producing immersive, field-based stories that bridge the gap between local realities and global decision-making systems.
The role requires the ability to operate across two critical dimensions:
- Ground-level engagement with communities and frontline actors
- System-level understanding of finance, governance, and climate policy
Key Responsibilities
Research and Analysis
- Conduct in-depth literature reviews on climate adaptation, resilience, and locally-led approaches
- Identify high-impact case studies across diverse global contexts
- Develop frameworks to assess effective and equitable adaptation
Fieldwork and Primary Research
- Design and conduct interviews with community leaders, institutions, and workers
- Undertake international field visits to gather firsthand data and narratives
- Ensure ethical research practices, including consent and safeguarding
Narrative Development
- Produce high-quality, publication-ready stories integrating human experience and analytical insight
- Translate complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations
- Collaborate with communications teams to create multi-format outputs (articles, briefings, audio, visual content)
Strategic Contribution
- Support cross-sector engagement involving policymakers, investors, and civil society
- Contribute to synthesizing lessons across case studies
- Participate in global convenings such as Climate Weeks and COP events
Required Expertise and Skills
Applicants must demonstrate:
- At least 7 years of experience in research and writing
- Proven expertise in climate adaptation and resilience
- Strong background in qualitative research and fieldwork
- Exceptional storytelling and analytical writing abilities
- Understanding of global frameworks such as UN climate and human rights standards
Experience in working with Indigenous communities, NGOs, or climate finance actors is highly valued.
Contract Details and Compensation
- Type: Consultancy contract under UK law
- Duration: April/May 2026 – September 2027
- Compensation: Approximately £70,000 total budget
- Structure Options:
- One full-time lead researcher/writer
- Two part-time contributors
Candidates must:
- Have the legal right to work in their country
- Provide their own equipment and internet access
- Be available for international travel (up to three times per year)
Work Environment
This is a fully remote role open globally. However, candidates must be located in time zones compatible with Central European Time (CET) or westward to ensure collaboration with teams operating on UK and West Africa time.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This role represents more than a writing or research position. It is an opportunity to directly influence how climate adaptation is conceptualized and implemented globally.
By documenting and amplifying community-led solutions, the selected candidates will help shift dominant narratives away from top-down approaches toward inclusive, effective, and sustainable climate action.
Professionals passionate about climate justice, human rights, and impactful storytelling are strongly encouraged to apply.
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