The Humanitarian Sector Needs Clear Job Profiles for Climate Science Translators Now More than Ever

A new generation of climate science translators (CSTs) is currently evolving, both as independent professionals and affiliated with humanitarian agencies. While people in this role represent an opportunity to foster communication and collaboration between climate science, humanitarian decision-support, policy, and decision-making, there are neither clear job profiles nor established criteria for success. Based on an analysis of job opportunities published on one of the largest humanitarian and development aid job portals, we show that the demand for CSTs has been increasing since 2011. Subsequently, we present a characterization of core skills for the next generation of CSTs aiming to establish a space for not only current CSTs to thrive, but also a path for future translators to follow, with milestones and opportunities for recognition.

Automated summary

The demand for a new generation of climate science translators (CSTs), who play a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration between climate science, humanitarian decision-support, policy, and decision-making, has been increasing. However, there is a lack of clear job profiles and established criteria for success. It is important to define the core skills for CSTs and provide opportunities for their development and recognition, as well as to pave the way for future translators.