Research Officer / Academic Assistant

Introduction

As a Research Officer at the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, you will support two international climate policy research projects in collaboration with UN Environment (UNEP). You will assess the role of subnational governments in Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and explore how the world can prepare for and respond to climate overshoot.

This is a 12-month temporary position, starting on 1 July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter, and is based in Rotterdam (with hybrid working options). You will join a small, motivated team committed to advancing sustainable urban development through applied research and international collaboration.

Job description

As a Research Officer, you will have an independent and proactive role in research, stakeholder coordination and communication. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Designing and implementing research plans in collaboration with IHS and UNEP partners
• Refining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and assessing quality of evidence collected
• Undertaking online and in-person interviews with urban and environmental experts, including coordinating workshops, expert consultations and strategic dialogues
• Identifying and documenting international case studies relevant to both policy reports
• Managing a structured multi-stage review process and follow-up conversations with reviewers
• Analysing, interpreting, and summarizing data into high-quality policy outputs
• Supporting communication between IHS, UNEP and key external stakeholders
• Drafting and revising reports, contributing to academic publications and policy briefs
• Preparing and delivering targeted materials to communicate findings

You will take initiative in structuring and carrying out your research work, while coordinating closely with the project lead and UNEP colleagues. You are expected to contribute your own perspective, proactively manage tasks, and bring forward ideas for dissemination and future research. Critical thinking, self-reflection and a collaborative mindset are essential for success in this role.

While you will work with a high degree of independence, you will also benefit from coaching by a senior IHS researcher and engagement with colleagues across IHS and UNEP.

Job requirements

To be successful in this role, you are a passionate researcher, you have a creative and solution-oriented mindset, and the ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team. You will hold a master’s degree in human geography, spatial planning, economics or other disciplines related to urban management, sustainability or climate change.

Your qualifications and experience:

• Knowledge of key urban sustainability and climate governance issues
• Proven ability to conduct applied research, including literature reviews, interviews, and analysis of primary and secondary data
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English, ideally including experience in drafting policy documents for international organizations
• Experience of organizing dialogues and consultations, including with senior academic and policy partners
• Ability to independently structure and manage work packages
• Experience working with international policy or academic institutions
• Knowledge of key global climate processes and policies
• A detailed understanding of one or more Multilateral Environmental Agreements would be a definite advantage
• Alignment with UN and IHS values

Eligibility: This position is open to candidates who are EU citizens or hold a valid Dutch residence permit.

Employment conditions and benefits

We offer you an internationally oriented and varied job in an enthusiastic team, with great employment conditions.

What we offer:

• An international and diverse working environment at Erasmus University’s vibrant Woudestein campus.
• A temporary employment contract for 12 months.
• Employment between 0.8 – 1.0 FTE.
• A gross monthly salary ranging from €2,899 to €3,897 (aligned with scale 7.0 or 8.0 CAO NU), based on a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. This salary will be adjusted proportionately for part-time work. Furthermore, the specific salary scale will be determined based on the candidates' working experience.
• Generous employment conditions:
  • 8.0% holiday allowance
  • 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • 30 days of annual leave (based on full-time)
  • Good pension scheme
  • Commuting and internet allowance
• Your location will be Campus Woudestein - Rotterdam, at Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS).
• Hybrid working is possible in consultation with your supervisor, and a work laptop will be provided.

Please note that IHS has its own Labour Conditions; the full CLA NU is not applicable.

Everything else we have to offer you can be found below!

A sustainable, inclusive and diverse working environment with an open culture where you can be yourself and we pay attention to each other and to the world. For example, participate in networks such as Young@EUR, Fame or QuEUR.

A good pension plan, travel allowance, home office and internet allowance.

Faculty / Institute / Central service

The Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) is a centre of urban expertise under Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). IHS works to make cities more liveable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable through education, research, and advisory services. We collaborate with urban professionals, international organizations, and academic institutions across the globe to co-create urban knowledge that leads to action.

IHS operates within the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) and is part of EUR Holding BV.

Group

Under the leadership of the General Director, the office manages strategic partnerships, including those with international organizations such as UN Environment (UNEP). The Research Officer, who reports directly to the General Director, will provide essential insights and analyses to support the organization's mission focused on sustainable urban development and climate action.

Department

The General Director's Office at IHS is dedicated to supporting impactful research initiatives while promoting collaboration across various projects. It serves as the strategic hub for the organization, overseeing key initiatives and ensuring they align with our core mission and vision.

Additional information

For more information about IHS , please visit our website www.ihs.nl. More information about the position can be obtained from David Dodman via dodman@ihs.nl.

Applying

The application procedure consists of one round of interviews. The interviews will take place in week 24.

You can apply for this position up to and including the 27 of May 2025. Attach your cover letter and CV to your application in English.

We look forward to receiving your application.

IHS offers equal opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability or any other aspect that makes them unique. We hope to welcome you in our community.