Background
The Earth System Governance (ESG) Project operates under the direction of a Scientific Steering Committee (SSC). The SSC guides the implementation of the Earth System Governance Science and Implementation Plan, and ensures the continuity and vitality of the ESG network.
When the current Science and Implementation Plan was launched in 2018, an entirely new set of SSC members was appointed. Membership terms were initially five years with scope for extensions, and vacancies were filled on an ad hoc basis by invitation.
As the network continues to grow and diversify, the SSC is undertaking a renovation process by introducing three-year terms (with a maximum of one three-year renewal) and open calls for new members. This transition aims to establish a more regularized, predictable, and transparent turnover of SSC membership. In this context, several members, including four of the current twelve SSC members who have served since 2018, will step down during the course of this year. The SSC therefore invites applications to fill these vacancies.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to the outgoing members for their energy, dedication, leadership and significant contributions to the network over the past eight years. Their individual contributions will be acknowledged in the ESG newsletter during the year.
SSC positions are voluntary and unpaid. However, they offer valuable opportunities to collaborate with highly competent and respected colleagues, and to lead and shape the future of a large, diverse and flourishing global research network and its efforts to address the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. This is an exciting time to join the SSC, particularly with the upcoming development of a new Science Plan.
Information about membership term and commitment
SSC members are appointed for a three-year term. Towards the end of this period, members may opt to serve for another three-year term, subject to willingness and enthusiasm to continue.
SSC members are expected to:
- Attend one full-day annual meeting, held in person in conjunction with the annual ESG conference, at least every other year; and
- Participate in three online meetings annually in the other quarters of each year (approximately three hours each).
Members are also expected to take on specific responsibilities depending on the division of labour within the SSC. These may include co-chairing the SSC, acting as a liaison between the SSC and Research Centres, Taskforces, etc. and host institutions for ESG annual conferences, co-coordinating initiatives (e.g. South-South Initiative or Early Career activities), or leading reviews and selection committees.
For the current intake, new members should preferably be ready to join for the annual meeting of the SSC, which will be held on Sunday 6 September in Bath, just before the ESG annual conference.
Requirements
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have a strong reputation as a scholar in the field of Earth System Governance;
- Have a history of active and constructive contribution to the ESG network (preferably having been ESG Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows or Lead Faculty members for at least three years);
- Are able to dedicate time and expertise to the work of the SSC; and
- Are motivated to contribute to the strategic development and governance of the ESG network.
Selection will take into account gender balance, geographical representation, career stage, and areas of expertise.
We are keen to ensure that the SSC collectively has a balanced skill set, including across areas such as vision/big picture thinking; committee/board governance and oversight; networking and coalition-building; capacity to represent and promote the network externally; fundraising; financial management; editing publication series/journals; conference coordination; and teaching experience.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and a short (maximum one-page) motivation letter outlining their interest in the role and what they would like to contribute to the SSC and the ESG network.
Applications should be sent to ipo@earthsystemgovernance.org by Sunday April 5th, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of three members of the SSC, and we will aim to notify applicants of the outcome in May following the next SSC meeting.
