Policy Lead Climate Change Adaptation

May 17, 2019 | Oxfam
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Oxfam Novib is a Dutch foundation and the Dutch affiliate of the international Oxfam organization. Oxfam Novib is fighting for a just world without poverty. Oxfam Novib’s ALIVE team is currently recruiting a Policy Lead Climate Change Adaptation.

Objective of the position

This position lies in Oxfam Novib’s ALIVE team (Access to Land, inclusive value chains and empowerment), which works on the rights of small holders, their food and income security through inclusive and socially responsible value-chains, land rights and climate change adaptation. The ALIVE team contributes to a diverse and active movement for food and climate justice with a focus on the rights and voice of small scale-food producers and their communities. Oxfam (Novib) advocates for local, national public and private sector policies and practices in the areas of land rights, climate change, agriculture investment, living income and human rights in value-chains. It does so by building the alternatives on the ground while advocating for governments and private sector to adapt their policies and practices. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing effective on-the-ground program and related influencing strategies that convince decision makers in the area of climate change adaptation policies and programs with a focus on the livelihoods and land-use of small holders.

The person Oxfam is looking for is knowledgeable about the agro-food system and value chains and how they can adapt to climate change, including areas such as women’s rights. You have a proven track record in developing effective program strategies as well as a relevant network with stakeholders, in the Netherlands and internationally. You have a clear understanding of how evidence-based influencing and community level work can be mutually supportive in complex national settings. You developed expertise and demonstrated thought leadership on climate change adaptation for community resilience. You have a passion for innovative approaches in rural development and are a creative thinker. At the same time, you are well organized and can deliver a project with high standards. You work well in multi-disciplinary teams around the world and can find balance between different levels, angles and stakeholders.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing effective evidence-based climate change adaptation strategies for rural development as part of a Climate Change Global Strategic Program with other Oxfam affiliates and country teams, including developing and implementing projects for institutional donors.

Main tasks

• Leads and/or contributes to the development of program strategies on rural livelihoods and climate adaptation, and translate these into concrete, high quality grant proposals in coordination with Oxfam country offices, national partners and allies towards private and public donors.
• Leads and facilitates the co-creation of project proposals to donors, with partners and country offices, based on a clear Theory of Change and track record capturing lessons learned, achievements.
• Provides on demand targeted technical support to Oxfam country teams regarding social justice issues in climate change adaptation in rural development, working with the rights and voice/agency of small holders, inclusive adaptation planning, access to knowledge and inputs for climate smart agriculture or farmers based natural resource management.
• Keeps abreast of relevant literature and engages in debates and networks with relevant stakeholders in order to gain and share knowledge and stay up-to-date about the developments in the area of climate smart agriculture, climate adaptation financing and the food sector in particular
• Initiates and works together on the development of new projects and programs related to areas of expertise that could be funded by donors and ensures quality delivery of agreed outcomes with existing donors.
• Acts as spokesperson for Oxfam Novib and represents Oxfam Novib in relevant external fora and in the engagement with governments, private sector actors, the Dutch public, the Dutch media and other relevant stakeholders.
• Contributes to fundraising, start-up, realisation, monitoring and reporting of projects and the documentation of project knowledge for future program development, institutional fundraising and/ or innovation purposes.

Job requirements (skills and competencies)

• A Master’s degree in a relevant area of expertise, preferably related to agriculture, food systems and rural development.
• At least 5 years of work experience in the field of climate change adaptation and/or rural development preferably in Africa and/or Asia.
• Good knowledge and understanding of global food systems, climate change frameworks and policy processes and human rights frameworks
• Proven communication and writing skills to make the Oxfam climate adaptation & social justice approach clear to outside audiences.
• Have a proven track record of project/proposal development, fund-raising and project management
• Leadership and facilitation skills in co-creation of project proposals with cross-country teams and/or building Alliances
• Team player and accustomed to providing technical advisory services in complex working environments
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in English, French and preferably Dutch
• Strong networking and programming skills, accompanied by a strong relevant network with civil servants, politicians, private sector parties, media and other advocacy actors.
• Have a results-oriented approach;
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritize, meet deadlines, and hold self and others to account;
• Willingness to travel abroad; including to fragile contexts.
• A network with donor agencies is an asset, while also knowledge of the Oxfam confederation will be considered an asset.

Oxfam Novib is committed to providing you with a competitive, fair and comprehensive pay and benefits package that is justifiable to our donors. This position is classified in scale 10. The gross salary range is between € 3.101,– to € 4.772,– on the basis of 36 hours per week. The position will be based in The Hague, The Netherlands.

All applicants for this contract must be Dutch nationals, or nationals of a European Union member State, or have a valid work permit for the European Union.