Switzerland: Policy Advisor, Climate Change Adaptation Governance National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network

Mar 20, 2022 | International Institute for Sustainable Development
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The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 120 people, plus over 150 associates and consultants, come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.

About IISD Resilience and the NAP Global Network

IISD’s Resilience Program is a multidisciplinary team of policy researchers who work with governments, civil society, communities, and businesses to help them manage climate- and conflict-related risks. Its work focuses on planning, people, and nature—preparing for a different or uncertain future, making sure different genders and social groups influence and benefit from investments in resilience, and harnessing the role of ecosystems to help communities manage risks.

Within this portfolio, the Resilience Program hosts the secretariat for the NAP Global Network, an initiative focused on accelerating adaptation planning and action in developing countries. The NAP Global Network strives to achieve this goal by, a) enhancing national-level action through short- and longer-term technical support on adaptation planning, b) facilitating South-South peer learning and exchange, and c) generating, synthesizing, and sharing knowledge on NAP processes. Established in 2014, the NAP Global Network connects more than 1,500 participants from over 150 countries, with financial support from an expanding base of donors.

The Position

The policy advisor will provide project coordination, research, knowledge management and communication support to the secretariat of the NAP Global Network.  

Specifically, the successful candidate will work with government partners, civil society organizations, and contractors in the Global South on a variety of issues related to the governance of adaptation and adaptation planning. These include the challenges and opportunities associated with different phases of the NAP process (i.e., from risk assessments and prioritization of adaptation options to the transition from planning to implementation—including finance and/or budgeting—and tracking progress in adaptation), as well as issues that should be addressed in NAP processes (e.g., migration, conflict, justice, gender equality, and social inclusion).

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate’s key areas of responsibility will include but not be limited to the following areas, with an estimated general indication of time allocation:

1. Project coordination and implementation (50%)

  • Plan, organize, and oversee technical assistance programming for the NAP Global Network based on the needs collaboratively identified and communicated by in-country partners.
  • Recruit and oversee locally engaged and international contractors, working in close collaboration with IISD project managers.
  • Convene, facilitate, and contribute to virtual and face-to-face workshops, meetings, and other events of various sizes.
  • Contribute to the preparation of narrative and financial reports to funders.

2. Research and issues tracking (10%)

  • Conduct reviews and research on adaptation governance and planning in the Global South.
  • Write reports, papers, and briefs that accurately synthesize and assess research findings.
  • Follow and summarize news and events pertaining to adaptation governance and planning.

3. Engagement and networking (20%)

  • Establish and actively maintain a network of partners and contacts working on adaptation governance to advance the strategic objectives of the NAP Global Network in this area.
  • Strengthen the NAP Global Network’s involvement in relevant networks and initiatives around the world.

4. Communications and outreach (10%)

  • Prepare knowledge products and presentations (with limited oversight and editing) that share the NAP Global Network’s work on adaptation governance.
  • Share research results through webinars, workshops, conferences, and other events.
  • Represent NAP Global Network at national and international forums.

5. Business development (10%)

  • Support other IISD personnel with the development of new project ideas and proposals on climate change adaptation.

Experience Sought

The experience and qualifications below indicate what is needed to succeed in the position. We understand candidates may not have all the following; if you possess 75% or more of the qualifications listed as “Essential,” then we encourage you to apply.

Please note that our Resilience team works across multiple time zones. We are looking for someone with a “can-do” work attitude, who is able to work autonomously while proactively engaging with other team members, particularly working in a remote and/or hybrid work environment.

Qualifications (Essential)

  • A master’s degree or equivalent in international development, environmental studies, geography or another similar area
  • Availability to travel internationally (about 20% of the time)

Knowledge and experience (Essential)

  • Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in climate change adaptation
  • Understanding of and practical experience in climate change adaptation, particularly in the Global South.
    • Desirable: Relevant experience in Latin America a strong asset
  • Specific knowledge of adaptation governance, policy, and planning
    • Desirable: Experience working on NAP processes and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) an asset.
    • Desirable: Knowledge of adaptation finance and budgeting a strong asset.
  • Knowledge of international development and experience working in developing countries

Skills (Essential)

  • Excellent coordination skills, with an ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, and liaise with multiple stakeholders
  • Strong research and analytical skills, and ability to become familiar with new topics quickly
  • Confident and engaging communication skills; ability to synthesize information in plain language and tailor communications approaches to different audiences
    • Desirable: Interest and experience in creative communications—such as visual storytelling—an asset
  • Fluent in English and Spanish, with demonstrated excellent writing skills in both languages
    • Desirable: Ability to work in French a strong asset

Behavioural competencies (Essential)

  • Results-focused, able to work quickly and accurately to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of the results
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work comfortably across different cultures, be inclusive, positive, and a good communicator
  • Curious and committed to learning, working to understand the people, concepts, and issues that drive our work. Asks questions and seeks answers.

Locations:          

  • Canada, where IISD has offices in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Toronto
  • Geneva, Switzerland

The following other locations may be considered for exceptional candidates, where IISD employs directly or through an EOR model: Burkina Faso, Germany, India, Kenya, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. IISD is also willing to consider EOR arrangements for Spanish-speaking geographies.

**Candidates must have the authorization to work in their country of residence without IISD sponsorship**

Remote work arrangements can be considered.

Term:                   Full-time

Wage range:     

  • Canada: CAD 60,000 – 85,000
  • Geneva: CHF 90,000 – 100,000
  • Other locations: TBD

Start Date:          As soon as possible

Closing date:      April 1, 2022 

Please only apply to one posting, as this role is posted to multiple cities.

Application Procedure

Applications will only be accepted through BambooHR

  • A CV (no longer than two pages)
  • A one-page letter of motivation

All submissions must be in English.

Please note that only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We thank you for your interest in working with IISD!

Resumes will be kept on file for one year.