Climate Change Mitigation Policy Officer

Closing date:

14 May 2012

BACKGROUND

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The Climate Change Mitigation Policy Officer (Senior REDD+ Advisor) will assume overall responsibility for defining and coordinating the implementation of IUCN’s policy work and knowledge products related to this issue and ensuring that IUCN climate change mitigation activities are coherent at the national, regional and international levels, supported by cutting edge knowledge and analysis, and strategically oriented to the delivery of IUCN’s programme of work.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Advisor, Forest Policy and Partnerships the Climate Change Mitigation Policy Officer will:

1. Strategic Leadership and Policy Advocacy on Climate Change Mitigation
• Provide guidance and strategic direction to the development and implementation of IUCN’s climate change mitigation work, and associated policy influencing, and ensure strong policy leverage from this.
• This includes
a. Provide high level policy and technical advice.
b. Identify emerging issues, trends and strategic opportunities.
c. Define policy options and influence strategies.
d. Keep abreast of climate change mitigation policy changes.
e. Thoroughly analyze the international and multilateral negotiations framework and governmental positions in relevant fora.
• Provide back-stopping support to IUCN as it interfaces with partners and donors generally on other areas that are relevant to climate change mitigation and where IUCN has well-defined policy competency, such as forest landscape restoration and investment in locally controlled forests.

2. Thematic leadership on REDD+
• In close collaboration with the IUCN climate change working group ensure a consistency of approach and coherency with IUCN general policy on REDD+ across the institution.
• Guide and provide quality assurance in the design and strategic monitoring and evaluation of IUCN REDD+ projects and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a network of key partners, influential contacts and leading thinkers (at both the individual and institutional level) on REDD+, with a view to strengthening the relevance of IUCN’s programmatic work and as a principal conduit for IUCN’s knowledge products and analysis.
• Act as IUCN’s liaison on the climate change related activities of the Collaborative Partnership on Forest (CPF) and its members.

3. Knowledge Generation and Analytical Work
• Lead IUCN knowledge building and management activities on climate change mitigation including:
o Identify critical knowledge gaps and carry out (or as appropriate, commission) research and analysis to fill these.
o Contribute to the identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt on Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change mitigation.
• Develop policy briefs for UNFCCC negotiations and other related processes.
• Design, implement and regularly revise an integrated strategy for knowledge generation and management for Nature-based solutions to Climate Change mitigation.
• Contribute to improved communication and awareness of Nature-based solutions to Climate Change mitigation throughout the IUCN secretariat and commissions.

4. Programme Development and Fundraising
• In close collaboration with the GFCCP REDD+ Programme Officer, other thematic programmes and regional colleagues design, develop and fundraise for new project proposals that support IUCN’s work on mitigation of climate change, related REDD+ activities.

5. Other responsibilities
• As required the Climate Change Mitigation Policy Officer shall:
o Support the GFCCP activities by researching and synthesizing information on particular themes and issues relevant to the work of the Programme.
o As requested by the Senior Advisor, Forest Policy and Partnerships, supervise additional staff, consultants and interns.
o Assume responsibility for other activities that the Director of GFCCP and the Senior Advisor, Forest Policy and Partnerships may assign from time to time and that do not negatively impact on the delivery of the above responsibilities.

REQUIREMENTS

• Masters Degree in a relevant discipline (environmental or climate change policy, international law) or other relevant academic field.

• At least 8 years of relevant professional work experience in climate change issues, including a minimum of 3 years of experience in international negotiations.

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the global debate and national issues on climate change mitigation, particularly REDD+, and experience in multilateral environmental debates and dialogues and processes.

• Proven track record in policy analysis, development work in the area of climate change mitigation and related issues.

• Ability to engage in and contribute to high-level policy dialogues and advisory functions involving high-level government counterparts and other stakeholders.

• Experience in working with governments, donors and/or multilateral institutions.

• Ability to work effectively within a large decentralized workforce of professionals of different nationalities and to mobilize it towards common goals.

• Organizational experience, including a proven ability to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously, and to perform well under pressure.

• Proven ability to work in an interdisciplinary organization, both independently and in a team setting.

• Demonstrated project management and programme development skills.

• Proven fundraising abilities.

• Fluent English. Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is an asset.

• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, especially within multi-stakeholder contexts.

• Good knowledge of web-based and information technology.

• Effective communicator to a wide range of audiences.

• Well developed writing skills.

• Available for significant travel.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/