Location: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC)
Reports to: WCS ROC Country Director
Start date: December 2022
Contract: Full-time (minimum 2 years)
Purpose:
We are looking for an experienced Climate and Biodiversity policy Advisor to support the country program with the launch of innovative climate initiatives in the Republic of Congo. The position will seek to advance WCS goals of supporting the protection of high integrity forests, and biodiversity and those of our partner, the Government of Congo, in implementing their global conservation, biodiversity and sustainable development commitments.
The Senior Climate and Biodiversity Policy Advisor will work closely with the WCS Country Program in ROC, other relevant WCS Global and Regional Programs, and national and international partners to coordinate the launch of a number of new and innovative climate initiatives to protect and finance high integrity forests and biodiversity in the country. The position will work closely with government agencies and WCS country, regional and global programs to ensure the development of these initiatives is fully aligned with ROC government priorities and strategic commitments to national and international conventions and agreements. The position will also ensure strong alignment and coordination with other WCS-supported national-level initiatives on biodiversity conservation, protected areas, forest governance and IPLC engagement in forest management.
Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain excellent liaison and communications between WCS and relevant government agencies on project development related to innovation and climate financing for protection of high integrity forests;
- Map and maintain a current and comprehensive understanding of ROC climate and strategic priorities (including NDCs, ERP, CAFI, etc. );
- Map and maintain an excellent understanding of other stakeholders’ initiatives engaged in climate and nature-based solutions (including forest protection and IPLC engagement and forest management) in ROC;
- In close coordination with the WCS country program, identified partners, and WCS’s global and regional technical teams, lead stakeholder coordination and dialogue in climate-related project development;
- Support the WCS ROC program and government agencies where possible, to access international public funding from bilateral and multilateral sources; support proposal development and related reporting as needed;
- Working with the WCS ROC country program, and our global and regional science and policy teams, ensure the ROC government has sufficient information with which to make informed decisions on nature-based solution programming and integrate them as appropriate to guide decision-making;
- Represent WCS science, field conservation and policy positions in nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation in international forums.
- Support the Government of Congo in reporting on its obligations to national and international commitments to nature-based solutions to climate change.
- Beyond ROC, provide technical, partner engagement and policy support to WCS country programs and thematic programs across Central Africa on NBS to climate change adaptation and mitigation as needed.
- Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice within WCS’s global field programs on NBS.
Qualification Requirements
- 10 years of experience in large-scale project development in the environmental or climate sector.
- Master’s degree in environmental or political science, environmental policy, or another relevant field.
- Demonstrated experience in government relations, specifically in negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Experience working with an international and culturally diverse team.
- Experience and familiarity with international climate policy, international conventions, climate financing frameworks (e.g., REDD+) and with bilateral and multilateral climate and nature-based funding agencies (e.g., GCF, GEF, CAFI).
- Experience of project implementation and stakeholder coordination in Africa.
- Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and French.
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication and presentation experience.
Other attributes that will help you stand out
- Excellent team player and networker, with experience working in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, partners, donors, and all levels of staff.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, oral and written, particularly with explaining complex issues to diverse audiences.
- Experience of working across public, private and non-profit sectors
- Experience of project implementation and stakeholder coordination in the Republic of Congo or Central Africa
- Commitment to WCS’s mission and values and the ability to represent these within the organisation and to external stakeholders
- Willingness to commit to the position for at least two years and to relocate if necessary to Republic of Congo
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through the link by January 30, 2023.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
