Job description
VACANCY TITLE: Partnerships and External Affairs Officer
LOCATION: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
LEVEL OF EFFORT: Full time
ANTICIPATED START DATE: As soon as possible
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1 May 2023
ABOUT GCA
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that works as a solutions broker to catalyze action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sector, to ensure we learn from each other and work together for a climate resilient future. Adapting to impacts of climate change provides a “win-win” for health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security and economic growth. The work of GCA elevates the visibility and political importance of climate adaptation and facilitates solutions, such as smarter investments, new technologies and better planning to become more resilient to climate-related threats. GCA is a rapidly growing organization with offices in Abidjan, Beijing, Dhaka, Groningen, and its global headquarters in Rotterdam.
GCA has an ambitious 2020-2025 business plan with three pillars:
- Programs and Action: Food Security; Using Nature for more resilient infrastructure; Water for Urban Growth and Resilience; Climate Finance; and Youth Leadership
- Research for Impact: Building adaptation knowledge globally through cutting edge products such as the State and Trends in Adaptation Report and the Knowledge Exchange Platform
- Agenda Setting and Advocacy: Formulating policy messages to move the global, regional, and local adaptation agendas forward.
GCA’s flagship work program is in Africa. All the components of GCA’s Business Plan contribute towards changing the pace and scale of adaptation in Africa. GCA’s program in Africa is the Africa-owned and Africa-led Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), co-created with the African Development Bank Group to implement the vision of the Africa Adaptation Initiative to support African countries on key adaptation initiatives.
The AAAP is mobilizing $25 billion for climate adaptation investments over five years, helping African countries prioritize climate adaptation in their policies, programs, and institutions. The program focuses on delivering high adaptation dividends and accelerating momentum through large-scale investments, innovations, knowledge, and technical assistance initiatives. The AAAP has already influenced over $5.2 billion of investments, mainstreaming adaptation to achieve the objectives of programs including those focused on food security, climate-resilient water services, and jobs in Africa. Endorsed by the international community as a vehicle to deliver on pledges and meet the urgent need to scale up adaptation, the AAAP model provides a tested platform that combines knowledge, programs, and advocacy to support country and regional priorities around the world.
OVERVIEW
GCA seeks a Partnerships and External Affairs Officer to support the engagement and mobilization of partners across GCA’s network of stakeholders in support of GCA’s mission to serve as a global solutions broker for adaptation action. The Partnerships and External Affairs Officer will report to the Director of External Affairs, and work closely with the Senior Communications Manager and other colleagues across GCA, to implement GCA’s Advocacy and Agenda-Setting pillar of activity.
Job requirements
RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Engagement and Convening
- Support the delivery of action-forcing international summits and other high-profile events bringing together global leaders, senior business figures and key stakeholders driving the adaptation agenda.
- Designing and delivering impactful policy dialogues, conferences and other events convening GCA’s partners from different sectors by drafting concept notes, liaising with participants, and monitoring subsequent results.
- Undertaking research to support the formulation and implementation of new regional and sectoral adaptation programs, identifying relevant stakeholders, programs and initiatives that could contribute towards such programs.
Advocacy and Outreach
- Produce and use campaign materials that generate political support and strengthen policymaker understanding of adaptation financing and solutions.
- Coordinate outreach to partners from across governments, sub-national government actors and networks, the private sector, international organizations, multilateral development banks, and civil society on advocacy issues.
- Support and promote the work of GCA’s Programs and Research for Impact teams, by designing and delivering products and events that promote greater investment in adaptation.
Stakeholder Relations
- Collaborate with colleagues from across GCA, including its regional offices, to identify areas of synergy with existing, impactful multilateral initiatives and key networks that can support GCA’s mission.
- Undertake ongoing stakeholder mapping and produce briefing materials as needed on transnational and regional development programs focused on adaptation and issues affected by climate change impacts.
- Perform other related duties as required.
- Manage the updating of internal tools to track the opportunities for engagement and impact of GCA’s work with our broad range of international partners.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s Degree (International Relations/Public Affairs, Political Science/Public Policy, Environmental Policy, Communications, Public Health or other related field) plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
- Strong understanding of the global policy landscape related to climate change adaptation and experience working with global leaders, senior business figures, governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
- Excellent communication skills, with an ability to clearly and concisely structure complex ideas and initiatives both in writing and orally.
- Near-native fluency in English with proficiency in French an asset.
- Excellent writing skills with proficiency to draft and edit politically sensitive products.
- Excellent project management skills, including in delivering impactful high-level events in different country and political contexts.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- International travel may be part of the assignment. Travel and accommodation expenses will be arranged and paid for by GCA.
- Salary and benefits are benchmarked to be competitive with similar positions in the sector.
- This role requires the candidate to already have the right to work in the Netherlands.
WHAT WE OFFER
GCA offers a dynamic, high-profile, and international working environment within a growing organization. Our global headquarters is located in the award-winning Floating Office Rotterdam, the world’s largest floating office, with regional offices around the globe.
Joining our team means contributing to our global mission on climate adaptation. You will have the opportunity to tap into the extensive expertise available at GCA and its partner organizations worldwide. Furthermore, you will play a role in shaping international policies and global action on climate change, working at the highest governmental levels and collaborating with governments on all continents.
This staff position will be based at GCA’s global headquarters in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a flexible working policy, and a public transport travel card will be provided for free commuting within the Netherlands.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in this position, please submit your motivation letter and CV by following the link https://gca.org/about-us/join-us/ before 1 May 2023, 5 pm CEST. Selected candidates will be invited to undertake a short, timed written test ahead an interview. Kindly mention the date as of which you would be available to start in Rotterdam.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT
GCA does not discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
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