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 the Global South. 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 analyst will provide project implementation, research, knowledge management, communication, and peer learning support to the Secretariat of the NAP Global Network, with a special focus on the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. Working under the supervision of the Policy Advisor, Climate Change Adaptation Governance – NAP Global Network, the Policy Analyst will provide a range of support to our program and team members.
Specifically, the successful candidate will support 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 specific thematic issues that should be addressed in NAP processes, such as governance, migration, conflict, justice, gender equality, and social inclusion.
Main Responsibilities
The NAP Global Network is seeking support with the following tasks:
Project implementation and outreach support (40%)
- Support the planning and delivery of technical assistance programming for the NAP Global Network based on the needs collaboratively identified and communicated by in-country partners.
- With the guidance of the Policy Advisor, Climate Change Adaptation Governance, contribute to keeping actively engaged with government, civil society, academia, and business organizations.
- Working with IISD Resilience project managers, assist with the recruitment and coordination of national and/or international contractors hired to support the program’s various initiatives.
- Organize virtual and face-to-face workshops, meetings, and other events of various sizes.
- Contribute to the preparation of narrative and financial reports to funders.
Research and issues tracking (20%)
- Conduct research and synthesis reviews on adaptation planning and implementation in the Global South.
- Collaborate in writing reports, papers, and briefs that accurately synthesize and assess research findings.
- Follow and summarize news and events pertaining to adaptation planning and implementation in the LAC region.
Knowledge production and communications (20%)
- Contribute to knowledge products—such as reports, briefs, and blogs—that capture and share the NAP Global Network’s work in the LAC region.
- Prepare products that contribute to the knowledge and communication processes—such as presentations, interactive surveys, and speaking points—for webinars, workshops, conferences, and other events specific to projects and programs implemented in the LAC region.
- In collaboration with Resilience communications staff, develop communications products that highlight and share the NAP Global Network’s work in the LAC region.
Administrative and other support (20%)
- In close collaboration with IISD Resilience project managers, provide support to the logistics associated with peer learning activities (e.g., contracts, travel requests) that take place in the LAC region and beyond.
- Administrative and logistical support to the NAP Global Network team members, as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Ability to travel for up to 15% of the time is required.
Experience Sought
The experience and qualifications below indicate what is needed to succeed in the position. Candidates are encouraged to apply if they possess attributes in 75% or more of the areas outlined below.
Please note that our Resilience team works across multiple time zones. We are looking for someone with a “can-do” work attitude who can work autonomously while proactively engaging with other team members, particularly working in a remote and/or hybrid work environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for prioritizing and managing their own workload and schedule. This includes working with colleagues to resolve situations in which there are conflicting priorities that could lead to deadlines not being met.
Qualifications
- A postgraduate degree (Licenciatura, master’s degree, or equivalent) in international relations/development, environmental studies, geography, or another similar area
Knowledge and experience
- Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction policy planning and implementation.
- Understanding of and practical experience in climate change adaptation, particularly in the Global South.
- Knowledge of international development and experience working in Latin American countries.
- Relevant experience with adaptation projects in the Latin America region is a strong asset.
Skills
- Excellent organizational skills, with an ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and liaise with multiple stakeholders.
- Research and analytical skills and the ability to become familiar with new topics quickly.
- Good communication skills: the ability to summarize information in plain language and tailor communications to specific audiences.
- Fluency in Spanish and English, with demonstrated excellent writing skills in Spanish.
Behavioural competencies
- Results-oriented; ability 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.
Location: Colombia
**Candidates must have authorization to work in their country of application without requiring IISD sponsorship**
Employment Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $5,950,000 –$7,450,000 COP Monthly
Start Date: ASAP
Application Deadline: August 2, 2023, 10 pm CST
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 in English (no longer than two pages)
- A one-page letter of motivation in Spanish
- IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional)
All submissions must be in English (except for the motivation letter). Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available upon request. 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 at IISD. Resumes will be kept on file for one year.
IISD has implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires employees who are required or choose to be at an office or participate in in-person team events or in-person meetings/events to be fully vaccinated. Anyone unable to be fully vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or a disability that prevents them from being fully vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation.
IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants’ advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.
IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
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