Job description
VACANCY TITLE: Senior Program Officer, Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions (2 Positions)
LOCATION: Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
LEVEL OF EFFORT: Full time – 40 hours per week
ANTICIPATED START DATE: As soon as possible
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 09 February, 2024
SALARY INDICATION: 60,000 to 75,600 EUR (yearly gross – all inclusive)
We are seeking to fill two positions for the role of Senior Program Officer in Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions.
HOW WE ARE?
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 the 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, Nairobi, Beijing, Dhaka, Groningen, and Rotterdam.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
Join the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) as our Senior Program Officer for Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), and play a crucial role in the African Adaptation Acceleration Program. In this dynamic position, you’ll be at the forefront of policy advocacy and technical support for infrastructure climate adaptation. Your role involves collaborating closely with Multi-lateral Development Banks and national stakeholders to guide significant infrastructure investments towards greater resilience. You’ll have the unique opportunity to develop and lead capacity-building activities with global experts, mainstreaming climate resilience across the infrastructure lifecycle. This role is not just a job, but a chance to make a substantial impact, shaping strategies to enhance infrastructure resilience, protect communities, and address gender inequalities in the face of climate change. Join us at GCA, where we value diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive and empowering work environment. Be part of a team that’s driving meaningful change in securing a resilient future.
Responsibilities
Under the oversight of the GCA Infrastructure and Nature-based Solutions Lead, the Senior Program Officer will carry out the following:
- Lead Technical Assistance Projects: Develop and implement a diverse range of projects in collaboration with top Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), including the African Development Bank and the World Bank. Your role will be pivotal in driving innovative and effective adaptation practices across various infrastructure sectors.
- Collaborate for Impact: Work closely with MDB task teams and governmental stakeholders, integrating climate adaptation in key infrastructure projects. You’ll be focusing on sectors such as transportation, energy, and critical ICT infrastructure across Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Innovate in Adaptation: Play a proactive role in conceptualizing and supervising cutting-edge technical assistance projects. Your creativity and leadership will guide nature-based solutions and infrastructure climate adaptation efforts.
- Build Capacities: Coordinate with regional and international partners to strengthen the capabilities of national and local governments and NGOs.
- Knowledge Development and Networking: Engage in knowledge development related to infrastructure adaptation and resilience. You’ll participate in workshops and meetings, contributing to GCA’s strategic direction and expanding our network in the water-urban adaptation sector.
- Manage External Expertise: Oversee the procurement and management of external consultants and firms, ensuring high technical quality in project delivery.
- Assist in preparing various knowledge products like policy briefs and reports, highlighting GCA’s impactful activities.
- Contribute to the on-the-job development of GCA staff and partner organizations.
- Take on other related duties, as needed, in this dynamic and impactful role
Job requirements
Minimum Requirement
- A master’s degree in environmental or civil engineering, or a closely related field emphasizing infrastructure development or climate resilience.
- At least 5 years of experience in large-scale infrastructure resilience projects. Your expertise could be in any of these areas:
- Technical design and finance in climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Cross-sectoral resilience, including nature-based solutions.
- Specialized projects addressing climate hazards like floods, storms, and extreme heat.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in infrastructure projects globally, especially in African countries, and with Development Banks or similar financial institutions.
- Proficiency in procuring advisory services and managing contracts.
Your Competencies and Mindset
- Strong Communicator: Excellent English proficiency to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Collaborative and Multicultural: Skilled in facilitating processes and working efficiently in diverse team settings.
- Conflict Resolution: A positive approach to resolving disagreements.
- Flexibility and Travel-Ready: Willingness to travel internationally (5 to 8 times a year).
- Commitment to Impact: Driven by the goal to improve lives through climate resilience and adaptation.
- Sense of Humor: A great asset to our team, though not a requirement.
WHAT WE OFFER
GCA offers a dynamic, high-profile, and international working environment within a growing organization. Our global headquarters in Rotterdam 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 offers a competitive salary, 25 days of paid leave, and a public transport travel card for free business commuting within the Netherlands.
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.
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 9 February, 2024.
The recruitment process is composed of a written assessment followed by 4 interviews.
Throughout these stages, you will engage with a diverse range of GCA team members, from various levels within our organization. While we acknowledge the length of our recruitment process, we believe it is essential for a comprehensive understanding. This approach is not only about us assessing your skills and potential; it’s also an opportunity for you to gain a deep insight into our organization’s culture and dynamics. This experience will enable you to clearly envision your future growth and success with us, ensuring a strong and mutually beneficial fit.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. The Global Center on Adaptation also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.
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