Senior Climate Adaptation Officer

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

GGGI supports the Government of Vanuatu in enhancing climate resilience through the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) initiative. The role of the Senior Climate Adaptation Officer is integral to the strategic planning, development, and implementation of climate adaptation measures within Vanuatu's NAP, aligning with national development priorities and GGGI's strategic goals. The Senior Climate Adaptation Officer will report to the Project Manager of the NAP readiness project and will be based in Port Vila.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Climate Adaptation Officer will lead the adaptation component of the NAP readiness project in Vanuatu. This includes formulating adaptation strategies and supporting the government in their implementation, engaging with national and local stakeholders, and ensuring the vertical and horizontal integration of climate adaptation into planning and policy frameworks. The role demands a high level of technical expertise in climate adaptation, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement.

The Senior Climate Adaptation Officer will undertake the technical team leader function including managing a team of experts, Technical Working Groups, and Professional Service Companies. S/he will ensure that the technical work of each team member is synchronized and aligned. S/he is also responsible for ensuring that the deliverables of each of the team members, including consultants, are of high quality and meet GGGI, government and GCF standards and requirements. S/he is responsible for consolidating technical reports on activities and deliverables in collaboration with individual members of the project management team and the technical consultants. S/he is also responsible for leading the team during the project inception stakeholder consultations and information sessions, and for training and mentoring local members of the Vanuatu NAP team to build technical capacity for climate change adaptation and related topics.

PURPOSE

• Develop and oversee the implementation of adaptation strategies and actions within the NAP readiness project.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on adaptation interventions, recommending improvements and adjustments.
• Provide technical adaptation expertise to the NAP readiness project and its key stakeholders.
• Support the GGGI communications team with the development of technical briefs and summaries of adaptation work.
• Support the NAP Project Manager regarding technical aspects in implementing the NAP Readiness project.

ENGAGEMENT

• Engage with government, local communities, consultants, GGGI staff and other stakeholders to ensure inclusive and effective adaptation planning.
• Advise and collaborate with GGGI teams, government ministries, and partners on adaptation strategies.
• Maintain active relationships with key stakeholders, integrating their needs and priorities into adaptation planning.
• Represent GGGI and the NAP project in national and regional forums on climate adaptation.

DELIVERY

• Ensure the successful delivery of adaptation components within the NAP project, meeting objectives and timelines.
• Lead technical engagement of consultants and professional firms.
• Support and provide expert review of their respective deliverables relating to the adaptation plans and other technical outputs.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and other capacity-building activities related to climate adaptation with key stakeholders including technical working groups.
• Develop and manage project documents, technical reports, and communication materials, ensuring quality and compliance with GGGI standards.
• Write Terms of References and state of work for consultants and firms.

REQUIREMENTS 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Postgraduate qualifications in climate change, natural resource management, environmental science, or relevant field
• Professional:
• Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years proven experience related to climate change development, climate adaptation, and development of national plans and strategies.
• Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years’ experience with climate mitigation and adaptation projects – including leading the development of NAPs. Experience working with a cross-section of stakeholders including senior government officials in SIDS and LDCs, donor governments and organizations as well as regional organizations. Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the GCF and other donors, development banks and other multilateral development agencies. Proven track record of stakeholder engagement and consultation with international and regional agencies, development banks and nationally with government agencies, development agencies, private sector, and the community
• At least two years of international multi-country experience – living and working outside of home country. Studying, internships, and short-term training visits will not be considered.
• Proven leadership and project management skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and capacity building.
• Fluency in English, with excellent communication and report-writing skills.

FUNCTIONAL

• Leadership, teamwork and creative problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently while following agreed work plans and instructions
• Excellent multi-cultural literacy and interest in being a part of an international team working in an evolving and entrepreneurial environment
• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and facilitation skills.
• Problem solver, able to find and implement solutions
• Innovative thinker, able to see opportunities across different sectors/disciplines
• Anticipate and provide necessary technical and content-based support
• Attention to detail
• Willingness and ability to travel

CORPORATE

• Understand and actively support GGGI’s mission, vision and values.
• Promote the best use of public resources
• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership.
• Process and share information easily.
• Manage emotions and stress positively, builds rapport and resolves conflict easily.
• Promote creativity and innovation among staff.
• Be able to lead where needed and support the Country Representative to make sound decisions.