Climate Change Adaptation Officer

Climate Change Adaptation Officer

Ecosystem Management Programme
Gland, Switzerland
Deadline: 27 May 2009 …

Climate change has been part of IUCN’s work for over a decade and the link between climate change and IUCN’s mission of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use has never been stronger. For IUCN’s 2009-2012 Programme, the issue of climate change is one of the five thematic priority areas focusing on two global results with respect to the role of biodiversity in mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Given the urgent need to adapt to the current and projected impacts of climate change, and strong support from IUCN’s membership to enhance our work on climate change, IUCN is looking to build its programme of work on climate change adaptation, in particular to enhance the links between the science, practice and policy on ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation, and to build collaboration with other organizations, including through the Ecosystems and Livelihoods Adaptation Network (ELAN). IUCN is now recruiting for a Climate Change Adaptation Officer to support these efforts.

The primary roles of the Climate Change Adaptation Officer will be to work as a focal point for IUCN’s climate change adaptation activities, to ensure that IUCN’s Secretariat, Commissions and Members collaborate more closely to deliver the 2009-2012 Programme on climate change adaptation, to communicate and exchange information both internally and externally, as well as to develop new partnerships. The Climate Change Adaptation Officer will play a key role in IUCN’s engagement with the Ecosystems and Livelihoods Adaptation Network (ELAN). The Climate Change Adaptation Officer will be based in the Ecosystem Management Programme (EMP), but will work directly with other Programmes (Water, Forests, Marine, Protected Areas, Species), initiatives (Drylands, Islands, Invasive species) and regional programmes.  

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Upscaling IUCN’s current work on climate change adaptation within the Ecosystem Management Programme, and with IUCN’s regions, Commissions and other global thematic programmes;  
   
   
2. Supporting IUCN’s engagement in the Ecosystems and Livelihoods Adaptation Network (ELAN).  
   
   
3. Providing support to IUCN thematic and regional programmes and Commissions to develop new programmes on climate change adaptation;  
   
   
4. Working with IUCN members to achieve greater impact on the policy and practice of climate change adaptation;  
   
   
5. Drawing on lessons learned across Programmes, and the latest science and adaptation practice internationally to provide synthesis and input into IUCN’s policy work on climate change adaptation;  
   
   
6. Developing content on climate change adaptation for IUCN communications materials, disseminating communication materials at key events, and updating IUCN’s adaptation-related website material;  
   
   
7. Fundraising, monitoring, reporting and communicating for the 2009-2012 Programme related to climate change adaptation;  
   
   
8. Other duties, as assigned by the Head, Ecosystem Management Programme.  
   
   

REQUIREMENTS

• 5 to 10 years’ experience in environmental management, climate change adaption or development at the national and international level, with considerable field experience;  
• Advanced post-graduate degree in a subject related to climate change, environmental management and/or development ;  
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills; demonstrated ability to communicate to a wide range of audiences;  
• Demonstrated project management and development skills;  
• Ability to work effectively within a large decentralized workforce of professionals of different nationalities and to mobilize it for common goals;  
• Proven fundraising abilities;  
• Excellent English; knowledge of French and/or Spanish a considerable asset;  
• Must be prepared to travel frequently.  

SALARY

The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from CHF 96'160 to CHF 120'200, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).