British High Commission Climate Change Policy and Campaigns Officer - Jobs in South Africa
British High Commission Climate Change Policy and Campaigns Officer - Jobs in South Africa
Main purpose of job:Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing our world. The UK has responded with some of the world’s most ambitious legislation and domestic targets, embedding the green economy in all our industrial, research and growth strategies. Internationally, the UK is one of the most significant contributors to international climate finance and active in pressing for global ambition in line with the 2015 Paris agreement to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees.
South Africa is a key strategic partner. 1) The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between South Africa and the UK, US, France, Germany and the EU (announced at COP26 in Glasgow, November 2021) is all about supporting SA in meeting its ambitious NDC commitments, doing so in a just way. 2) As a developing country under UNFCCC, South Africa is dealing with the twin challenges of adapting to, and building resilience against climate impact that is already occurring and increasing; 3) As an influential member of the Africa Group, the G77 +China, G20, BASICS, SA are a key player in securing real progress within the UNFCCC negotiation process.
The British High Commission is looking for a temporary (Maternity Cover) Climate Change Policy and Campaigns Officer to work with partners across government, NGOs, civil society and business on climate change issues including just energy transition and resilience.
This position plays a central role within the British High Commission to lead on developing and delivering climate campaign activity locally and coordinating work on Climate Change across the Mission. You will also monitor relevant policy developments in SA, and report on those developments and their implications. The role includes supporting diplomatic action linked to implementation of the JETP, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in November 2022 and the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in December 2022.
It is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of this key area of UK-South Africa collaboration. The post holder will contribute to the development of a vision for how to grow a long-term UK-South Africa climate relationship. This role will report to the Head of Climate Change and will be expected to develop strong links with other colleagues working on JETP, Development, Economic Growth, Science and Innovation and Department of International Trade (DIT) teams.
Roles and responsibilities:
To develop and lead a campaign strategy of engagement across government, NGOs, civil society and business, drawing on UK domestic policy, practice and experience in support of a just energy transition
To maintain an effective understanding of relevant climate developments in South Africa and be able to report on their implications
To coordinate implementation of the High Commission's COP27 and Climate Change and Energy strategy for South Africa
To ensure this strategy supports long-term decarbonisation and resilience & adaptation objectives in South Africa, including clean growth, just energy transition, transport and industrial decarbonisation, Electric Vehicles, biological diversity and green finance
To act as the High Commission’s focal point on climate, developing and owning the bilateral narrative by working closely with, and pulling together the work of JETP advisers, economic, political, development and communications colleagues relevant to climate change
To coordinate with Whitehall colleagues on engagement with South Africa, advising on local sensitivities and priorities; this will include contributing to briefing for ministers and senior officials
To liaise with the South African government on policy relating to COP27 and COP15, including communications through our respective High Commission networks
To plan and implement engagement with non-Government actors including sub-national authorities (cities, states, provinces), business, and civil society
To manage Ministerial and official visits from the UK
related to the JETP, biological diversity and other climate-related issues in South Africa
To play an active part in the corporate life of the High Commission (including if necessary as a member of any High Commission Committees) to maximise the overall well-being of staff
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
We are looking for a proactive self-starter, able to work well with others and have a flexible approach to work whilst under pressure. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to build strong relations within the High Commission and with a wide range of stakeholders in South Africa.
University degree, preferably in Environmental Science, Climate, Public Policy or related course.
Minimum 5 years of work experience, ideally with some background in working with international stakeholders
Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder relationship skills
Be a flexible and creative problem-solver, able to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems, and coordinate coherent and compelling programmes and projects
Fluency in written and spoken English
Experience providing administrative and logistical support
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to adjust to different audiences
Excellent presentation skills
Team player, driven by values
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Relevant post-graduate course
Solid knowledge of South Africa’s climate change policy, its international commitments and institutional framework
Sound network of contacts in political arena, government, private sector and civil societies
Candidates with prior work experience in International or multilateral programmes will be considered as a plus:
Knowledge of financial sector
Knowledge of low carbon/green sector
Knowledge of infrastructure sector
Knowledge of UK climate and energy policy, technology and commercial capabilities, and its global leadership in the subject matter
Additional information
Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
The British High Commission/Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
The current legacy DFID Terms and Conditions of Employment will apply to all internal locally employed staff on promotion and new entrants subject to local employment labour law.
All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to 1. Obtain the relevant permit, 2. Pay fees for the permit, 3. Make arrangements to relocate & 4. Meet the costs to relocation
The British High Commission/Embassy does not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles
Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
Current employees (CBS) transferring between departments need to obtain a new police clearance/certificate of good conduct to be successful appointed to the position.
Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your
How to apply
For more information and job application details, see; British High Commission Climate Change Policy and Campaigns Officer Jobs in South Africa
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