British High Commission in Pretoria Jobs - Climate Change and Biodiversity Policy Officer HEO - (Maternity Cover) Vacancies

British High Commission in Pretoria Jobs - Climate Change and Biodiversity Policy Officer HEO - (Maternity Cover) Vacancies

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, the EU, Denmark and The Netherlands (announced at COP26 in Glasgow, November 2021) is about supporting SA to meet its ambitious NDC commitments, doing so in a just way.

As a developing country under the 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 the 6th most mega diverse country in the world, South Africa has an important role to play in delivery of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) including on digital sequencing information; and 4) As an influential member of the Africa Group, the G77 +China, G20, BRICS, SA is 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 and Biodiversity Policy Officer to work with partners across government, NGOs, civil society and business on climate change and biodiversity.

This position plays a central role within the British High Commission to lead on delivering climate and biodiversity policy and events. You will monitor relevant policy developments in SA, and report on those developments and their implications.

The role includes supporting diplomatic action linked to the 16th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in October 2024; the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in November 2024; campaigns including around Earthshot week which takes place in Cape Town in November 2024; and ongoing implementation of the JETP.

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 Biodiversity. You will be expected to develop strong links with other colleagues working on JETP, Development, Economic Growth, Science and Innovation and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) teams.

Roles and responsibilities:

To plan and deliver engagement with government including sub-national authorities, non government actors, business and civil society on climate change and biodiversity.

To deliver timely and insightful reporting on climate change and biodiversity developments in South Africa and their implications

To contribute to implementation of the High Commission’s Climate Change and Biodiversity strategy for South Africa

To ensure this strategy supports long-term

decarbonisation, resilience & adaptation and biodiversity objectives in South Africa, including clean growth, just energy transition, biodiversity and green finance

To act as the High Commission’s focal point on climate change and biodiversity policy, developing and owning the bilateral narrative by working closely with colleagues on issues relevant to climate change and biodiversity

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 UNFCCC COP29 and CBD COP16, including communications

To identify climate diplomacy high impact, outcome-driven projects, deliver grant agreements with implementing partners and track progress

To manage Ministerial and official visits from the UK related to climate change and biodiversity 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

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

The postholder might oversee a climate related outreach budget.

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.

At least a Bachelor’s with honours degree, preferably in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Biological Diversity, Public Policy or a related course

Solid knowledge of climate change and/or biodiversity issues in South Africa and related international institutional frameworks

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

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

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 UK climate change and biodiversity policy and its global leadership in the subject matter

Knowledge of just energy transition

Knowledge of the low carbon/green sector

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; British High Commission in Pretoria Jobs - Climate Change and Biodiversity Policy Officer HEO - (Maternity Cover) Vacancies

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