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Job Description: Climate Change Specialist

Position Title: Climate Change Specialist
Location: African Union Commission (AUC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Department: Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA)
Reports To: Head of Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Unit
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (with possibility of extension)
Duration: 2 years (renewable)

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy Development and Advocacy

   • Lead the formulation and implementation of climate change policies and strategies at the continental level.
   • Advise the African Union Commission on policy frameworks, strategies, and initiatives to address climate change, with a focus on adaptation and mitigation.
   • Engage in climate change negotiations and advocate for Africa’s interests in global platforms such as the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).

2. Program Management and Coordination

   • Coordinate climate change programs, projects, and initiatives across Africa, ensuring alignment with AU's strategic goals and regional priorities.
   • Develop and oversee the implementation of climate action programs and technical assistance projects to support African Union Member States in meeting their climate targets.
   • Facilitate partnerships with international organizations, development agencies, private sector stakeholders, and NGOs to secure funding and technical support for climate change initiatives

Organization Information

Background

The African Union Commission (AUC) is dedicated to fostering sustainable development across Africa, with an emphasis on combating climate change and supporting the continent’s adaptation to its adverse effects. The Climate Change Specialist will play a key role in developing and implementing policies and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change challenges in Africa, advancing climate-resilient development, and supporting member states in meeting their climate-related commitments.

Purpose of Job

The Climate Change Specialist will lead, coordinate, and support climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, programs, and initiatives across the African continent. The role will involve providing technical expertise, guidance, and policy advice to African Union Member States, regional economic communities, and other stakeholders to enhance climate action in alignment with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Main Functions

The Climate Change Specialist will lead, coordinate, and support climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, programs, and initiatives across the African continent. The role will involve providing technical expertise, guidance, and policy advice to African Union Member States, regional economic communities, and other stakeholders to enhance climate action in alignment with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Specific Responsibilities

• Policy Development and Advocacy

  • Lead the formulation and implementation of climate change policies and strategies at the continental level.
  • Advise the African Union Commission on policy frameworks, strategies, and initiatives to address climate change, with a focus on adaptation and mitigation.
  • Engage in climate change negotiations and advocate for Africa’s interests in global platforms such as the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).

• Program Management and Coordination

  • Coordinate climate change programs, projects, and initiatives across Africa, ensuring alignment with AU's strategic goals and regional priorities.
  • Develop and oversee the implementation of climate action programs and technical assistance projects to support African Union Member States in meeting their climate targets

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Education:

  • Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Environmental Policy, or a related field.
  • A PhD in a relevant field is an added advantage.

• Experience:

  • At least 7 years of professional experience in climate change policy, research, or program management, preferably with experience in an international or regional context.
  • Proven experience in designing and managing climate change projects and programs in Africa.
  • In-depth knowledge of international climate change agreements, including the Paris Agreement, UNFCCC processes, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
  • Experience in stakeholder engagement, including governments, civil society, private sector, and donors.

Required Skills

• Technical Knowledge:

  • Strong understanding of climate change science, policy frameworks, and sustainable development principles.
  • Familiarity with climate finance mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility.
  • Ability to analyze complex climate data and present clear, actionable insights.

• Communication and Advocacy:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, including senior policymakers, technical experts, and local communities.
  • Strong negotiation and advocacy skills, particularly in international settings.

• Project Management:

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects, ensuring effective implementation and monitoring of outcomes.
  • Experience in fundraising and managing climate change funding initiatives.

• Leadership and Teamwork:

  • Ability to work independently as well as collaborate within a multicultural team environment.
  • Leadership skills to inspire and mentor colleagues and stakeholders towards achieving climate action goals.

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies