VACANCY TITLE: 34-007 | (Senior) Program Officer: Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions

TEAM: Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions

LOCATION: Rotterdam, the Netherlands or Nairobi, Kenya

LEVEL OF EFFORT: Full time – 40 hours per week

START DATE: As soon as possible

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11 November 2024

SENIORITY: Seniority will be determined based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.



WHO WE ARE

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization working to accelerate action on adapting to climate change. We support adaptation solutions at the international and the local levels, partnering with the public and the private sector.


Our focus is firmly on those who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change; communities least prepared to withstand the health, social, and economic impacts of the climate emergency are our priority.


Founded in 2018, our organization is based in regional offices across key global locations. Our Europe office is located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in the largest floating office in the world. We also have regional offices in Kenya, Ivory Coast, Bangladesh, and Beijing, as well as a dedicated knowledge and research hub in Groningen, the Netherlands.


Our work encompasses high-level policy development, research, agenda-setting and advocacy to drive faster and deeper climate adaptation. We collaborate closely with partners to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of results where they are most needed.


WHAT YOU WILL DO

Join the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) as our (Senior) Program Officer for Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), and play a crucial role in the African Adaptation Acceleration Program. In this dynamic position, you'll be at the forefront of policy advocacy and technical support for infrastructure climate adaptation. Your role involves collaborating closely with Multilateral Development Banks and national stakeholders to guide significant infrastructure investments towards greater resilience.


You'll have the unique opportunity to develop and lead capacity-building activities with global experts, mainstreaming climate resilience across the infrastructure lifecycle. This role is not just a job, but a chance to make a substantial impact, shaping strategies to enhance infrastructure resilience, protect communities, and address gender inequalities in the face of climate change. Join us at GCA, where we value diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive and empowering work environment. Be part of a team that's driving
meaningful change in securing a resilient future.


Responsibilities
Under the oversight of the GCA Infrastructure and Nature-based Solutions Lead, the (Senior) Program Officer will carry out the following:

• Lead Technical Assistance Projects: Develop and implement a diverse range of projects in collaboration with top Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), including the African Development Bank and the World Bank. Your role will be pivotal in driving innovative and effective adaptation practices across various infrastructure sectors.
  
• Collaborate for Impact: Work closely with MDB task teams and governmental stakeholders, integrating climate adaptation in key infrastructure projects. You'll be focusing on sectors such as transportation, energy, and critical ICT infrastructure across Africa and Southeast Asia.
  
• Innovate in Adaptation: Play a proactive role in conceptualizing and supervising cutting-edge technical assistance projects. Your creativity and leadership will guide nature-based solutions and infrastructure climate adaptation efforts.
  
• Build Capacities: Coordinate with regional and international partners to strengthen the capabilities of national and local governments and NGOs.
  
• Develop Knowledge and Networks: Engage in knowledge development related to infrastructure adaptation and resilience. You'll participate in workshops and meetings, contributing to GCA's strategic direction and expanding our network in the infrastructure adaptation sector, and prepare various knowledge products like policy briefs and reports, highlighting GCA’s impactful activities.
  
• Manage External Expertise: Oversee the procurement and management of external consultants and firms, ensuring high technical quality in project delivery.
  
• Contribute to the on-the-job development of GCA staff and partner organizations.
  
Take on other related duties, as needed, in this dynamic and impactful role.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A master’s degree in environmental or civil engineering, or a closely related field emphasizing infrastructure development or climate resilience.
• At least 3 to 7 (for Senior level) years of experience in managing large-scale infrastructure resilience projects. Your expertise could be in any of these areas:
  • Technical design and finance in climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Cross-sectoral resilience, including nature-based solutions.
  • Specialized projects addressing climate hazards like floods, storms, and extreme heat.
• Effective Communication: Excellent English proficiency, oral and written to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and report information at the executive level.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Skilled in facilitating processes and working efficiently in diverse team settings.
• Flexibility and Travel-Ready: Willingness to travel internationally (5 to 8 times a year).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in infrastructure projects globally, especially in African countries, and with Development Banks or similar financial institutions.
• Proficiency in procuring advisory services and managing contracts.
• Conflict Resolution: A positive approach to resolving disagreements.
• Sense of Humor: A great asset to our team, though not a requirement.

WHAT WE OFFER
With our global headquarters in Rotterdam on the world’s largest floating office, and regional offices around the globe, the GCA offers a dynamic, high-profile, and international working environment in a growing organisation. You will be contributing to our global mission on climate adaptation. You will have the opportunity to draw upon the substantial expertise available at the GCA and its partner organizations across the world and you will be given an opportunity to support the shaping of international policies and global action on climate change, working at the highest governmental levels and collaborating with governments on all continents.


At GCA, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued. We warmly welcome applicants from all walks of life and do not discriminate in any of our programs or activities based on race, colour, religion, sex, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Join us and contribute your unique perspective to our collective success.

HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in this position, please submit your motivation letter and CV by following the link https://gca.org/about-us/join-us/ before 11 November 2024.


Our recruitment process is designed to be both engaging and insightful. It begins with a written assessment, followed by three rounds of interviews. Throughout these stages, you'll have the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of GCA team members who are eager to learn about your personality, skills, and potential. This journey also allows you to gain a deeper understanding of GCA's objectives, culture, and values. We look forward to discovering how we can achieve great things together.


All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. The Global Center on Adaptation also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.