TITLE: Junior Program Officer – Youth Leadership and Education


TEAM: Youth Leadership and Education

LOCATION: Rotterdam, the Netherlands

LEVEL OF EFFORT: Full time – 40 hours per week

START DATE: As soon as possible

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 November 2024


Only candidates with a valid work permit in the Netherlands will be considered for this position.


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 WILL YOU DO

GCA is harnessing the enthusiasm, energy, and innovation of young people to mobilize the next generation of climate adaptation leaders in Africa and worldwide. The Youth Leadership and Education program empowers young people to make the case for adaptation on the global stage and make their communities more climate resilient.
As a Junior Officer in the Youth Leadership and Education team, you will report to the Thematic Lead and work closely with three team members to empower and mobilize young people to become leaders in climate adaptation in Africa and around the world. You will expand the global youth adaptation movement, coordinate education and training programs, organize impactful events, and promote youth voices in international and national climate discussions. Throughout your work, you will maintain a focus on the crucial role of youth in shaping a climate-resilient future and navigating politically sensitive situations. You will also collaborate with colleagues across different teams, including Advocacy, External Affairs, Communications, and the Youth Entrepreneurship and Jobs team.
Responsibilities

• Develop compelling advocacy resources, including concept notes, publications, and materials for international conferences and events.
• Coordinate and manage global youth networks, increasing member capacity and ensuring effective information sharing, communication, engagement, and participation in key events and activities.
• Conceptualize, organize and execute in-person, hybrid, and virtual events, including preparing agendas, coordinating speakers, managing logistics, and promoting events to a wide audience including through social media.
• Coordinate education and training programs, including developing content, managing sub-grant agreements, and tracking progress and impact.
• Identify and leverage opportunities to amplify young people's voices at the highest levels, including through international conferences, policy dialogues, and advocacy campaigns
• Conduct administrative work, including processing procurement documents to purchase goods and services needed to support youth engagement activities and campaigns.
• Track impact and report on results to communicate the effectiveness of youth engagement initiatives and demonstrate their contribution to GCA's goals.
• Monitor and manage communications, ensuring timely and effective responses to inquiries and requests.
• Other tasks as needed.

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Education, Project Management, Climate Change, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in areas such as climate adaptation, youth engagement in climate-related policy, or education and community-building at local and national levels.
• Solid understanding of climate change concepts, frameworks, and international agreements to effectively support youth and community engagement initiatives.
• Excellent English writing and communication skills, with experience in preparing concept notes, briefings, articles, or reports that communicate information clearly and concisely.
• Effective planning and organizational skills, with focus on time management and prioritization to meet multiple deadlines in dynamic settings and fast-paced environment.
• Cross-cultural collaboration and coordination skills, with the ability to build and maintain productive working relationships across diverse backgrounds and professional levels.
• Awareness of organizational and political contexts, with sensitivity to internal dynamics and stakeholder needs, adapting communication as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with the UNFCCC process and COPs, including their objectives, procedures, and key stakeholders.
• Experience with National Adaptation Plans.
• Experience working in Africa is a plus.

WHAT WE OFFER

Joining our team means contributing to our global mission on climate adaptation. You will have the opportunity to tap into the extensive expertise available at GCA and its partner organizations worldwide. Furthermore, you will play a role in shaping international policies and global action on climate change, working at the highest governmental levels, and collaborating with governments on all continents.
GCA offers a competitive salary, 25 days of paid leave, and a public transport travel card for free business commuting within the Netherlands.
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, color, 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 COB 15 November 2024.
Our recruitment process for this role includes two rounds of interviews. Through out the process, 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.