Adviser and Head Climate Change

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to join our Economic, Youth and Sustainable Development Directorate (EYSDD) as Adviser and Head Climate Change.

The Economic, Youth and Sustainable Development Directorate (EYSDD) is responsible for the Secretariat’s programmes focus on national and international economic and financial issues. One goal of our work is to strengthen the resilience of member countries to the escalating impacts of climate change. We play a key role through providing technical and policy advice to governments in helping to identify and achieve international consensus in finding solutions to the economic and climatic challenges affecting Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth Climate Change Programme focuses on strengthening resilience of small and other member states most vulnerable to climate change. The Commonwealth Climate Change Programme works in collaboration with internal and external partners toward supporting countries to reduce vulnerability to climate change, build resilience, encourage transformation towards low carbon technology.  

The Adviser and Head Climate Change will lead the Secretariat’s work on climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. In particular, she/he will be responsible for providing technical, policy and programming implementation support, oversight and capacity development services, negotiations pertaining to climate change and cross cutting areas including gender and youth mainstreaming and data management. This job requires the post holder to demonstrate strong expertise on developments around international climate action and climate finance architecture, sound political judgement, strategic leadership and management skills.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must hold a post-graduate degree in Environment and Development, Environmental Policy and Regulation, Environmental Economics and Climate Change or other closely related field. Extensive experience in climate change and climate finance policy development, climate investment planning and multilateral negotiations particularly in an international context is required.

You will need a minimum of 10 years’ experience, including at senior management level, directing a team of professionals, in a government or bilateral organisation. At least 10 years’ experience in inter-governmental organisations is preferred. You will also need a minimum of 10 years of expertise in the alignment of national planning and climate investment mobilisation including in the context of small island developing states. Experience working with the UN climate systems around climate resilient development, strong writing skills, extensive experience of working with Commonwealth country governments in organising international events, and a proven record of effective people management are essential.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 member governments and provides guidance on policy making, technical assistance and advisory services to Commonwealth member countries. We support governments to help achieve sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development.

If you feel that you are suitable for this role, please apply by submitting a CV and Covering Letter. Covering Letters should be structured to address the key criteria required in the Job Description, giving clear examples.

To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.