Head, Global Climate Law, Policy and Governance Programme

The Climate Change Group at IIED is looking for a Head of Global Climate Law, Policy and Governance Programme to lead the strategic direction and delivery of the programme and provide legal, technical and strategic advice to the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group in the UN climate negotiations as requested

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is a policy and action research organisation promoting sustainable development and linking local priorities to global challenges. We are based in London and work on five continents with some of the world’s most vulnerable people to strengthen their voice in the decision-making arenas that affect them. With more than 100 members of staff working with associates and partners around the world, IIED has been at the forefront of evidence-based policymaking in sustainable development for nearly 50 years.

The Climate Change Group of IIED, in conjunction with partners, seeks to secure an equitable deal for the poorest communities in developing countries who are exposed to increasingly severe and unpredictable weather events that can devastate communities, destroy livelihoods and exacerbate poverty. IIED emphasizes capacity strengthening through collaborative research with individuals and organizations in the South.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate their ability in:

• Building genuine relationships and trust across the LDC leadership, as well as with global climate leaders, NGOs and representatives of vulnerable communities
• Humility and patience in providing strategic advice to the LDC Group
• Strategic leadership at both direct and shuttle diplomacy
• Skills in growing talent of the next LDC climate leaders as well as the IIED team currently of eleven
• Understanding of legal and policy issues relating to climate action at the global and national levels

Success in the role will be through amplifying the voices of the LDCs, respecting and supporting LDC leadership, ownership and agency.

The post holder will provide strategic direction to, and design and implement the Institute’s and Group’s programme of work on Global Climate Law, Policy and Governance to ensure equity in the global decision-making process and implementation of the Paris Agreement, with particular focus on the LDC Group.

The post-holder will lead business development, programme implementation, team management, partnership development and communication. The role is also part of the leadership of the climate change group as a whole and will support cross-institute collaboration where necessary.

To succeed in this role, you must have a postgraduate degree in international law, international relations, international development or a related field. You will have an excellent understanding of UNFCCC negotiations and operationalization of the LDC Group in the UN in addition to first rate understanding of capacity building, climate finance and gender and youth dimensions of global decision-making processes.  You will be fluent in English with at least 10 years’ experience in multilateral decision-making processes. Solid experience at building collaborative partnerships and communicating confidently to a diverse range of partners from different backgrounds and cultures, is a must.

For more information please see the job description.

How to apply: 

Closing date: midnight on 31^st May 2019

Interviews:     Will be held on either Thursday 13^th or Friday 14^th June 2019.

Should there be a need for a second stage interview, this will be held during either the week commencing 24^th June or during the week of 1^st July. 

IIED aims to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all areas of the community.