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

at  Global Center on Adaptation

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.

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.

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.