Summary
Date Posted: Saturday, July 29 2023, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
1. Introduction
• The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 220 people, plus over 150 associates and consultants, come from across the globe and from many disciplines. Our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.
• The Climate Adaptation and Protected Area (CAPA) Initiative seeks to promote natural solutions to strengthening climate resilience and protecting biodiversity in and around Protected Areas and critical landscapes in the Global South. The initiative’s intervention sites cover marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems and landscapes in Belize, Fiji, and the Greater Virunga and Kavango-Zambezi landscapes. The CAPA Initiative is jointly implemented with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Africa and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

2. The Position
The Research Officer will provide project implementation, research, knowledge management, communication, and peer learning support to the CAPA Initiative. Working under the supervision of the Country Technical Lead for Africa, the Research Officer will provide a range of support to the project and to team members.

3. Responsibilities
Specifically, the successful candidate will take on the following tasks:
Project implementation and coordination support (10%)
• Support the management and coordination of the in-country activities of the Climate Adaptation and Protected Area (CAPA) Initiative in Africa, implemented jointly by IISD and WWF Africa.
• Liaise and work closely with IISD’s implementing partner, WWF Africa, on the CAPA Initiative’s landscape-specific activities.
• Work collaboratively with partners in government, the private sector, and research and non-governmental organizations, as well as with consultants.

Research and issues tracking (70%)
• Undertake substantive reviews and background research on policies, plans, and practices related to climate change adaptation, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions.
• Prepare notes, papers, briefs, and presentations that accurately synthesize and assess findings as part of projects led by other IISD personnel in the areas of climate change adaptation, protected areas, and nature-based solutions for adaptation.
• Develop communication products, such as issue briefs, blogs, and case studies, supporting website content development, and hosting webinars.
• Track issues related to climate change adaptation and protected areas/nature-based solutions in Africa.

Administrative and other support (20%)
• Organize and document meetings of various sizes, including identifying and inviting participants, developing agendas, facilitating sessions, and producing meeting reports.
• Help prepare website content related to the CAPA initiative in Africa for IISD’s communication team.
• Contribute to the preparation of narrative and financial reports to funders.
• Establish and actively maintain a network of partners and contacts engaged in efforts related to climate change adaptation, including individuals from governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and academia.
• Represent IISD at national and international forums.

4. Deliverables
Specific deliverables for the Research Officer will be determined monthly based on a performance agreement with the Technical Country Lead at IISD.
The Research Officer will submit monthly progress reports detailing the following:
• Progress on work activities and deliverables completed during the reporting period.
• Observations of potential challenges and emerging lessons.
• A work plan for the upcoming reporting period, including expected timelines and deliverables to be provided by the coordinator. This work plan will be reviewed and, as required, amended prior to being approved by IISD’s Technical Country Lead/focal point.

5. Qualifications
The Research Officer should possess the following qualifications: 
Qualifications (Essential)
• A minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field of the social or natural sciences (e.g., geography, political science, conservation, economics, ecology).
• Availability to travel domestically and internationally, including within Africa.

Knowledge and Experience (Essential)
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in the field of climate change, conservation, or sustainable development.
• Experience in Protected Area management, nature-based solutions, the role and management of ecosystems for adaptation, and nature conservation would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of international development and experience working in sub-Saharan Africa would be considered a strong asset.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and experience in handling web-based communications and management systems.

Skills (Essential)
• Strong research skills and analytical capacity and the ability to become familiar with new topics quickly.
• Excellent writing skills and strong oral communication skills; the capacity to communicate policy issues and research findings clearly and succinctly to different audiences via different platforms.
• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, including the ability to coordinate meetings and events.
• Fluent in written and spoken English. The ability to work (read, write, speak) in French would be considered an asset.

Behavioural Competencies (Essential)
• A motivated self-starter that is results-focused with an ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and manage and prioritize multiple tasks
• Strong interpersonal skills; the ability to work comfortably across different cultures, be inclusive and positive, and communicate effectively. 

Location: Preferably Kampala but open to other locations as well. Successful candidates must have work authorization wherever they are based.
Term: Full-time (Contractual)
Duration of Assignment: 12 months with possible extension for up to 30 months.  
Remuneration: The estimated remuneration for this position is dependent on experience and qualification. Consultants will be paid monthly upon submission of the monthly report. In addition, local transportation reimbursement can be arranged as per the project policies and guidelines.

Start date: As soon as possible.
Closing date: August 25, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Central Africa Time
All submissions must be in English. 

Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure
Applications procedure:
Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A one-page letter of motivation

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted.  Resumes will be kept on file for one year.
IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQ+, to apply for the position. 
IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
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