Vacancy title:
Research Officer, Climate Adaptation and Protected Area (CAPA) Initiative

Jobs at:

Deadline of this Job:
Wednesday, August 30 2023 

Summary
Date Posted: Monday, August 21 2023, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
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. 




Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 36

Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree

Job application procedure
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