View Vacancy – Climate Change and Biodiversity Policy Officer HEO – (17/24 PTA) – (Maternity Cover)

Main purpose of job:

Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing our world. The UK has responded with some of the world’s most ambitious legislation and domestic targets, embedding the green economy in all our industrial, research and growth strategies. Internationally, the UK is one of the most significant contributors to international climate finance and active in pressing for global ambition in line with the 2015 Paris agreement to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees.

South Africa is a key strategic partner: 1) The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between South Africa and the UK, US, France, Germany, the EU, Denmark and The Netherlands (announced at COP26 in Glasgow, November 2021) is about supporting SA to meet its ambitious NDC commitments, doing so in a just way.  2) As a developing country under the UNFCCC, South Africa is dealing with the twin challenges of adapting to, and building resilience against climate impact that is already occurring and increasing; 3) As the 6th most mega diverse country in the world, South Africa has an important role to play in delivery of the Kunming-Montreal Global  Biodiversity Framework (GBF) including on digital sequencing information; and 4) As an influential member of the Africa Group, the G77 +China, G20, BRICS, SA is a key player in securing real progress within the UNFCCC negotiation process.

The British High Commission is looking for a temporary (Maternity Cover) Climate Change and Biodiversity Policy Officer to work with partners across government, NGOs, civil society and business on climate change and biodiversity.

This position plays a central role within the British High Commission to lead on delivering climate and biodiversity policy and events.  You will monitor relevant policy developments in SA, and report on those developments and their implications.  The role includes supporting diplomatic action linked to the 16th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in October 2024; the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in November 2024; campaigns including around Earthshot week which takes place in Cape Town in November 2024; and ongoing implementation of the JETP.

It is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of this key area of UK-South Africa collaboration. The post holder will contribute to the development of a vision for how to grow a long-term UK-South Africa climate relationship. This role will report to the Head of Climate Change and Biodiversity.  You will be expected to develop strong links with other colleagues working on JETP, Development, Economic Growth, Science and Innovation and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) teams.

We are looking for a proactive self-starter, able to work well with others and have a flexible approach to work whilst under pressure.  Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to build strong relations within the High Commission and with a wide range of stakeholders in South Africa.

• At least a Bachelor’s with honours degree, preferably in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Biological Diversity, Public Policy or a related course
• Solid knowledge of climate change and/or biodiversity issues in South Africa and related international institutional frameworks
• Minimum 5 years of work experience, ideally with some background in working with international stakeholders
• Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder relationship skills
• Be a flexible and creative problem-solver, able to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems, and coordinate coherent and compelling programmes and projects
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to adjust to different audiences
• Excellent presentation skills
• Team player, driven by values