View Vacancy – FJS – Pacific Climate Policy Adviser, HEO

Main purpose of job:

The Pacific Climate Policy Adviser will work on climate issues important to Pacific Island Countries, collaborating with UK teams across the region and in the UK to provide strategic advice on UK-Pacific climate partnerships as part of a highly ambitious and active global network.   

Based in BHC Suva, the Policy Adviser will primarily have responsibility for working with Fiji Government to drive the UK’s partnership on the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, supporting strategic climate action in Fiji and promoting the UK‘s global leadership in implementing the Glasgow Climate Pact. 

Working as part of the Regional Climate Team the job holder will work across a range of themes including access to climate finance, climate adaptation, renewable energy transition and protecting nature and biodiversity.    

The post holder will be responsible for a broad range of activity spanning policy and programmes, including coordinating delivery of UK-supported projects across the region and supporting effective communications on the learning and successes of these projects. The post holder will represent the UK at events, often presenting; help to build internal expertise; contribute to policy development and advice; and build networks across a diverse range of Fiji and wider Pacific stakeholders. They will find new opportunities to engage UK expertise and offers in Fiji and across the Pacific, and work with teams in the UK to leverage UK programme offers where relevant, and providing programme management support to smaller UK offices across the Pacific to deliver regional climate programming. The post holder will work closely with colleagues in London to provide briefing and analysis on climate issues, and timely and accurate responses to requests requiring Pacific expertise. The job holder will also work closely with seniors within the UK network, supporting high level visits and events to the region.  

The role will suit someone who can work collaboratively as part of a virtual team to deliver high quality work, aiming high to meet long-term goals whilst responding promptly to diverse short term commissions. Strong communication skills and an ability to build relationships while working remotely will be essential. The successful candidate should have strong existing knowledge of global, Fiji, and Pacific climate change issues and have a strong climate network in Fiji and across the region. Understanding of programme management principles and willingness to learn the UK processes are essential. 

Adaptability and willingness to to support other areas of the mission including other duties as relevant or directed by senior management, particularly on our broader development and humanitarian work is also required. Experience in these areas would be an advantage.

The British High Commission is a responsible and flexible employer that puts values of inclusion, respect and excellence at the heart of everything we do. The successful candidate can expect to join a supportive working environment that promotes learning, inclusion, welfare and prioritises creativity and development.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

1. Climate Policy – UK in Fiji (50%)

• Lead engagement of the UK-supported Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance country trial in Fiji with the Climate Change Division, and support broader climate outcomes in Fiji.  This will include ensuring that the country trial aligns with the Principles and Recommendations of the Taskforce.
• Lead UK engagement with Fiji Government in preparation for COP29 and the climate aspects of the agenda for CHOGM 2024.
• Work closely with the UK-supported Climate Finance Absorption Adviser embedded within government through the UK-GGGI partnership, ensuring their engagement with the British High Commission team.
• Additional discrete work streams as part of the UK’s and Fiji’s broader climate, energy and biodiversity ambition.

2. Regional development and climate policy and programme support (30%)

• Work with the Pacific Climate and Energy Counsellor to deliver specific work streams of the UK’s regional climate strategy, including ensuring alignment with the goals of the UK Development White Paper, particularly around access to finance and partnership with Pacific-led institutions.
• Work with the UK posts and the regional climate team to coordinate UK effort across the Pacific, including providing programme management and strategic advice to the UK’s Pacific Partnerships Facility programme for community adaptation.
• Supporting the achievement of the UK’s broader development and humanitarian objectives, including policy development, programme design and delivery and communications.
• Promote the UK’s Pacific Islands-focused climate change activities to the regional audience and domestic audience, to ensure maximum impact.
• Build and develop relationships with key Fijian and Pacific regional climate change bodies.

3. Global climate network reporting (10%)

• Providing timely updates on climate policy development in the region to London-based leads.
• Flexibly supporting other UK High Commissions in the Pacific Region as part of the global climate network.

4. Learning and Development (10%)

• Proactively maintain on-going learning and development across the international development and humanitarian agendas and programme management to strengthen skills and experience. This could include overseas travel to work on development issues in other posts in the network.

• A minimum of five years relevant work experience
• Knowledge of and experience working on international climate change policy
• A sound understanding of Pacific climate change issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong climate change network within Pacific
• Strong relationship management skills
• Project management experience
• Excellent research and analysis skills (including accuracy and strong attention to detail)
• Must be a Fiji citizen or have permanent residence or a current work permit