Job information

I. Background:

The Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP) is an institute-wide centre of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) that provides resources for policy setting towards sustainable development, acting as a science-policy interface by processing and assessing information and knowledge for governments, local communities and other stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. RRC.AP has more than 25 years of experience working with various bilateral and multilateral aid agencies in dealing with regional environmental issues, and is also serving as secretariat for a number of intergovernmental networks/initiatives in the region, supporting policy and strategy development as well as facilitating international and intergovernmental symposiums and workshops. The AIT campus is located in Pathumthani province, 42 km north of central Bangkok.

The Climate Change Cluster of RRC.AP undertakes activities at the science-policy interface in the fields of climate change adaptation and mitigation. The first area of RRC.AP’s adaptation-related activities is provision of technical support to adaptation planning processes at national and provincial levels through mobilization of adaptation knowledge and facilitation of capacity building. RRC.AP synthesizes results of applied research on adaptation issues and repackages them as policy-oriented knowledge products. RRC.AP also conducts capacity-building activities that enhance the capacities of government officers to carry out climate change impact assessments, adaptation planning and project development, and monitoring results of adaptation efforts. The second area of RRC.AP’s adaptation-related activities is dissemination of adaptation knowledge in the region. As one of the four core technical partners of the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN), RRC.AP has been actively contributing to the UNEP-led initiative by jointly organizing the Asia Pacific Adaptation Forum, the biggest knowledge-sharing event in the region.

II. Major Functions:

The successful candidate will head the Adaptation Component of the RRC.AP Climate Change Cluster by leading its strategy and portfolio development and overseeing the implementation of its programmes and activities, including management and development of staff. He/she will also provide technical inputs to the climate change adaptation-related initiatives implemented by RRC.AP and AIT. In addition, the successful candidate will assist the Head of the Climate Change Cluster in defining the Climate Change Cluster’s portfolio and strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation and resource management. He/she will report directly to the Head of the Climate Change Cluster.

III. Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Leading technical work (40% of time)

• Lead in the preparation of analytical drafts, background documents, assessment studies, and policy briefs on climate change adaptation. Provide technical support to ministries and government agencies in the organization of intergovernmental meetings for bridging the science-policy gap in addressing climate change adaptation issues.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight for the implementation of projects and programmes, including consultations with relevant stakeholders and donors.
• Supervise staff and provide guidance for the improvement of technical capacity of the adaptation component team.

2. Project management (30% of time)

• Develop a work plan for the adaptation component and oversee the implementation and delivery of high quality outputs.
• Oversee technical meetings, project budget and financial reporting.
• Ensure regular consultations and coordination with project partners, including AIT faculty and external agencies, on joint planning, information sharing and reporting in order to deliver high quality outputs.
• Ensure appropriate work distribution and allocation of human resources for the efficient and successful implementation of the adaptation portfolio.

3. Resource mobilisation (30% of time):

• Lead resource management and resource mobilisation activities, including project identification and preparation of project proposals, network management and production of marketing products, and representing RRC.AP at regional consultations, workshops and seminars on climate change adaptation.
• Enhance cooperation at the regional level leading to project development in the fields of climate change adaptation.
• Initiate the development of project proposals and other forms of resource mobilisation on climate change adaptation.
• Ensure regular consultations and coordination with project partners on joint planning, information sharing and reporting in order to explore opportunities for collaboration.

IV. Required Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of climate change adaptation policies and socio-economic issues in Asia-Pacific region and related fields, with particular experience in providing technical support and capacity building activities for adaptation planning, budgeting and monitoring as well as climate financing. Ability to apply theory to the specific policy context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome adaptation and development challenges that Asian countries face. Ability to identify data sources, analyse information, develop policy recommendations and write reports. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Communications: fluency in spoken and written English; demonstrated skills in having two-way communications; openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning & Organising: ability to formulate clear goals, prioritise activities and assignments; to allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; and to monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary.

V. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Postgraduate degree in environmental economics, environmental management, natural science or relevant fields. A doctorate would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated knowledge of climate change adaptation and socio-economic issues in the Asia-Pacific region; knowledge of climate financing, economic and environmental planning, and climate investment funds would be an advantage.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in technical assessment, data analysis and application of scientific information in development programmes and policy-making, in the field of climate change adaptation.
• Demonstrated ability in fundraising and resource mobilisation with international donors.

Applications should include 1) a cover letter highlighting relevant competencies, qualifications and experience and 2) a curriculum vitae (a maximum of six pages, please) and should be sent to: info@rrcap.ait.asia..  Also send a copy of your application by email to Alla.Metelitsa@rrcap.ait.asia with subject “SPS-Climate Change Adaptation”.