Senior Climate Adaptation and Resilience Advisor
About Power Shift Africa
Power Shift Africa (PSA) is a Pan-African think tank providing cutting-edge analysis, solution-focused policy, and responsive media engagement from an African perspective, both within the continent and internationally.
PSA’s mission is to mobilise climate action in Africa, catalyze and support impactful African networks and institutions, and amplify civil society and expert voices on the international stage.
About the Role
PSA’s workstream on climate adaptation and resilience has been underscored by strategic working collaboration with countries and stakeholders on the continent and internationally to influence climate policy debates, elevate Africa’s voices, and contribute to strengthening adaptation and building resilience of communities affected by devastating effects of climate change.
To advance this goal, PSA seeks to recruit a Senior Adaptation and Resilience Policy Advisor to coordinate our engagement with targeted stakeholders, including key institutions, senior government officials from Ministries and/or departments responsible for adaptation programmes in African countries, and international counterparts.
The successful candidate will be responsible for scoping and leading our research and analysis on the issue and help generate evidenced debate and discussion that can inform perspectives and decisions. This will involve collaborating with colleagues and partners to produce thought leadership, including developing insight briefs that will help socialize our research and elevate climate adaptation in the regional and international spaces.
The Senior Adaptation and Resilience Advisor will report directly to the Programmes Manager and will supervise the Programme Officer(s). The incumbent will also work closely with the Programmes Director and the PSA Director, as necessary.
Key Responsibilities
Research and analysis
Develop evidence-based policy positions and briefings on climate adaptation in Africa and share with African decision-makers and stakeholders to inform adaptation work streams in the UNFCCC and related regional policy processes including shaping the work on the Global Goal on Adaptation.
Provide technical leadership and undertake research on strategic and forward-looking ideas, documenting experiences and lessons including from smallholder farmers and pastoralists to strengthen adaptation and resilience approaches in Africa and global policy dialogues.
Collaborate with the relevant teams in the production of workshop materials, technical papers, long-form reports, and other relevant materials with the support of the Power Shift Africa team and other stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement
Develop and execute a program of activity and engagement to socialize the insights of PSA’s adaptation and resilience work directly with regional and international stakeholders from states, non-state, and civil society sectors.
Develop and execute a strategy to deliver insights directly into key diplomacy initiatives actively governing adaptation and resilience policy.
Strengthen the capacity of decision-makers, civil society, and local actors such as small-holder farmers and pastoralists to better address adaptation needs in Africa.
Scope and manage the establishment of a regional dialogue platform on adaptation and resilience, creating a much-needed space for evidenced debate and discussion that can inform perspectives and decisions.
Liaise with related PSA programs to closely coordinate direct advisory to key stakeholders including governments, the AGN, the AMCEN, etc. leveraging PSA’s climate adaptation and resilience work.
Facilitate initiatives to strengthen engagement with other strategic actors and networks across the spectrum and bring the African perspective to international discussions.
Communication
Work in liaison with the PSA Media and Strategic Communications team to produce multiple forms of thought leadership on key themes, helping to synthesize analytical insights and bring clarity and structure to complex adaptation and resilience topics.
Collaborate in preparing African narratives and communication materials that elevate adaptation and achieve greater visibility for smallholder farmers and the role of agriculture research and development in meeting their adaptation needs within the global climate dialogues.
Engage in public speaking on the program’s behalf where necessary.
Programme Coordination
Provide technical expertise with program design by offering evidence-based insights and policy analysis that inform project planning and implementation.
Coordinate regularly and engage on stakeholder engagement on project-related deliverables
Contribute technical and policy insights to fundraising proposals, ensuring content reflects the latest climate adaptation priorities.
Share monitoring and learning insights by analyzing data to identify policy implications and provide recommendations for strategic adjustments, ensuring both program delivery and policy influence are harmonized.
Team Leadership and Mentorship
Mentor and support junior Adaptation and Resilience staff to build capacity and encourage career growth
Conduct periodic one-on-one sessions and performance evaluations, offering constructive feedback and recognizing achievements.
Identify growth opportunities, recommend relevant training, and support team members’ career advancement through tailored development plans.
Promote and encourage open communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork across diverse groups, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support.
Desired Qualification and Experience
Master’s degree in Climate Change and Development, International Development, Public Policy, Climate Policy, Political Science, or a related field.
Over 8 years of relevant experience in stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on climate adaptation and resilience, preferably with a focus on regional/global negotiation processes.
In-depth knowledge of climate policy, with a proven track record of collaborating with stakeholders on climate policy development in Africa.
Demonstrated experience engaging with national governments, regional and international institutions, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in climate adaptation and resilience across Africa.
Proven ability to engage international stakeholders and facilitate high-level dialogues, including extensive professional experience in relationship management, public relations, and political liaison with senior government officials.
Strong understanding of Africa’s climate and development landscape, political economy, and engagement with development partners.
The Ideal candidate
Our aim is to identify a candidate who embodies the perfect blend of technical and behavioral competencies, personality, drive, expertise, and passion
Work Authorization: Must have the legal right to live and work in any African country, with a preference for candidates based in Kenya but we are open to considering candidates from other African countries.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrates strong problem-solving, analytical, and negotiation abilities.
Policy Research skills: Demonstrates a solid research background, with the ability to conduct in-depth analysis and produce evidence-based policy recommendations
Independent Leadership: Capable of taking full ownership of workstreams, driving initiatives forward with minimal supervision.
Strategic Communication: Skilled at conveying complex ideas clearly and tailoring messages to diverse audiences.
Established Networks: Possesses strong connections within climate adaptation and resilience sectors.
Team Collaboration: Comfortable both giving and receiving constructive feedback to foster a collaborative team environment.
Language Competence: Fluency in spoken and written English is required; Proficiency in French will be an advantage
Additional Information about the role
Global Travel: This role comes with local, Africa-wide, and international travel. The candidate must therefore be flexible to travel, including for up to two weeks at a time to different locations as per the demands of the job.
Nature of Contract: This is a full-time role on a 1-year renewable contract.
Working Environment: A hybrid of remote work or office-based, depending on the organization's needs with regular travel for networking events and meetings. A fast-paced work environment with tight deadlines and a collaborative work environment with regular communication with team members.
Hiring Philosophy: We deeply value diversity within our teams and are dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering organizational culture. We welcome and encourage applications from Africans of all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences.
What we offer: An attractive engagement package that includes a competitive monthly salary and fringe benefits. As a dynamic and growing organization, we provide an excellent platform for continuous learning and growth in the climate and development sector.
When to start: The successful candidate is ideally expected to start working from April 2025. The candidate will undergo an extensive induction process by our People & Culture team, the Programmes team, and leadership from the start date and throughout the three-month probation period.
Application Process
We encourage qualified candidates to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest, qualifications, and vision for the position. Applications should be submitted to careers@powershiftafrica.org by 23rd February 2025 at 11:59 pm EAT.
Power Shift Africa (PSA) is committed to equal treatment and opportunity in all aspects of recruitment, selection, and employment.