Climate Change Programme Officer

WWF Madagascar/West Indian Ocean Programme Office is looking for a Climate Change Programme Officer. This position is based in Antananarivo.

I. Mission of the Departement

To develop and implement the WWF MWIOPO conservation strategy and plan in accordance with national and regional policies of the Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean islands region, and in compliance with WWF’s Global Programme Framework and programme and projects management standards.

II. Major Functions

- Develop WWF programs’ capacity and knowledge to capture climate change in conservation and develop appropriate and effective response to cope with its impacts.

- Support the Program in all issues related to climate change adaptation.

- Ensure effective implementation of climate change projects in accordance with the overall strategy of the Programme (WWF MWIOPO Conservation Plan and Adaptation Action Plan) and in synergy with the other WWF projects/programmes

- Coordinate a regional network of climate change adaptation practionners within the WWF Africa and Madagascar Programme.

III. Major Duties and Responsabilities :

Technical Aspects

Madagascar and WIO Climate Change Adaptation Programme :

- Support the Program in the development, planning and implementation of climate change adaptation projects;

- Support the Program in the development of new initiatives contributing to the achievement of the Conservation Plan and the Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan and develop proposals to be submitted to the donors;

- Build and reinforce WWF staff capacity and knowledge on climate change, its impacts and responses especially adaptation;

- Promote the integration of the climate change adaptation in all WWF projects;

- Support the (i) the gathering, compiling and communication of climate change information, knowledge and scientific data, especially those related to Madagascar and the West Indian Ocean region and (ii) the development of a comprehensive data base on climate change adaptation;

- Support the Geographic Information System Unit in the integration of the climate change issue in the priority-setting process and analysis;

- In close collaboration with the Footprint Program Coordinator, who holds the lead on climate change mitigation, represent WWF in the National Committee on Climate Change,

- Ensure the development and smooth running of workshops, conferences, seminars and any other form of meetings related to climate change adaptation;

- Inform the Program on current issues and trends regarding climate change, and climate change-related research;

- Support Project Officer to ensure that climate change projects are planned and implemented according to WWF project management standards;

- Represent the Programme in meetings with partners, when appropriate.

Coordination with key offices of the Africa and Madagascar Climate Change Adaptation Network, initially focusing on the ESA region (ESARPO and CEA):

- Conduct an inventory and develop a database of WWF people and projects working on climate change adaptation in the region

- Plan and lead an assessment of state of knowledge, capacity and gaps of selected WWF programs and country offices

- Lead in the development of a regional strategy and workplan to support climate change adaptation development and integration into WWF programs

- Develop tools and means to facilitate learning and exchange (website, listserves, newsletter, meetings, etc.) within the Africa and Madagascar Climate Change Adaptation Network

- Keep abreast of new developments in the field of climate change adaptation (methodologies, tools, funding opportunities, training opportunities, policy) and ensure appropriate dissemination to network members.

- Maintain close and regular contact with climate change adaptation focal points in WWF offices in the region and within the larger WWF global network (NCAT, ELAN) as well as with other appropriate fora outside WWF.

Administrative and Financial aspects

- Support the Climate Change Programme staff to ensure that climate change projects are planned, implemented and reviewed according to WWF standards on administrative and financial management;

- Contribute to efforts to ensure adequate funding for climate adaptation work in MWIOPO and for support to the Madagascar and Africa Climate Change Adaptation Network

- Ensure the quality and timeliness of annual, bi-annual and quarterly work plans for climate change projects and the regional network and ensure coordination with other WWF projects;

- Ensure the quality and timeliness of quarterly, bi-annual and annual technical reports to donors and WWF International;

- Maintain a regular communication with donors, respond to their requests and provide support in the organization of their visits to Madagascar;

- Ensure the follow-up of all contracts (providers, consultants and researchers), establish and monitor the budgets;

- With the support of the Project Support Officer, monitor the financial health of the projects: funding status, budgets, financial reports, burn-rate;

- Supervise the climate change projects staff;

- Contribute to the preparation and the coordination of the internal and external evaluation of climate change projects.

IV. Profile :

Required Qualifications and experiences:

- At least 5 year-experience in applied researches related to climate change adaptation;

- At least Masters Degree in Biology, Agronomy, Forestry, Earth Science or equivalent;

- Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, E- mail); background on database management and GIS tools (Arcview, ArcGIS etc) would be an asset.

Required Skills and Competencies:

- Strong analysis, conceptualization and long term vision capacity; proven experience in the design, implementation, and direction of complex and diverse projects, encompassing multiple programs;

- Proven capacity to generate successful collaboration with partner institutions;

- Excellent communication and writing skills in French and English;

- Capacity to work in a multidisciplinary team;

- Willingness to travel frequently (up to 30% of time) in the Region for work-related meetings.

V. Supervisory Responsibilities
- Provide supportive supervision and monitoring of program staff;

- Support capacity-building plans

- Conduct annual performance reviews according to WWF procedures

- Identify a potential successor(s), develop and implement a succession plan with a transition within 2-3 years.

VI. Working Relationships

Internal:

- Diana Coordinator, CC Technical Assistant, CC Project Officer;

- Others program coordinators;

- Others projects officers.

- WWF MWIOPO Senior Management Team

- WWF Africa and Madagascar team, WWF country focal points

- WWF National Organizations involved in climate change adaptation

- NCAT (Network Climate Adaptation Team); ELAN (Ecosystems and Livelihoods Adaptation Network),

External :

- Climate change adaptation fora as appropriate

- Climate change authorities in Madagascar

- Donors

Applications should be sent to WWF – Human Resources Department, Près Lot II M 85 Ter Antsakaviro, 101 Antananarivo - Madagascar or by electronic mail at recruitment@wwf.mg by April 11, 2011 with the mention “Climate Change Programme Officer” and should be composed of a signed cover letter, a detailed resume (*) with photo and a telephone number for quick contact.

(*)Specific templates for cover letter and resume are to be requested by e-mail to recruitment@wwf.mg with the mention “Request of template”.