Climate Resilient Communities

Action on climate change is at the heart of Australia’s International Development Policy. The policy commits the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to respond to the needs of Indo-Pacific countries and evidence of the accelerating climate crisis by increasing our climate investments and better addressing climate risks.

Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) is DFAT’s new flagship climate change program designed to help achieve Australia’s International Development Policy and meet Australia’s climate finance commitments over the next nine years (2024–33).

CRC will incentivise the flow of funds towards inclusive climate change programming—targeting community resilience in the water, food, and energy sectors, while also raising the quality of climate integration across the development program.

Climate Resilient Communities Support Unit

DT Global has been contracted by DFAT to establish and manage the Climate Resilient Communities Support Unit (CRCSU). The CRCSU provides a mechanism for DFAT Canberra and Posts to deliver enhanced climate and disaster resilience and integration programming, with the aim of enabling people in the Indo-Pacific to become more resilient to climate change and disasters.

The CRCSU will help achieve this through supporting a sustained increase in climate programming and climate integration capability, providing access to specialist expertise, resources and networks, through an efficient operational platform. The CRCSU provides the following core services:

• Program cycle support
• Climate change integration technical assistance across all development sectors (integrating gender equality, disability equity and other cross-cutting issues), including embedded personnel within DFAT
• Knowledge and learning support
• Public diplomacy support

The CRCSU supports DFAT to recruit embedded staff to work from the DFAT office in Canberra, alongside, and reporting to DFAT staff on a day-to-day basis.    

About the Role

The Climate and Integration Adviser will be based at the CRC DFAT Canberra office and will provide technical advice and guidance to DFAT program managers to strengthen integration of climate and disaster resilience. This will include a focus on building integration of resilience to climate change and disasters through actions for mitigation, adaption and resilience building, with gender responsive and inclusive approaches across different sectors of international development programming.

Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: http://surl.li/nuaaht.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide input and advice for integrating climate across the development program, consistent with the International Development Policy, including through development of program designs and programming guidance.
• Conduct climate integration program clinics and training for DFAT program managers and implementing partners as required
• Support capability building and mentoring of DFAT staff to integrate climate in development programming.
• Support DFAT development program performance reporting regarding climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Support review of and updates to DFAT learning materials on climate resilience programming.
• Provide technical input on DFAT systems and process improvements.
• Provide support to a climate community of practice within DFAT.
• Contribute to developing harmonious working relationships with DFAT, colleagues and key stakeholders, and assist to build the profile and reputation of CRCSU as a high performing support unit.
• Contribute to incorporating CRCSU’s commitments on promoting and mainstreaming GEDSI in the delivery of all CRCSU advice, processes, decisions and activities.
• Other tasks and duties as required to ensure the smooth and effective delivery of the CRCSU.

Selection Criteria

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• Tertiary qualifications in in climate change, environmental or social sciences, natural resource management, environmental engineering or a related field.
• Strong knowledge and experience in relation to building climate and disaster resilience (including adaptation, mitigation, and intersection, with inclusive approach and disaster risk reduction), with a preference for the sectors of food security, water security or energy transition.
• Extensive experience and contemporary knowledge of international development activities related to strengthening climate and disaster resilience and sustainable development in Indo-Pacific.
• Comprehensive understanding of Australia's international development and climate commitments including Australia’s International Development Policy and other relevant policies, including the investment design quality standards and criteria.
• Proven capacity to translate complex climate and scientific information for non-technical professional and local audiences.
• Demonstrated understanding of national and regional climate and disaster resilience priorities in Indo-Pacific such as outlined in National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other national and regional policies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate and maintain productive working relationships across geographically dispersed teams, with demonstrated experience in working sensitively and collaboratively in complex cross-cultural operating environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
• Understanding of and commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Child Protection, PSEAH, prevention of human trafficking, environmental protection, anti-corruption and other DFAT safeguarding policies.

HOW TO APPLY

We welcome your interest in joining the team.

Please provide a response to the Selection Criteria (no more than 2 pages) and current CV. Only candidates of interest will be contacted for interview.

About DT Global

DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.

For more information, please see www.dt-global.com.

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.