Background

The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is the first and only African-led climate change re-granting organisation on the continent. Through its grant making and thought leadership, the ACF seeks to support interventions at the nexus of climate change and development that have the greatest potential to deliver long-term socio-economic transformation and inclusive development.

About the Energy Access and Transitions Programme

Recognising the critical importance of addressing land degradation for improving adaptative capacity and socio-economic and climate resilience, the ACF is seeking through its Sustainable Landuse and Agricultural Programme to support the scale up of sustainable agricultural practices and to identify mechanisms to incentivize and support the restoration and protection of key biodiverse areas. With a strong commitment to supporting initiatives that will contribute to universal access to affordable and nutritious food for current and future generations; improving the benefits and conditions for farmers and farm workers (particularly small holder farmers); and unlocking new opportunities in ecosystem protection and services, the Sustainable Landuse and Agricultural Programme intersects closely with the ACF’s work on climate justice, finance, adaptation and resilience, and trade and industrialization.

About the Job

Reporting to the Sustainable Landuse and Agriculture Programme Manager, the Programme Officer will oversee the development and implementation of the ACF’s Sustainable Landuse portfolio, including:

Strategy development and implementation:

• Under the guidance of the Sustainable Landuse and Agriculture Programme Manager lead the development of the ACF’s Sustainable Landuse strategy and implementation plan.
• Identify and oversee sector-relevant research and analysis.
• Work closely with other ACF programme staff to ensure synergies and facilitate learnings.
• Work closely with the MEL Advisor to ensure effective monitoring and reporting on delivery against programmatic indicators, and to support evaluation and learning initiatives.

Partnerships:

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships and networks with governments (national and sub-national), finance institutions, civil society actors, think tanks and research organisations, the philanthropic community, and other key stakeholders.

Grant-making:

• Undertake stakeholder mapping to identify needs and inform the ACF’s grantmaking strategy.
• Under the guidance of the Sustainable Landuse and Agriculture Programme Manager develop the ACF’s Sustainable Landuse grant-making portfolio.
• Working closely with the ACF’s grant making team, manage the Sustainable Landuse grant making portfolio, including reviewing grant requests, presenting grants to the ACF Grants Committee and Board, supporting on contracting and MEL, monitoring grantees progress, ensuring delivery against grant agreements and supporting grantees.

Fund-raising and reporting:

• Support the Sustainable Landuse and Agriculture Programme Manager in fundraising initiatives, including writing funding proposals and engaging donors.
• Under the guidance of the Sustainable Landuse and Agriculture Programme Manager ensure timely reporting on ACF progress to donors as required.

Thought leadership:

• Contribute to the ACF’s research and online content and represent the organisation on public platforms.
• Provide support to the broader ACF team, including the Senior Management Team, the Board and Council, on issues related to Sustainable Landuse.

About you

We are looking for an experienced Programme Officer who is innovative, proactive and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements include but not limited to:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in sustainable land management, conservation sciences, economics, development studies or related fields.
• 5-7 years progressive experience working at the interface of conservation management and finance.
• Experience working on or supporting local or national governments on conservation management project or programme design and implementation.
• Experience working with finance institutions including MDB’s, central banks, insurance companies and the banking sector.
• Experience working in and networks across West and Central Africa.
• Sophisticated writing and communication skills.
• Fluency in English. Working knowledge of French, Portuguese or Arabic is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Prioritizes work and meets deliverables.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Honesty, integrity, and high levels of professionalism.

Start date: Position Available Immediately

Location: Remote work. Africa based.

Closing date: 17 February 2023

Application Details:

Please submit your CV and a 600-word response to the question below. Please note that applicants who do not submit a written response to the question will not be considered for this position. Please also note that no cover letter is required.

Question

COP15 ended with a landmark agreement to phase out or reform subsidies that harm biodiversity by at least $500 billion per year and to scale positive incentives for biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use. What subsidies are you aware of in your own country that could qualify for potential reform and what incentive schemes do you think would best facilitate biodiversity conservation?

For further information about the ACF, visit  www.africanclimatefoundation.org .

Should you not hear back from us by 31 March 2023, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

The ACF strives to be  an equitable organisation with a team which reflects the diversity of Africa. We  offer a flexible and rewarding working environment as well as a competitive salary.