Environment & Climate Change Adaptation Technical Advisor

Job Description

Organization: Gargaar Relief and Development Organization (GREDO).

Position Title: Environment & Climate Change Adaptation Technical Advisor (1).

Location/Duty Station: Mogadishu 50% and Nairobi 50%

Announcing Date: 10/06/2024

Closing Date: 23/06/2024

Availability/Start Date: Subject to Funding.

Salary and other benefits

Competitive.

Sector

Food security, livelihoods and Resilience.

Commitment to Diversity

GREDO is an equal opportunities employer. Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

Submission Email:

[email protected]

Organizational Background

GREDO (Gargaar Relief and Development Organization) is a Somali based national NGO established in 1992.GREDO is a national non-profit, non-governmental, humanitarian and development organization headquartered in Baidoa, another main office in Mogadishu and have field offices and operational programs across south central Somalia in 18 districts. GREDO mission is to achieve a prosperous, healthy, and happy society where peace presides, and people live with dignity.

GREDO has in depth experience operating in Somalia fragile context and first-hand experience working with local communities delivering a range of humanitarian, recovery, resilience and development interventions with a focus on addressing Food Security, Livelihoods, Nutrition, Health and WASH services, Peacebuilding and governance, Education, Protection, and Advocacy funded by a wide range of donors and partners. 

Position Summary and Purpose:

GREDO Somalia is looking for a suitable candidate to fill the position of Environment & Climate Change Adaptation Technical Advisor and will be based 50% in Mogadishu and 50% in Nairobi. This position requires travels to other GREDO field Offices. The Environment and Climate Change Advisor at GREDO will play important role in driving the organization's commitment to empowering communities through climate-resilient and adaptation programming. The advisor will act as technical lead advisor and support /guide climate change adaptation, environmental and Ecosystems related initiatives across GREDO Somalia program for resilience. He/she will incorporate environmental protection and sustainability, including climate change adaptation, into all activities and approaches.

The Environment and Climate Change Technical Advisor will maintain GREDO position to coordinate environmental initiatives supporting GREDO Food security and livelihoods department, developing implementation strategies/program development to address climate change impacts, conducting assessments on environmental issues, collaborating with various stakeholders, monitoring, and reporting on environmental performance, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. 

This technical advisor will actively be supporting the teams and being directly involved in – awareness raising, assessments, analysis, capacity building, project design and proposal development, M&E, advocacy messaging and documentation of success/learning. It is expected that you will improve the impact of GREDO’s own programming on building resilience to shocks and stresses, strengthening adaptation to climate change and protecting/regenerating the environment, ensuring alignment with the Somalia National Development Plan (NDP). You will raise GREDO’s profile around climate, environment and resilience amongst other actors, including by representing the organization in key forums and platforms both in-person and online.

The positions’ role also involves advocating for sustainable practices, coordinating projects related to environmental conservation, and communicating environmental concepts effectively to different stakeholders, staff capacity development on climate change, mitigation and adaptation. The advisor fosters partnerships and represents GREDO in climate justice networks and forums, coordinating projects related to environmental conservation, agro ecology, and communicating environmental concepts effectively to different stakeholders. Position holder will contribute to fundraising, develop, and review funding proposal and Identify trends on technical standards and donor priorities. The incumbent will contribute to the organization's efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while advancing its mission.

You will be the overall technical adviser on all climate change, environment and resilience related approaches and activities for GREDO in Somalia. You will report to the Programme Director, you will directly work with Programme Managers, Project Coordinators, Communication Coordinator, Meal Coordinator and their respective teams.

As this is a cross-cutting role, you will work with all departments and sectors, especially those working on climate-and resilience-related Programmes. In addition, you will closely work with partners and activate in relevant coordination meetings and workstreams and working with government Ministries or Departments responsible for Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources, Water & Irrigation, Resilience, Disaster Management, and other relevant external stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Environment & Climate Change Adaptation Technical Advisor’s duties will include, but will not be limited to:

Strategic and Technical Work:

·       Coordinate and lead the process of DRR risk vulnerability and capacity assessments and develop risk informed preparedness and contingency plans with active participation of different community members/groups.

·       The Advisor will work closely with the Local government authorities and line departments responsible for disaster management and climate change/environment and develop sector specific early warning data and information.

·       Provide technical support to Anticipatory Action and Response processes as they emerge.

·       Ensure field-based staff are well supported and guided on DRR, environment and climate change improved practices and Anticipatory Action practices standards and quality implementation.

·       Actively participate in design of new DRR/CBDRM and Anticipatory Action project concept papers and proposals. The advisor will ensure relevant data and learnings from the field areas inform the designs of new projects. 

·       In collaboration with sectors programme managers/Coordinators, develop strategies to strengthen technical competency and partnership between local Authorities and target Communities at local level as a platform to prevent and respond to crises.

·       Ensure activities are implemented according to the plan and budget, as per donor compliance and acceptable quality standards in ways that are responsive to community needs.

·       Propose innovative approaches on programming relevant to the fragile context including on climate change, Natural resources management, food security, livelihoods etc.

·       Taking part and contribute to the periodic review of GREDO strategy in his/her area of expertise and contribute other sectoral strategy.

·       Contribute to setting up projects that are consistent with national strategic frameworks, the quality benchmarks for resilience and key international sector documents.

·       Contribute to situation/response analysis and any corresponding revision of program strategy documents and sector response plans ensuring integration with other sectors.

·       Strategies the use of appropriate techniques and materials for creating awareness regarding the underlying causes of poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition.

·        Assist the programme manager in developing terms of reference and scope of work for stakeholder engagement in Somalia. For example, drafting Agreements of Cooperation and MOUs when needed.

·        Provide technical inputs to the design, development planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and management of resilience programmes (BRCiS and Danwadaag, BMZ etc.) as well as any other programmes with resilience goals.

·        Lead in Early Warning Early Action technical systems using GREDO previous experience in setting up/strengthening community based EWEA systems. This includes participating in workstream regular meetings.

·        Maintaining technical links and keeping up-to-date on technical developments; developing minimum standards; preparing formal guidance; providing technical advice; ensuring capacity building of GREDO staff, conducting field monitoring; documenting best practices and lessons learnt.

·        Support integration and consolidation of GREDOs EWEA work across sectors (Resilience, Livelihoods, Health and Nutrition, Durable Solutions) etc.

·        Keep abreast of new developments in the resilience field, and – in line with GREDO’s organizational position - train programme teams on these issues so they are up to date and able to adapt programmes to new thinking/approaches.

·        Research, adapt and write evidence-based technical program guides, manuals, and other resources to improve and innovate on resilience programmes, with a particular focus on remote roll-out and training using technology interactively.

·        Collaborate with all sectors/departments to promote integrated programming, integrate gender equality, inclusion, context flexibility, community feedback, conflict sensitivity, partnership into all activities.

·        Assist with and technically oversee the development of high-quality concept notes, proposals, reports and briefing papers that are in line with GREDO and sector strategies and meet donor requirements. Provide inputs to ensure that approaches included adequately promote environmental protection, sustainability and climate change adaptation.

·        Gather, collate and write up lessons learned, and develop learning briefs on the resilience programmes, in consultation with technical and sector leads.

·        Propose innovative approaches to address emerging shocks or stresses, or address identified gaps, relevant to the fragile context of Somalia.

·        Provide support and conduct regular field visits to assess quality of programs, deliver technical support and trainings, provide guidance and recommendations, and engage in knowledge sharing.

·        Assess the level of knowledge and understanding of, and attitude towards, the extent and importance of environmental degradation and climate change amongst programme and staff and identify gaps or areas that require further capacity strengthening.

·        Using the findings from the assessment above, develop and roll out a series of awareness raising sessions on environmental and climate change related subjects, that are relevant to the context in Somalia, the work GREDO does as well as country, regional and global priorities.

·        Lead environmental assessments/screening as needed within different areas and/or programmes, including developing/adapting tools, methodologies, training teams, collecting data, analyzing data, and writing up the findings. Work with sectors program leads and teams to ensure the findings and recommendations are incorporated into future programme design.

·        Work with program managers and coordinator to setting up of humanitarian, recovery and resilience programs/projects and clearly contribute to the developing of new project proposals.

·        Draft concept notes and liaise with donors to mobilize project resources with the support of the GREDO country office team.

·        Build the capacity of GREDO staff in technical areas important to the sector interventions e.g. Agro-ecological practices, regrinding, NRM, soil and water conservation, environmental assessments, Anticipatory Action and Early Actions.  etc. This includes sourcing and planning capacity strengthening trainings for the team.

·        Lead on the monitoring and evaluations of interventions, including monitoring visits and a post-response review and assessment to facilitate effective integration of DRR-CCA issues and Anticipatory Action in all stages of the GREDO programme.

·        Coordinate collection of risk data, development of Early Warning Systems. Ensures EW information on Disasters and Climate Risks are disseminated at all levels with the programme areas in a coordinated and timely manner.

·        Support the Programme Managers in providing technical input to working documents, studies, and technical reports as required in the framework of project activities on the topics of climate resilience, transboundary water management and food security.

·        Report to the Head of Programmes and Resilience Manager on all the efforts related to the national implementation of the resilient and sustainable ecosystem and water management approach in the project.

Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation:

1.     Support the Programme Manager in preparing sector progress reports in compliance with the climate financing and climate funding M&E guidelines, including (but not limited to) inception workshop report, periodic status/progress reports, annual project performance reports including monitoring of project: Milestones, Financial data, Procurement data, Risk’s assessment, other standards Compliance. Project indicators, Lessons learned and Project Results.

2.     Conduct regular visits to field sites as necessary.

3.      Lead on monitoring the implementation of the Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP).

4.     Promoting and taking part in the evaluation of the impact of sector projects (Internal and external assessments).

5.     Promoting and contributing to learning and improvement of quality (internal evaluation and joint visits).

6.     Lead on documenting the lessons learned from the project and providing recommendations for replication and up-scaling.

7.     Undergo regular project reporting to the Programme Manager and the Head of GREDO Somalia Country office.

1. Work closely with the MEAL teams with in GREDO to ensure that climate, environment and resilience are considered in all results frameworks, that relevant indicators are measured, and outcomes and impacts are evaluated.
2. Work closely with the partners in design, implementation, analysis and interpretation of resilience surveys, assessments, reviews and evaluations.
3. Actively participate in any internal reviews or evaluations of the resilience programmes.
4. Support programme/MEAL meetings to review and analyse MEAL data, advising on implications for programmes and adaptations if needed. 

Coordination with GREDO Partners:

1. Participate proactively and represent GREDO in country and regional-level resilience, environment/climate and other relevant sectoral meetings, and engage with UN agencies, donors, other NGOs, academic institutions and other key actors within the resilience field.
2. Develop strategies and plans that contribute to raising the profile of GREDO as an active player in resilience and climate programming in general, as well as in specific approaches – for example Permaculture and agro ecological practices, EWEA and watershed management. etc.
3. Maintain ongoing consultations and interactions with GREDO partners Technical Advisors on Resilience/Environment/Climate Advisors in on emerging sectoral trends and best practices from other areas and partners.

15.  Identify and promote partnerships, programme opportunities, resource mobilization and extension of operational/organizational support to all GREDO activities on sustainable settlements, climate change and urbanization.

16.  Strengthen linkages and information flow between GREDO and its partners and correspondents through representation, liaison, networking, and attendance at meetings.

Advocacy and Communications:

1. Coordinate advocacy and communication activities relating to Concern’s resilience programming in Somalia, in line with relevant donors’ communication guidelines and internal policies.
2. Produce briefing papers and other publications, coordinate approval with the appropriate stakeholders, and ensure wider dissemination to influence practice and policy and promote the work of GREDO.

Other Duties:

1.     Represent GREDO and participate in relevant forums activities, task forces, coordinated initiatives and meetings related to climate change and water sector.

2.     Contribute to Federal Government of Somalia Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) tracking and reporting.

3.     Contribute to the overall climate change portfolio development of GREDO through research, consultations, practical solutions.

4.     Attend, organize, and propose climate change related workshops, and actively engaged with environmental stakeholders and actors to advance on the national climate calendar of Somalia’s region.

5.     Support the project teams in reporting and documenting all climate related projects and initiatives of GREDO.

6.     Coordinate and provide information and materials for partners to organize the World Habitat Day event on yearly basis.

7.     Ensure project visibility and implement awareness of the project with support of the project and the communication teams.

1. Together with programme teams ensure inequality, risk and vulnerability are analyzed, mitigated against and responded to during the overall planning, implementation and management of the resilience programmes.
2. In line with GREDO commitments under the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS):
1. actively promote meaningful community participation and consultation at all stages of the project cycle (planning, implementation, M&E);
2. work with relevant colleagues to ensure that the Complaints and Response Mechanism (CRM) is functional and accessible, that feedback and complaints are welcomed and addressed;
3. work with relevant colleagues to ensure that information about CRM, safeguarding and expected staff behavior is disseminated among programme participants and communities.
3. GREDO is committed to responding to emergencies to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. When emergencies strike and Somalia programme responds, all staff are required to actively participate in the response, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving humanitarian objectives.
4. Support the development and implementation of the country strategic plan in the context of the National Development Plan and Resilience Pillar priorities.
5. Any other ad hoc duties as may be assigned by your line manager or by the GREDO management team that are consistent with the nature of GREDO operations.

Child Protection/Safeguarding.

GREDO holds zero tolerance for safeguarding misconducts and position holder is responsible to raise awareness of GREDOs child protection and safeguarding policy and to protect children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, harassment, violence and discrimination and report any incident in relation to CP/safeguarding. GREDO is committed to safeguarding the rights of its program beneficiaries, children, girls and women and all GREDO staffs have the primary responsibility in protecting those most vulnerable and at risk.

The responsibilities of the post will require the post holder to have regular contact with children or young people.

Core Values

·        Integrity

·        Honest,

·        Openness

·        Transparency 

Qualifications, skills, knowledge and Experience Required.

• Degree or master’s degree in environmental science, Rural development, Environmental Studies, Climate Change, Climate Finance, agriculture, International Development Studies, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5 years of direct experiences on the environment, climate change adaptation and mitigation in the context of food security, agriculture, livelihoods, health, and/or women’s economic empowerment etc.
• Proven experience in senior programme management, advisory and/or leadership positions working with INGOs, UN, NNGOs, CBOs, other civil society groups and donors.
• Experience with major international donor guidelines and environmental standards, particularly the World Bank, FCDO, EU, USAID.
• Strong experience working on resilience, climate adaptation, EWEA and disaster risk reduction in humanitarian and development settings and an ability to innovate in problem-solving.
• Experience in the development and/or adaptation and/or implementation of frameworks, tools and approaches that aid others adopt good practices for the environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills, including for reporting, proposal-writing and advocacy purposes.
• Strong coordination skills and multi-stakeholder collaboration, both internal across programming sectors and support teams, and externally with partners.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders e.g. donor, INGO and Government authorities and to represent the organization at national or international forums.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing interactive trainings and capacity building and breaking complex concepts down into understandable messaging.
• Experience in the design and use of monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Knowledge of key tools used by donor agencies, such as logical frameworks, results chains, theories of change, results-based management and financial administration systems.

·        Demonstrable experience with resilience programming and/or measurement, experience with adaptive programming is essential.

·         Excellent report and proposal writing skills in English language, including synthesis and elaboration of qualitative and quantitative inputs/data.

·        Ability to work closely with field-based staff and experience in various staff training and development approaches.

·        Strong planning, monitoring and organizational skills with good knowledge of the use of logical and result-based monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

·        Working with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Power Point, Teams, Word and Excel.

NB: All applicants should drop a letter of application and updated CV (including 3 Professional referees) to [email protected] and indicate the position applied for in the subject Line (Environment & Climate Change Adaptation Technical Advisor). The deadline for application is 23/06/2024.

 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

GREDO is an equal opportunities employer. Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.