Climate change adaptation officer

Overview of organisation & assignment

SIBAT is a Philippine-based NGO enabling poor communities to achieve self-reliance through the use of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. The organisation is committed to developing and promoting the application of appropriate technologies to support sustainable development in poor communities. SIBAT comprises 21 dedicated staff, with one national office in Quezon City and a local office/training centre in SIBAT’s Mangarita organic farm in Capas, Tarlac province. SIBAT is an appropriate technology (AT) institution implementing direct grassroots projects and providing AT assistance in sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation, water resource and renewable energy.

SIBAT primarily helps disadvantaged/poor communities, other NGOs, local government and the private sector to develop appropriate and community-based technologies. Through all its work SIBAT utilises participatory and community-based approaches. SIBAT nurtures dynamic partnerships and project cooperation with various local and national NGOs in the Philippines. SIBAT also disseminates its learning through policy advocacy work and networking events e.g. conferences, regional workshop consultations and fair trade events.

SIBAT provides advisory services to its local NGO partners in sectors such as community preparation and planning, project pre-feasibility and detailed feasibility studies, research and case studies, capacity building trainings, direct project implementation and management, impact evaluation and policy advocacy work for AT inclusion in legislation.

Overview of the program

The organisation has commenced work on incorporating climate change adaptation in all of its programs. While currently nascent, in the future this will involve the training of staff, partner NGOs and communities in designing, developing and implementing methodologies and strategies on climate change adaptation (including the increase in natural disasters) specifically in the agricultural sector.

Overview of the assignment

The volunteer will work primarily on the climate change adaptation strategies and aspirations of the organisation. The volunteer will work with the teams to develop a climate change strategy with clear direction and focus for future projects relating to climate change. The specific focus will be on climate change impacts, (including natural disasters) and influence on agriculture.

The volunteer will be involved in building the capacity of partner NGOs to effectively manage resources and to develop services that respond to climate change impacts.

The volunteer will also assist in the establishment and enhancement of climate change networks and expanding the profile of SIBAT by fostering relationships with potential partnering organisations.

Expected outcomes and key relationships

The key expected outcomes are:

• Increased awareness level of partner organisations and communities on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Enhanced skills of staff and partner organisations in designing and delivering strategies to increase public awareness of climate change impacts especially on agricultural activities
• Strengthened climate change networks and partnerships

Capacity building outcomes:

• Communities more resilient to climate change (and disasters) through increased awareness and identified innovative measures to respond to adverse effects of climate change in agriculture
• Reduced risks of climate vulnerable communities by identifying adaptation measures in sustainable agriculture and other appropriate technologies
• Local policy measures identified that can be developed as part of the local adaptation
• Enabled communities to adapt to climate change by providing the necessary customised trainings and technical support in sustainable agriculture

Volunteer’s supervisor

• Deputy director

Counterpart / other staff

• Senior agriculturist

Volunteer requirements

Essential

• Personal attributes

- Self-awareness and cross-cultural sensitivity
Commitment to sharing knowledge and skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Resilience and ability to manage stress
- Patience and willing to work with others at their own pace
- Physically fit to travel to remote or rural areas and capacity to live in challenging conditions during field visits

• Skills or experience relevant to assignment

- Experience in climate change adaptation and/or climate change education programming
- Understanding of how climate change impacts on agriculture
- Experience designing and delivering training programs for diverse stakeholders

• Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science / agricultural studies or related discipline OR equivalent professional experience

Any further attributes, experience, skills or qualifications that are desirable

• Flexible and open-minded and can adjust to Filipino work culture and way of life
• Experience developing disaster risk reduction strategies with communities
• Can work with a team or can work individually with minimum supervision as required
• Have a constructive and positive mind-set

Location and facilities

The national office is located in Quezon City and the project sites are located in Northern Luzon and Central Visayas. Quezon City is a major urbanised city within Manila and has all ammenities available. SIBAT’s Mangarita organic farm is located in Barangay Manga, municipality of Capas, Tarlac Province. Capas is a major commercial centre of Tarlac and contains numerous shops, restaurants and recreational facilities.

The national office in Quezon City is equipped with desktop computers, wifi, printer, phone, copier and with corresponding space for each staff and volunteer. At Mangarita organic farm there is a basic office and training facilities for approximately 20-30 trainees.

The volunteer is expected to do fieldwork in Tarlac. This province is included in the top 20 provinces at risk due to climate/weather- related hazards, typhoons, rainfall change, El Niño and temperature increase according to the 2012 geo-hazard mapping of Namria.

Support mechanisms

• General and work orientation upon arrival and with the community
• Preparatory communications prior to deployment in field work
• Personal and professional support from colleagues
• Regular meetings with supervisor and other staff necessary for volunteer work