Climate change specialist

In Africa, the integrated challenge of land degradation and climate risk requires an integrated solution. In this context, sustainable land management (SLM) practices—such as integrated nutrient management, watershed planning, low tillage, agroforestry, water harvesting, and erosion control—have been proven at small scale, yet are often neglected in policies and national and sector strategy due to the highly fragmented nature of land related institutions, knowledge, and investments. Single sector approaches, isolated projects, and individual institutions cannot sufficiently address the multidisciplinary challenges posed by land degradation and climate change.

To respond to these challenges, the TerrAfrica partnership was created in 2005. TerrAfrica partners are united by the view that securing land productivity, properly managing land use change, and reducing climate risk require an expansion of sustainable land and water management. At the same time in West Africa the World Bank would like to increase its engagement on climate risk management approach through provision of technical and financial assistance for disaster risks and climate change impact assessment, development and implementation of national disaster risk reduction strategies in countries prone to extreme impacts of climate change and variability.

To respond to these challenges, the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) partnership was created to support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). The HFA is the primary international agreement for disaster reduction, adopted by one hundred sixty-eight (168) governments and multilateral organizations, including the World Bank. The principal strategic goal of the HFA is to effectively integrate, in a coherent manner, disaster risk considerations into sustainable development policies, planning, programming, and financing at all levels of government.

Duties and accountabilities

The incumbent based in Burkina Faso World Bank office will support the Climate Change, GFDRR and SLWM activities in West Africa, particularly the development and implementation of programs and project related to the Land & Climate nexus and Disaster Management.
The incumbent will report to the Sector Manager, but will, on a day to day basis, work under the direct guidance of the International Senior Natural Resources Management Specialists in the World Bank Country Office of Mali and, he will mainly work on the following:

- For SLWM activities, his/her main tasks would include:
i. Provide expert inputs and operational support to Bank-led SLWM activities, IDA/GEF SLWM programs, and other Bank’s operations that support the Governments’ SLWM agenda.
ii. Operational support to climate change activities related to the natural resources management agenda, including climate change strategy notes, Pilot Program for Climate Resilience, etc.
iii. In a few countries in West Africa, support the coalition building process for SLWM and the elaboration of a national SLWM committee;
iv. Assist with coordination between the Bank and development partners on SLWM-related activities and coordination among countries involved in the TerrAfrica partnership.

- For Climate changes and GFDRR activities, his/her main tasks would include:
v. Oversee DRM program implementation in Burkina Faso and other countries in West Africa.
Participate to the management of all in-country aspects of DRR and Climate Change issues, measure results in DRR and CC operations, Identify and follow up potential opportunities for resource mobilization in CC and disaster risk reduction programs and coordinate the preparation of consolidated progress reports, project briefings and other relevant monitoring information to inform clients, donors, Directors and partners in an organized manner and with adherence to the Bank’s quality guidelines. Together with the TTL based in Mali and the one based in Burkina Faso, manage a comprehensive sectoral dialogue in-country with critical stakeholders: Strengthen in-country partnerships and coordinate with relevant agencies, academia, the UN, and donors relating to project activities. Represent Bank and GFDRR at internal and external meetings and deliver presentations on Climate changes issues as well as on GFDRR in general; Advise the national body and ISDR system members on appropriate communication strategies for Climate changes and disaster reduction
vi. Support government led coordination on Climate changes and DRM and build critical capacities: Strengthen in-country capacity of government counterparts to plan, prioritize and implement a CC and DRM and activities; Advocate for cross-sectoral platforms to review and improve risk reduction and climate change issues in bank intern CAS as well as current and new national development plans such as PRSP; Advocate, promote awareness and understanding of the links and mutually supportive goals and objectives of Climate changes, disaster reduction, sustainable development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
vii. Contribute to existing Knowledge management systems (GFDRR, Climate portal etc.) by preparing lessons learnt and best practice pieces; Conceptualize and guide the implementation of country generated knowledge products; Promote and facilitate knowledge exchange and dissemination in disaster risk management and climate change issues between countries, sectors and regions

Qualifications

- Master’s degree or PhD in Environment, Public Policy, , Environmental Economics, Agricultural Economics, Engineering, or a related field with minimum of 8 years of relative professional experience;
- Proven experience to manage project (identification, project development, implementation, supervision, evaluation) and to effectively coordinate and lead operational activities and analytical work; ability to work under pressure, deliver high-quality results and meet tight deadlines;
- Excellent knowledge of multi-donor trust funds, trust fund policy, and management and administration of trust funds.
- Familiarity with World Bank operational guidelines and procedures, project cycle, fiduciary guidelines and responsibilities and knowledge of the World Bank social and environmental safeguards is a plus;
- Strong analytical and communication skills in French and English, including strong report writing skills, client orientation, diplomacy;
- Strong interpersonal and team management skills with a proven ability to participate in interdisciplinary and diverse teams, and within a range of internal and external clients, providing input, including discussions and consensus to resolve issues with colleagues and clients;