Climate Change Specialist

Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is looking for a qualified professional for the project “Capacity Development for Climate Policy in the Countries of South-Eastern and Eastern Europe, the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia, Phase III (CDCPIII) “to fill the position:

Climate Change Specialist (full-time, Kyiv)

(internal SAP code: Climate Change Specialist) 

The CDCPIII project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), strengthens climate policy capacities in South-Eastern Europe, the Southern Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Key measures include advisory services, dialogue events, and pilot projects, all closely coordinated with the client. The project supports long-term cooperation with partner countries, such as Ukraine, to implement commitments under the Paris Agreement and the EU Association Agreement, sharing results with international networks.

In Ukraine, CDCPIII, with EU co-financing, supports the establishment of the Ukrainian Climate Office as an independent Centre of Excellence. It is already implementing measures related to EU accession and beyond, contributing to Ukraine’s transition towards climate neutrality by 2050. 

The position of the climate change specialist is part of a team which is located in Kyiv, Ukraine. 

Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Climate Change Specialist to join our team in Ukraine. You will play a crucial role in providing expert guidance and support to advance climate adaptation strategies and initiatives in the region. Your work will be instrumental in enhancing the resilience of communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure to the impacts of climate change. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development and protection of Ukraine's environment and people.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Coordination of Policy and Strategy Advice:

• Develop climate adaptation strategies and action plans for key stakeholders and /or sectors to enhance climate resilience by addressing vulnerabilities and ensuring sustainable development.
• Conduct jointly with other experts, risk and vulnerability assessments to inform adaptive measures and support climate-proofing of infrastructure and investments, ensuring they can withstand future climate impacts.
• Advise on integrating climate adaptation into national and regional policies and regulations to promote long-term climate resilience and ensure that all new developments are climate-proofed to minimise risks and enhance sustainability.
• Ensure the integration of gender equality and social inclusion into climate adaptation and resilience efforts.

2.Capacity Development and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate cooperation between relevant organisations and stakeholders involved in adaptation.
• Conduct capacity needs assessments, design capacity development initiatives for stakeholders and build capacities for and government agencies, local authorities and organisations through training and resource development.
• Provide technical assistance and support to stakeholders in project implementation and management.

3. Management and Reporting:

• Manage local and regional partners and contractors involved into the project.
• Support administrative and management tasks, incl. financial management, contracting, invoicing & grant management.
• Coordinate within the team and other relevant GIZ projects in Ukraine.
• Contribute actively to the result-based monitoring of activities, reporting, communication, and knowledge management.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• University degree in environmental science, climate studies, geography, or related fields.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate change adaptation, preferably in a similar advisory or consultancy role.
• Strong understanding of climate change science, its impacts, and adaptation strategies relevant to Ukraine.
• Familiarity with international climate agreements, frameworks, and funding mechanisms.
• Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities on climate-related projects.
• Proficiency in data analysis, GIS tools, and climate modeling software is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian, both written and spoken.
• Demonstrated project management and organisational abilities.
• Open-minded team player with excellent intercultural competences.
• Proactive, creative thinker.

We offer:

• Official employment.
• Salary fixed in EUR, performance-related bonuses and 13th salary.
• Medical insurance, 29 vacation days annually.
• Language classes, hard and soft skills trainings.
• Individual and group psychological support.
• Possible remote and flexible work.
• Meaningful and valuable work, international environment.

Employment conditions

Full-time position with 40-hours working week. Place of assignment is Kyiv. Starting as soon as possible. The contract duration is till 31.10.2025.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive and challenging working environment with opportunities for skill enhancement.

Application 

Application comprising of the candidate’s CV and a cover letter in the English language explaining the motivation to apply for the job is to be sent to [email protected] until COB November 06, 2024, Wednesday.

By sending the application the candidate gives the consent for the personal data processing for recruitment processes solely. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.