Position: Senior Consultant, Climate Change
Location: Flexible. Independent Diplomat (ID) has a presence in New York, London, Geneva, and Brussels, but remote working with travel is possible for this position.
Time commitment: 3 days per week with the ability to travel frequently is anticipated.
Reporting to: Director, Climate Change

Background: Independent Diplomat’s Climate Change Work

Independent Diplomat has advised the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) at the highest level for a decade. This partnership has helped transform the low-lying island state into one of the most influential climate leaders on the international stage. ID worked with RMI to form the – still active – High Ambition Coalition in the run up to the Paris Agreement, helping to secure key elements of the deal such as the 1.5C temperature goal, the net zero global emissions pathway by the second half of the century, and a five-year cycle for updating mitigation contributions. RMI is also a major force behind efforts to cut emissions in international shipping and the phase-down of HFCs through the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

At the 2018 UN General Assembly, the Marshall Islands published their landmark 2050 Strategy, again leading the way by setting a vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. In October 2018, RMI became the first country in the world to submit a new and more ambitious NDC to the UNFCCC. Together, with the Marshall Islands, Independent Diplomat has played a major role in securing a host of important climate outcomes and continues to help them be the vanguard for international efforts to urgently increase ambition.

Independent Diplomat’s Climate Change Goals

In 2020, ID will work with the Marshall Islands both on mitigation and adaptation, to make sure it can leverage RMI’s leadership as effectively as possible around key objectives, especially through the High Ambition Coalition. Independent Diplomat will work with the Marshall Islands to ensure that the country continues to play a leadership role on ambition and that the HAC builds upon what it achieved in 2019. COP26 will be a crucial moment for climate action, as Parties will have to submit enhanced NDCs and agree on outstanding matters of the Katowice Rulebook. ID and the HAC have identified a number of key objectives, which respond to the need for enhanced NDCs by 2020, and the activities required to achieve them.

Job Purpose

Strategic Support to the Project Director: The Climate Change Senior Consultant will support the Climate Change Project Director on climate change diplomacy to advise the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. While the Project Director will set the overall strategy and direction of the project, the Senior Consultant will provide additional technical advice and support, which will consist of diplomatic strategy, advice and practical assistance across the three pillars of diplomacy (political strategy; international law; and public / media relations), in the areas of climate change and sustainable development.

Job Description

  • Maintain and utilize a comprehensive network of diplomatic contacts;
  • Assist in preparation of diplomatic advice for clients;
  • Contribute to formulating integrated diplomatic strategies covering political strategy, legal advice and public and media relations;
  • Develop and provide written and oral analysis and advice to clients;
  • Support the client and the Project Director in diplomatic negotiations, as needed;
  • Support client visits and travel to attend diplomatic and negotiating forums at the UN and elsewhere, including meetings and media engagements, as requested by the Project Director;
  • Support the Project Director in maintaining and managing client liaison and relationship; deliver outputs consistent with client requests and priorities; contribute to generating and implementing new diplomatic strategies and long-term vision for the client.
  • Implement other relevant actions as required by the Project Director.

Required Experience and Skills

  • At least 8 years of experience in climate change negotiations and policy. Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience within government delegations and the UNFCCC process;
  • Deep understanding of key actors and stakeholders in the climate diplomacy field (governments, UN agencies, foundations and NGOs, etc.);
  • Previous knowledge of the High Ambition Coalition and other coalitions preferred;
  • Previous experience in and/or willingness to engage in the International Maritime Organisation’s work on GHG emissions reduction;
  • Previous experience working with Small Islands Developing States and/or other developing countries preferred;
  • Ability to think ‘outside the box’ and identify key political deliverables to progress the global climate agenda;
  • Able to travel often and for extended periods;
  • Fluent in English; and
  • Experience working with philanthropic and government donors an asset.

Applications should include a CV and a succinct letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for the position.  Please send applications to info@independentdiplomat.org and reference “Senior Consultant, Climate Change” in the subject line.  Only those applicants chosen for interviews will be contacted further.  The identity of applicants will be held in strictest confidence.  No phone calls please.

Independent Diplomat is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of qualifications and merit.  Our objective is to encourage diversity and have the best available person in every job.  ID’s policy prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy), religion, marital status, familial status, age, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, domestic violence victim status or any other unlawful consideration.

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