Climate Partnerships Officer HEO at British High Commission

Main Purpose of the Job:

• This is an exciting opportunity to lead the UK’s partnerships on climate change in Nigeria and support implementation of Nigeria’s ambitious climate objectives.  Although a relatively low emitter by global standards, Nigeria is in the top ten countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
• This role is part of the climate policy team, which leads UK support on Nigeria’s expansive climate governance framework, including the Climate Change Act, Nationally Determined Contributions and a range of climate and environmental policies.  The UK’s climate policy support is a fundamental part of our climate offer and has been instrumental in the rapid development of Nigeria’s climate policy landscape. 
• This role is central to the UK’s relationships in Nigeria on climate change.  In this role, the postholder will utilise their strong networks, climate change expertise, and diplomatic prowess to lead the UK’s non-government climate stakeholder engagement and strengthen the UK’s profile on climate change in Nigeria. 
• The postholder will absorb and analyse information quickly, to provide advice to the High Commission and UK Government more broadly, on climate policy priorities for FCDO-N. 
• The postholder will work closely with teams across post and at headquarters, and will have access to a wide range of formal and on-the-job generalist and technical development opportunities.
• The role delivers on the commitments made by Nigeria since COP26.  It also delivers on two of six Country Goals for the Nigeria office and Africa Strategy on supporting a Resilient and productivity economy, and Climate Change, Energy Transition and Nature.

Roles and responsibilities

• Here across the Nigeria network, change is to be expected as part of our day jobs and therefore you will need to be flexible in helping us to deliver our country and business strategies.
• Our long-term vision is for roles to be more outward facing so that they are fulfilling and high impact with influence across the network which enables collaborative working across HMG.
• This is to ensure we are best placed to support the new Nigerian government in delivering key reforms, and collaborate with the international community and civil society in driving positive change.

In this role you will also be responsible for:

• Plan and implement the UK’s engagement with a diverse network of climate stakeholders in Nigeria, with a focus on non-Government actors. This will include building relationships with working level contacts in sub-national authorities (cities, states), international organisations, development partners, and civil society activists. The job will be Abuja based but will involve regular travel within Nigeria, particularly Lagos, and potentially some regional travel.
• Lead on the UK’s small climate grants in Nigeria, including working with local delivery partners and internal teams to ensure compliance with the Programme Operating Framework (PrOF)
• Provide excellent and timely briefs and reactive lines on a broad spectrum of UK climate policy, working closely with the Nigeria Unit in FCDO
• Remain updated on Nigerian climate initiatives and policy, providing analysis and reporting to key stakeholders across the UK network
• Support communications activities, helping to promote and raise the profile of the UK on climate across Nigeria
• Manage Ministerial and official visits from the UK related to climate in Nigeria. This could include planning and advising on visit agendas, coordinating with media colleagues, drafting briefing, and supporting events as required.
• To liaise with officials in the Nigerian government on policy and operational elements of delivering Nigeria’s Climate Change Act and supporting UK climate and environment initiatives. This will include advising and supporting engagement between senior officials (including the Head of Mission) and Ministers.
• Develop and maintain relations with key contacts in UK government departments (incl FCDO, DESNZ, DEFRA) to monitor, understand and interpret relevant climate policy and programmes and how they are relevant for FCDO-N.
• Effectively collaborate across BHC to support a mainstreamed approach to climate change.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 

• Strong reporting and analytic skills (including accuracy and attention to detail)
• Ability to build networks quickly and effectively
• Strong communication skills and experience in working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society; government, and development partners;
• Organisational skills; an ability to work at pace, managing priorities and workloads effectively;
• A ‘can do’ attitude willing to take the lead proactively.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Climate and environment expertise in Nigeria
• Experience in project design and implementation
• Experience working with local and/or international governments
• Decision making skills, including understanding own limitations and when to escalate
• Excellent writing skills, including previous policy experience
• Ability to think creatively and take a proactive role in supporting team objectives