Climate Mainstreaming Specialist

Job Overview: The IRC currently defines mainstreaming a climate lens into program as the ability to: Consider how the climate crisis affects the context where we operate; Assess the climate risks our project is exposed to, and the risks that our project poses to the environment; Include climate-smart elements that build resilience and protect ecosystems as part of a project; Increase climate resilience as one of the main project objectives. Working on assessing the needs and capacity of our country program, regions, technical units (TU) and emergency humanitarian action unit (EHAU) in mainstreaming and integrating climate consideration into our programs while providing immediate support as possible, the Climate mainstreaming specialist will be part of the Program Quality Support Unit (PQSU). The Climate mainstreaming specialist will assess the needs and capacities of our Crisis Response Recovery & Development (CRRD) in considering climate as part of our programs to share recommendation on ways forward, while providing immediate support where possible to existing initiatives. Based on that analysis, the Climate mainstreaming specialist will provide recommendations on how to structure support to Country Program in those areas as well as recommend ways forward to support TUs and the EHAU to integrate a climate smart lens into what they do and how they do it. The findings of that diagnosis will therefore inform CRRD’s decision making on action and resource planning that should be supported by the climate mainstreaming specialist.

The Climate Mainstreaming Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Technical Advisor for Program Quality and in collaboration with the Climate Resilience Lead, Adaptive Programs Technical Specialist and Senior Director for Program Quality Support. It is expected that the specialist will also collaborate with operation department, the VP for Technical excellence and share regular status update to CRRD SMT.

Major Responsibilities:

· Diagnose needs, capacity and recommend actions at global, regional, and country levels to mainstream climate into programming based on the work already started. That includes Capturing peer organization approaches to mainstream climate across program sectors and structure global/regional support; analyzing country program Strategic Action Plan (SAPs) Implementation Plans climate priorities & support needs, Technical Units & Emergency Humanitarian Action Unit capacity to mainstream climate consideration into their program to inform climate technical support needs [near- and longer-term forecasts];

· Developing and sharing report / presentation of desk review & stakeholder engagement findings and recommended actions with particular focus on:

– Roadmap and sequenced actions to mainstream climate considerations into core programmatic approaches over the next 5-year period.

– Global and regional staffing structures to support climate mainstreaming across the CRRD program portfolio, considering implications of climate technical support needs analysis within IRC IMPACT Program Quality standards- In particular Adapt standards

– Mechanisms to routinely monitor and track climate mainstreaming/climate resilience/DRR programing, leveraging ongoing MEL or grants management approaches wherever possible

· Update donor program requirements and priorities for climate / environmental sustainability [partner with climate operations focal point to pair with donor operational requirements for climate change mitigation, carbon reduction measures].

· Engage with TE leadership to present the findings, recommendations and agree on way forward. Contingent to TE leadership decision on way forward, support from the Climate mainstreaming specialist will potentially include setting up of a climate mainstreaming working group, activating and leading the process to validate and refine the climate mainstreaming framework in collaboration with Technical Unit focal points , facilitating a process to support the ERD, Governance, VPRU, Health and Education Technical Units & EHAU develop specific climate mainstreaming action plans for their emergency and non- emergency programming.

· Advance ongoing work on climate mainstreaming includingparticipation in the IMPACT Adapt engagement meetings where relevant; In partnership with CRRD climate operations focal point and communication staff finalize climate resource page on RescueNet and Rescue.org to include information and materials appropriate for internal and external audiences; Support the management and response to internal climate communications requests / awareness raising of organizational approach; Provide on demand support to countries and regions on climate communications/awareness raising and environmental program assessments as/when possible; use real-time data points on types/forms of requests to validate/adapt recommended staffing structure(s)

· Document existing climate resiliency programming and program priorities in a database & in short (1-2 page) briefs tailored to each Technical Unit

· Provide surge support to PQSU projects as needed.

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Job Requirements: We are looking for a talented, highly collaborative individual passionate by our mission and committed to our values of Equality, Service, Integrity and Accountability.

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Work Experience:

· A sound understanding in climate and humanitarian assistance program, gained through 6-8 years of experience

· Experience in managing stakeholders’ engagement and facilitating decision making amongst leaders

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

· Dedication to IRC values of Equality, Service, Integrity and Accountability and a strong passion for our mission.

· Knowledge of intersection between humanitarian assistance and climate

· Demonstrated ability to operate independently and as a team member.

· Ability to manage virtual meetings and navigate collaborative technology applications.

· Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills, including excellent written and verbal communication skills in a multi-cultural environment.

· Project management skills, including organization and attention to detail.

· Highly enthusiastic, collaborative and pro-active colleague with talent for teaming with cross-functional groups.

· Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner.

· Dedication to learning and continuous improvement.

Preferred experience & skills:

· Stakeholders’ engagement experience at IRC preferred; Experience in cross department collaboration, knowledge of CRRD an advantage

· Ability to work in Spanish, French or Arabic.

· Understanding of program quality standards and approaches.

· Ability to travel to IRC country program locations.

· Mastery of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.