Thematic Advisor “Climate Change, Environment and Resilience”, 70-90%

HEKS/EPER is the aid organisation of the Swiss Protestant Churches and supports projects to combat hunger, poverty and injustice in 31 countries on four continents. HEKS/EPER also provides emergency relief for people affected by disasters linked to natural hazards and armed conflict worldwide and supports the welfare and diaconal work of the Reformed Churches in Eastern Europe. In Switzerland, HEKS/EPER champions the rights and the integration of refugees and socially disadvantaged people. Through its development policy and advocacy work in areas such as climate justice, right to land and food, migration and integration, HEKS/EPER contributes to systemic change, both in Switzerland and abroad. HEKS/EPER is a member of the ACT Alliance and CHS Alliance.

The Global Cooperation division is looking to recruit a strong candidate (F/M/D) to advise and support our projects and programmes worldwide in the advancement of risk informed and climate resilient development, thus contributing to the HEKS/EPER climate justice policy. Duty station is at one of our HEKS/EPER Country Offices worldwide, or at HEKS/EPER headquarters in Switzerland (Zurich/Bern/Lausanne).

Thematic Advisor “Climate Change, Environment and Resilience”, 70-90%

Your responsibilities:

• Support country teams along the entire project and programme management cycle in initiatives related to climate change adaptation and/or mitigation and resilience building.**
• Support capacity development of HEKS/EPER Country Offices and partner organisations through designing and delivering tailored training courses (face to face and online) with regards to climate change and environment.
• Support the strategic integration of climate change and environment related issues into the HEKS/EPER strategy and programmes and link it to HEKS/EPER core working areas: equal rights, social inclusion, land and natural resource governance, sustainable food systems, ensuring basic services in crises and advocacy.
• Identification of funding opportunities and proactive engagement with donors and strategic partners in the field of climate change and environment. Bringing in fresh ideas and innovation around climate funding. Support / lead proposal development processes for institutional donors.**
• Capitalise and share internal and external knowledge about climate change and environment within the organisation and beyond.
• Participate and represent HEKS/EPER in networks and alliances and cooperate with strategic partners working on climate change and environmental issues in development cooperation.

To be successful you bring:

• University degree at master’s level in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Geography or other related fields
• Minimum 5-7 years of professional experience in an advisory role in the international development and/or humanitarian aid sector, including a minimum of 2 years field experience
• Extensive knowledge on ensuring the integration of climate change and environment related issues into development programmes.
• Proven experience of supporting planning and implementation of projects with a focus on climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience building
• Sound knowledge of the international discourse and policies around climate change and environment and their implication for development cooperation
• Proven ability to collaborate in intercultural context as ability to work both independently and with teams, excellent communication skills, sensitivity for gender, diversity & social equity and local culture
• Experience in working with a human rights-based approach, strengthening civil society, and commitment for human rights and climate justice
• Sound knowledge of the international climate finance architecture, climate and environment related funding opportunities
• Language skills: Excellent written and oral English and solid French are mandatory; German, Spanish or Portuguese an asset.
• Readiness to travel including to remote areas and fragile contexts.

What you can expect from us:

• An interesting and challenging position in a dynamic international context
• A dedicated and multi-disciplinary team
• A relaxed and collegial working atmosphere
• A competitive remuneration package, 5 weeks of annual leave
• Modern working conditions, incl. flexible working hours and an attractive parental leave policy
• Opportunities for continued professional development
• Duty station: In one of our HEKS/EPER Country Offices or at Headquarters in Switzerland (Zurich/Bern/Lausanne) with disposition for longer working stays in the programme regions