Role Overview

The post holder will support the Senior Programme Advisor (Climate) to develop, implement, and monitor the impact of country-level and thematic initiatives under the Climate Programme. The role works closely with external networks to ensure the Elders are coordinated with the wider climate movement. It also works with other programme team members to ensure effective implementation of the Elders strategy in its entirety, and integration of cross cutting commitments into the Climate Programme. They will be required to produce high quality research and analysis and may present proposals and updates to Elders in their bi-annual board meetings.

The post holder will work closely with colleagues in the operations team to organise visits for Elders, and with colleagues in the communications team to produce public advocacy outputs. The post holder will report to the Senior Climate Advisor.

The Programme Advisor (Climate) will work in the Programmes team and report to the Senior Programme Advisor (Climate).

Main duties and responsibilities

• Building on research and networking, develop proposals for the Elders’ consideration for initiatives to support achievement of long-term and intermediate outcomes in the Climate Programme particularly around climate mitigation, in agreement with the Senior Climate Advisor.
• Provide advice in response to external requests for Elders engagement on climate and environment issues.
• Lead implementation of private diplomacy initiatives, for example, arranging meetings and country visits and accompanying Elders on visits and to events, briefing Elders orally and in writing, preparing detailed reports of visits, drafting letters for the Elders and the CEO, consulting and coordinating with key partners.
• Prepare written briefings and speaking notes for Elders, liaising with a network of external experts to ensure these are well informed.
• Track and monitor progress towards long term outcomes and programme impact within the Climate Programme, providing written contributions to the Secretariats regular impact reporting cycle.
• Regularly review the programme theory of change, and supporting political economy analysis to ensure the programme remains aligned to deliver on long term outcomes.
• Actively cooperate with strategic partner networks to increase reach, impact and achievement of programme outcomes.

• Strong diplomatic skills and keen international political acumen, experience of analysing complex global political situations, and the ability to operate with diplomatic finesse and agility across different cultural environments and world views.
• Analytical, research and communication strengths, with the ability to understand, interpret and present complex and sensitive information from a variety of sources to high-level and public audiences.
• A strong personal commitment to the mission and values of The Elders.
• A flexible style and willingness to work in a small, collaborative team.
• This role may require frequent international travel, sometimes at short notice and, in exceptional circumstances, for up to two weeks.  Additionally, you may be required to attend staff or Elders events in the UK from time to time.

• A post-graduate or Masters degree in a relevant field, with a track record of experience relevant to The Elders’ climate work (e.g. diplomacy, civil society advocacy etc). Direct experience in working on climate mitigation advocacy programmes would be an advantage.
• A network of senior policy and political contacts in the climate and nature space, including in the area of multilateral negotiations.
• A track record of developing strategies, leading implementation of programme plans and activities, and achieving results.
• Experience of supporting senior individuals, and collaborating with a range of organisations, to develop and influence policy.

The Application Process

To apply please visit the Oxford HR website. Applications close on Sunday 5 November 2023.

The Elders is committed to creating an inclusive working environment that values diversity and equal opportunities.  We welcome and encourage applicants of any ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

This is a remote position. We strongly encourage applications from candidates based overseas who can bring advice on climate from the perspective of regions underrepresented in climate policy and discourse. Candidates must have the right to work in the country where they are based, The Elders will not be able to relocate.