Assistant Executive Director

The Assistant Executive Director (AED) provides strategic leadership and oversight to advance the CCCCC’s mission.

Assistant Executive Director

Terms of Reference (TOR)

OVERVIEW

Job Title:       Assistant Executive Director

Type of Position:       Contract

Location:        Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Headquarters, City of Belmopan, Cayo, Belize

Duration of Appointment:   To commence immediately, for the duration of three (3) years in the first instance, with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and availability of funds

Requirement: CARICOM Nationality

 I.         BACKGROUND

The Caribbean Community Climate Change CCCCC (CCCCC), was established in July 2002 by the CARICOM Heads of Government to coordinate CARICOM’s response to climate change and its efforts to manage and adapt to its projected impacts, and to develop a financial mechanism to support its operations.

Officially opened in August 2005, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated by CARICOM Heads of Governments to lead the region's response to managing and adapting the impacts associated with anthropogenic-driven climate change, in addition to, serving as the main repository for regional and national information on climate change.  The CCCCC is a self-financed CARICOM institution that does not receive subventions from Member States. It manages its portfolio of responsibilities through its network of national, regional, and international collaborating agencies and institutions.

The CCCCC is accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as a Regional Accredited Entity that allows it to access and manage, on behalf of CARICOM Member States, projects up to USD 50 million per project. The CCCCC is also accredited as a Regional Implementing Entity by the Adaptation Fund and serves as a Public International Organization for United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In addition, the CCCCC is currently implementing projects with bilateral partners that include inter alia the European Union, USAID, Government of Italy (GoI), and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the United Kingdom.  The CCCCC is recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and is recognized as the technical focal point for climate change in the Region.

The work of the CCCCC is guided by the draft CARICOM Revised Regional Framework (CRRF) for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change, which provides the high-level strategy, identified by its Member States, to systematically address the challenges posed by climate change for the Caribbean and by the CCCCC’s Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP 2021-2025) “Building Resilience. Securing Our Future.”

The CCCCC’s Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) outlines five inter-related Strategic Objectives that, when achieved, will support the achievement of the CCCCC vision of a “Resilient and Sustainable Caribbean region for all.” The Strategic Objectives outlined in the SIP include: 

• Strategic Objective #1: Scale up actions to manage the effects of climate change.
• Strategic Objective #2: Strengthen strategic partnerships for sustained climate change results within the Region.
• Strategic Objective #3: Increase the uptake of climate data and innovative tools for socio-economic development and evidence-based decision-making across the region.
• Strategic Objective #4: Increase the Caribbean’s public ability to make informed decisions in responding to climate change and its impacts.
• Strategic Objective #5: A strong and sustainable Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre delivering on its mandate and providing added value to the Region. 

The CCCCC has four general operational departments, as follows:

1. Office of Executive Director
2. Corporate Services Department
   1. HR and Office Services Unit
   2. Finance & Accounting Unit
   3. Information Technology Unit
   4. Legal & Procurement Unit
   5. Communications & Public Education Unit
   6. Programme Development and Management Department (PDMD)
      1. Project Development Unit (PDU)
      2. Project Management & Coordination Unit (PMCU)
   7. Technical Services Department (TSD)
      1. Research & Development and Data Services Unit
      2. Monitoring & Evaluation Unit
      3. Business Development and Special Projects Unit 

II.         OBJECTIVE

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Assistant Executive Director (AED) will provide strategic leadership and oversight to advance the CCCCC’s mission, particularly in providing management oversight and accountability for the Programme Development and Management Department (PDMD) and the Technical Services Department (TSD). 

The AED will be expected to: 

• Deliver on the CCCCC’s strategic objectives outlined in the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP 2021-2025) and the achievement of goals, objectives, and targets of the PDMD and TSD.
• Provide thought leadership and operational guidance to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Programme Development and Management Department (PDMD).
• Ensure that the organizational structure is fit-for-purpose, aligning with strategic goals and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Ensure accountability that the PDMD meets or exceeds its climate finance targets for CARICOM Member States to build resilience.
• Monitor performance and ensure accountability that the Project Management Portfolio is performing at least 90% of its planned expenditure rates.
• Enhance the regional use and uptake of data-driven tools (e.g., CCORAL) to inform evidence-based decision-making within CARICOM Member States.
• Expand partnerships with regional and international stakeholders for sustainable climate action, with a focus on new south-south partnerships.

III.         DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant Executive Director (AED) will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

1.     Leadership and Oversight

1. Works closely with the Executive Director to drive organizational development, achieve institutional goals and objectives, fill capacity gaps and implement institutional priorities in accordance with the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP 2021-2025).
   1. Acts as the Executive Director during their absence.
   2. Works closely with the senior management team to execute the Resource Mobilization Plan, Communications Strategy, and the Revised Regional Framework for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change (2019-2029).
   3. Serves as a key advisor to the Executive Director and senior management team and provides senior level thought leadership to the CCCCC.
   4. Represents the Executive Director and/or CCCCC at national, regional and international conferences and workshops, and delivers presentations on the work of the CCCCC.
   5. Serves, when needed, as a senior liaison between the CCCCC and Member States, primarily to ensure effective communication and implementation of project/program portfolios.
   6. Supports the Executive Director with the programme of the CCCCC’s work and the execution of the full range of the Executive Director’s complex and extensive organizational responsibilities. 

2.     Programme Development and Management

a)     Provide oversight, strategic leadership and technical guidance to the Head, PDMD and TSD.

b)    Accountable to provide strategic and technical guidance to support the PDU’s efforts to develop funding proposals for the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, and other sources of climate finance.

c)     Assist the PDU in ensuring that the identification and prioritization of projects/programmes are aligned to the (i) priorities of Member States, (ii) the Revised Regional Framework and priorities of CARICOM states and (iii) the strategic direction of the CCCCC.

d)    Accountable for the development of the Annual Work Plan for PDMD and TSD and for providing quarterly monitoring and forecasting reports to the Executive Director.

e)     Support engagement with national, regional and international stakeholders for project/programme implementation.

f)     With support of the PDMD Head, strengthen the PDMD as needed to ensure that the PDMD is fit-for-purpose, agile and responsive to drive the project/programme development and implementation strategies to meet institutional targets.

g)    Make recommendations to enhance the capacity of PDMD to scale up programme development and management of the project/programme portfolio.

h)    Ensure timely, effective and efficient implementation and management of the CCCCC’s project portfolio to meet institutional targets.

i)      Accountable for the oversight of the CCCCC’s sub-granting program to ensure compliance with Grant Manual and the Enterprise Risk Management Framework.

j)       Accountable to pursue new partnerships to expand and diversify CCCCC’s revenue streams. 

3.     Technical Services and Research Oversight

1. Maintain, strengthen and expand partnerships with regional organizations, international regional partnerships, universities and research institutes involved in climate-related research in the Caribbean and small island developing states (SIDS).
2. Conduct a strategic assessment of the climate-related research ongoing in the Region and develop and implement a strategic research agenda aligned with the CCCCC’s goals and priorities for the region.
3. Provide oversight and leadership guidance for CCCCC’s climate data management systems, portals, and tools to promote use and evidence-based decision-making.
4. Lead initiatives to enhance the research capacity of Member States, regional institutions, including training programs, workshops, webinars and knowledge-sharing events.
5. Foster collaboration with scientists and policymakers to translate research findings into actionable strategies.
6. Lead the dissemination of research findings through publication of reports, webinars and stakeholder engagement.
7. Lead South-South research collaboration for advancing SIDS-focused climate research with at least two (2) regional knowledge-sharing events annually.
8. Oversee the monitoring and evaluation processes of the CCCCC, including the implementation of projects and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework of the SIP 2021-2025.
9. Provide oversight for reporting to donors, ensuring that donor requirements are met, and projects/programme are being implemented in accordance with the grant agreement and/or Funding Activity Agreement.
10. In collaboration with the Director of Business Strategy and Regional Coordination, identify, recommend and pursue new business development and special projects for income diversification. 

4.     Capacity Building and Collaboration

1. Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and capacity building across departments to enhance staff skills and expertise.
2. Promote effective collaboration with regional and international organizations, governments, and private sector entities.
3. Represent the CCCCC at conferences, workshops, and meetings to advocate for climate change initiatives and partnerships.
4. Support CARICOM Member States climate change country programming processes, including inter alia National Adaptation Planning (NAP), National Determined Contribution (NDC), to increase access to climate finance.
5. Maintain regular dialogue with key national partners, including but not limited to the National Designated Authorities and ministries with responsibilities for Climate Change.
6. Assist in the preparation of reports on good practices or any other analysis or data related to the CCCCC implementation and/or evaluation, including project/programme performance, relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.
7. Co-lead the CCCCC’s effort to get the Revised Regional Framework for Achieving Climate Resilient Development endorsed by COTED and CARICOM Heads and lead the coordination of the implementation of Revised Implementation Plan for the Revised Regional Framework.
8. Provide technical and policy guidance to the Office of the Executive Director on substantive matters related to climate change, UNFCCC, and integration of the environmental dimension in sustainable development. 

5.     Resource Mobilization

a. Work with the Executive Director and Director of Business Strategy to expand and diversify the revenue streams of the CCCCC to improve its financial sustainability in alignment with Strategic Objective #5.

b. Engage with regional and global partners to identify new funding opportunities.

IV.         REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

Eligible candidates should have the following minimum qualifications, experience, and competencies:

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Master’s Degree in Physical Sciences (Earth Science, Climate Science, Natural Resources Management, Environmental, or climate related fields.
• A Doctoral Degree is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in physical science or climate-related program management, and/or applied sustainable development or policy development and implementation.
• Demonstrated senior management and leadership experience managing high-performing and diverse teams.
• Proven success in mobilizing and/or leveraging climate finance (measurable outcomes such as funding amounts or projects scaled).
• Demonstrated research experience in the climate-related field.
• Demonstrated experience in working and collaborating with research institutions and academia. Experience with regional institutions will be an asset.
• Extensive experience at a senior management level in the field environment and/or sustainable development, with significant international experience required.
• Experience in developing/overseeing successful large-scale and climate-related funding proposals from international and regional donors.
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, the Rio Conventions, particularly the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• A working knowledge of the UNFCCC system, including familiarity with the financial mechanisms, is highly desirable.
• Extensive experience in the diplomatic and public policy arena, including experience at the international level, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation of workplace reform and change management is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation/execution of strategic plans and organizational strategies.

Core Competencies

Strategic Vision: Proven ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives and deliver complex organizational objectives.

Performance Management: Skilled in monitoring and achieving portfolio-level results; continuously assessing the internal and external climate to manage evolving trends and opportunities that impact/benefit the CCCCC.

Innovation & Change Management: Demonstrated ability to foster creativity and adapt to changing circumstances; proposing recommendations that improve the organizational structure to better meet long-term objectives.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal, written, and public-speaking skills.

Leadership Competencies:

• Demonstrate a results-driven leadership style, characterized by strong judgment and decision-making abilities in complex situations.
• Foster creativity and innovation, embracing calculated risk-taking while maintaining a positive and constructive attitude.
• Possess effective team leadership and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to inspire confidence and build collaborative relationships at all organizational levels.
• Exemplify integrity, accountability, and excellence, holding themselves and others to high standards.
• Possess strong communication skills, both oral and written to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences to maintain engagement and productive stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrate proficiency in project origination and management and the ability to work across diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals and drive the CCCCC’s strategic mission.

Functional Competencies:

• Knowledge Management and Learning
• Builds knowledge and its utilization to enhance the achievement of CCCCC’s vision and mission.
• Ability to provide high-level policy advice to the ED, Senior Management Team and Board of Governors.
• Practical knowledge and experience of interdisciplinary development issues. 

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to lead the formulation and implementation of strategies and plans to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the PDMD
• Ability to articulate and communicate effectively across diverse teams and audiences.
• Proven experience in developing and managing budgets and overseeing/managing diverse teams.
• Ability to provide leadership in mainstreaming gender within the CCCCC’s and across portfolio of projects.

Fostering Innovation and Leading Change

• Create a work environment where creative ideas are invited, nurtured, and where possible, adopted.
• Maintain and nurture the CCCCC’s culture of service excellence, respect and camaraderie among staff.
• Foster inclusivity and engagement as part of leading and managing change. 

V.         PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND REPORTING

The AED will submit quarterly performance and forecasting reports detailing progress toward KPIs aligned with the SIP and donor requirements. Annual performance reviews will focus on strategic alignment, funding achievements, portfolio performance, and departmental efficiency. 

VI.         LANGUAGES

English is the official working language of the CCCCC.  For this post, fluency in English, with excellent drafting skills is required.  Working knowledge of another CARICOM language is desirable.

VII.         PLACE OF WORK

The Assistant Executive Director will be contracted full-time at the CCCCC’s headquarters in the City of Belmopan, Belize. Remote or Hybrid modality will NOT be considered for this role.

The AED is expected to take up the assignment immediately.  

VIII.         MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

a)     The Assistant Executive Director will report to the Executive Director.

b)    The Assistant Executive Director will have day-to-day interactions with the Executive Director, Senior Management Team, Heads of Units, and other technical and administrative personnel as required. 

IX.         SALARY/BENEFITS

A competitive salary and benefits package will be negotiated commensurate with qualifications, experience, and achievements of the successful candidate. 

X.         CONTRACT PERIOD

The initial contract duration is for three (3) years with a probationary period of six (6) months, and subject to extension, contingent on performance and availability of funds. 

XI.         SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION 

1. a.     Submission Package: 

Eligible candidates shall submit the following: 

                          i.         A Motivation letter outlining how your experience, skills, qualifications, and professional associations fit with the required job description. 

                         ii.         A detailed Curriculum Vitae or Résumé with full details of experience, achievements, qualifications, and names (include copies of Degrees and certificates). 

                       iii.         Proof that nationality is that of a CARICOM Member State. 

                       iv.         Three (3) professional references from past employers, including name, title, company, contact number, and email address.  

b.     How to Apply: 

Applications should be clearly identified as: “Vacancy for Assistant Executive Director” in the subject matter of the email and be submitted as ONE PDF package (in the order listed above) via an email to: 

Caryn Guerrero

Human Resources Unit

Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)

3^rd Floor, David L McKoy Business Center, Bliss Parade

City of Belmopan, Belize 

c.     Deadline for submission of application:   

Friday, February 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Belize Time (GMT-6).

Incomplete packages and late applications will be rejected.

d.     Additional Notes: 

• Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted. 
• The successful candidate will be required to submit a valid Police Record (no older than six months).
• The CCCCC is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. 
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 
• ALL qualified individuals are equally encouraged to apply.