The Technical and Policy Expert advises the CCCCC on climate change, research, management tools, and policy. They lead the Technical Services Department, overseeing administrative functions and technical guidance for data accessibility and CCCCC's information portals.

Technical and Policy Expert

Terms of Reference (TOR

OVERVIEW

 Job Title:                     TECHNICAL AND POLICY EXPERT

Type of Position:         Fixed-Term Contract

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

Duration of Appointment: To commence in April 2025, for the duration of two (2) years in the first instance, withthe possibility for renewal depending on performance and availability of funding

Requirement:               CARICOM Nationality 

BACKGROUND

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 to 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 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, since April 2022, 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 other donors and bilateral partners that include the European Union, USAID, Government of Italy (GoI), and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Global Affairs Canada (GAC).  

The work of the CCCCC is guided by the CARICOM Revised Regional Framework (RRF) 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 Plan (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.   

Strategic Objective #5 seeks to transform the CCCCC into a fit-for-purpose institution that has the internal capacity to deliver on its mandate and deliver the outcomes of its SIP. 

OBJECTIVE

The Technical and Policy Expert provides expert guidance on climate change, climate change research, management tools, and climate policy matters to the CCCCC.  This role supports collective actions that contribute to the building of climate resilience in ESC and other CARICOM Member States. The Expert leads the Technical Services Department (the Research and Development and Data Services Unit, the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, and the Special Projects Unit) of the CCCCC, overseeing administrative functions and technical guidance related to CCCCC’s various information portals, data accessibility, the utility of CCCCC’s data repository. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technical and Policy Expert is familiar with the impacts of climate change on CARICOM States and individual sectors and the implications for achieving low-emissions climate resilience ambitions of States. They ensure that knowledge and information is shared across internal and external networks.  They contribute to the goals and objectives as outlined in CCCCC’s Strategic and Implementation Plan 2021- 2025 and the changing external landscape (e.g. UNFCCC, the Green Climate Fund, the Paris Agreement, the Hyogo Framework of Action, etc.).

 1.     Development of a Climate Policy and Science framework/strategy for the CCCCC

• Design and implement the climate policy and science interface for the CCCCC. 
• Stay current on the latest developments in climate change science, policy and technology and information emerging from UNFCCC, IPCC, the CARICOM Revised Regional Framework for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change (CRRF) and its Implementation Plan, the Strategic and Implementation Plan for the CCCCC.
• Lead the CCCCC’s coordination and engagement with regional organizations involved in climate science/climate information (UWI-Climate modeling group, CERMES, CIMH etc.)
• Provide leadership coordination on climate-science outcomes from the UNFCCC Conference of Parties.

 2.     Guide the CCCCC in climate change research and policy advisory programmes

• Provide technical guidance to the Project Development Unit to develop the climate rationale or “climate-science basis” to clearly demonstrate the climate impact potential of the proposals.
• Provide technical oversight of vulnerability and risk assessments related to the climate change impacts on the region’s infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight on climate-related projects and programs being executed by the CCCCC.
• Provide science and policy briefs on a periodic basis that would inform the development and implementation of projects/programmes within the CCCCC and interventions at the regional, national levels.

 3.     Support Development of Bankable Projects for Climate Resilient Development

• Provide technical support/guidance to the Project Development Unit to develop the climate rationale or “climate-science basis” to clearly demonstrate the climate impact potential of the proposals.
• Provide technical oversight of vulnerability and risk assessments related to the climate change impacts on the region’s infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight on climate-related projects and programs being executed by the CCCCC.
• Provide science and policy briefs on a periodic basis that would inform the development and implementation of projects/programmes within the CCCCC and interventions at the regional, national levels.

 4.     Engage/Collaborates with Stakeholders

• Provide technical support to the Office of Executive Director to effectively engage in climate change dialogue.
• Establish new and reinvigorated strategic partnerships with inter and extra regional climate science institutions (e.g., NOAA, Hadley Centre, University of East Anglia).
• Collaborate with other stakeholders to shape and advocate for policies and their relation to other international agreements that address climate change impacts.
• Provide high-level technical advice to support the CCCCC contribution to UNFCCC-related meetings and conferences, inter-agency working groups and joint activities, meetings with donors and other external partnerships.
• Support the convening of meetings of the Regional Coordinating Committee on Climate Change (R4C) and to contribute to the development of the agenda.
• Represent the CCCCC in the regional/international climate science related dialogues.
• Conducting capacity-building workshops to enhance technical and policy skills within the Region. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION, EXPERTISE, AND COMPETENCIES 

Eligible candidates should possess the following qualifications, experience, and key competencies. 

Qualifications:

a)     A Master’s Degree in Physical Sciences (Earth Science, Climate Science, Natural Resources Management, Environmental/Climate Change Policy, Climate Change, or related fields).

Experience:

b)    Minimum of six (6) years’ experience working with developing countries on climate change and development.

c)     Solid understanding of climate science and policy, particularly on how it affects the Caribbean Region.

d)    Ability to translate complex climate data into practical policy options and strategic initiatives Strong analytical and research skills.

e)     Experience working with international funding mechanisms and multilateral agencies will be an asset.

f)     Sound knowledge of climate change thematic areas (adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer, and financing) and its implications for the Caribbean.

g)    Familiarity with international climate change frameworks and agreements.

h)    Experience in working and collaborating with governments and other stakeholders on climate change issues, particularly in the Caribbean Region. 

Competencies:

a)     Excellent facilitation, program/activity management, and written and oral communication skills

b)    Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

c)     Ability to lead and facilitate stakeholder consultations and workshops effectively

d)    Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment

e)     Strong networking skills to build collaborative networks with governments, NGOs, international agencies, and community groups

f)     Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels to achieve results

g)    Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and manage time effectively, and meet tight deadlines

h)    Capacity to multi-task and work on concurrent projects, including the willingness to work beyond normal working hours

i)      Exceptional skills in setting goals and meeting deadlines

j)      Proficient in English

k)    Self-direction and ability to work effectively with a team

l)      Strong experience in leadership and management 

Performance Standards:

Strict adherence to:

1. CCCCC’s policy and procedures
2. CCCCC’s Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct 

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

The Technical and Policy Expert for Climate Change will report directly to the Assistant Executive Director.

COMMENCEMENT AND PLACE OF WORK

The Technical and Policy Expert will be contracted full-time at the CCCCC’s Headquarters in Belmopan, Belize. The initial contract duration is for two (2) years with a probationary period of three (3) months. The contract is subject to extension and/or renewal, contingent on performance and availability of funding. 

The Technical and Policy Expert is expected to take up the assignment in April 2025. 

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

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 Technical and Policy Expert” 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

Phone: + (501) 822-1094 or 1104

 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.