The Climate Policy Manager for Adaptation and Communities will work with CI's multi-disciplinary climate change team and CI’s field programs to implement two core components of CI's dynamic climate change strategy to avoid dangerous anthropogenic climate change and resulting global biodiversity loss and the devastating impacts on human welfare. She/he will coordinate CI's efforts to develop and communicate climate change policies that promote the potential of ecosystem-based adaptation strategies in CI core areas of focus. She/he will also be responsible for coordinating CI's engagement with development agencies and indigenous peoples’ organizations on climate policy. In this capacity the Manager will represent Conservation International at international climate meetings and events. The successful candidate will lead these efforts exercising independent judgment and flexibility with the ability to interact and collaborate in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic policy support: Support the development and advancement of a focused international climate change policy strategy to promote the incentives and implementation of activities to protect and restore valuable ecosystems and to ensure effective participation and representation of indigenous and local peoples in the climate policy forum. 
• Outreach and coalition-building: Engage with climate negotiators, leading indigenous peoples organizations, and stakeholders from developing and industrialized countries including NGOs, inter-governmental agencies, and multi- and bilateral institutions to collaborate toward strong support for nature-based adaptation activities and for provisions to secure the rights and equal benefit distribution for indigenous peoples. Educate policy makers and opinion leaders on the climate adaptation opportunities presented by protection and restoration of ecosystems and the important role that indigenous and local communities provide in successful climate solutions. 
• Policy solutions and influence: Through coordination with experts across CI and in partner organizations, contribute to the development of solutions to ensure adequate participation, rights and benefits distribution of climate policies for indigenous and local communities. Research and analyze trends and issues related to climate change adaptation with a focus on indigenous peoples and local communities.
• Capacity building and training: In collaboration with key stakeholders, contribute to the design and implementation of regional and national level capacity building programs and events for indigenous organizations on climate change mitigation and adaptation policies and mechanisms.  Provide strategic advice and support to CI field programs to effectively advance the international climate change policy debate. 
• Fundraising: Contribute to proposal writing and process and other fundraising initiatives and activities.

Working Conditions: Position requires approximately 33% international travel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Skills:

• Master’s degree in international relations, public policy, social sciences, natural resource management, or related field and 2-3 years related experience or equivalent combination
• Fluency in written and spoken English required, with strong writing and communication skills
• Knowledge of international policies related to climate change and related political, social, and economic conditions and issues
• Understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and other vulnerable and forest-dependent communities
• Experience researching and analyzing information from divergent sources and writing policy position papers
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines and manage time and diverse activities
• Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office software and advanced computer functions including navigating the Internet
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with individuals across various disciplines, cultures and backgrounds to achieve shared goals

Preferred Skills:

• Strong presentation skills that can be adapted to a wide variety of people of different cultures and backgrounds
• Strong relationships within the climate and development policy community.
• Knowledge of indigenous peoples' organizations and the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and other vulnerable forest-dependent communities and their positions on climate change policies and mechanisms
• Ability to persuasively convey CI's climate change policy objectives to diverse groups
• Ability to develop constructive and effective relationships inside and outside CI
• Strong interpersonal skills.  Professional, positive, and approachable demeanor
• Strong team spirit
• Fluency in Spanish, French or Portuguese

APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND: Cover letter and resume.