Location: For this role New York or Washington DC are the preferred locations and Geneva is also a possibility. Exceptional candidates outside of these locations will be considered, but contract type and benefits eligibility will vary by location.
Closing date for applications: April 8th
Remuneration: Competitive salary and benefits package provided, including unlimited leave policy and flexible working arrangements. These benefits may vary outside of the New York, Washington, and Geneva.

BACKGROUND

Independent Diplomat (ID) is a unique non‐profit venture in the world of international relations, diplomacy and conflict prevention. Staffed by former diplomats, international lawyers and experts in international relations, ID offers independent and confidential advice and assistance on diplomatic technique and strategy to governments, political groups, international institutions, and non‐governmental organizations.

Independent Diplomat has advised the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) at the highest level for a decade. This partnership has helped transform the low-lying island state into one of the most influential climate leaders on the international stage. ID worked with RMI to form the – still active – High Ambition Coalition in the run up to the Paris Agreement, helping to secure key elements of the deal such as the 1.5C temperature goal, the net zero global emissions pathway by the second half of the century, and a five-year cycle for updating mitigation contributions. At COP-26 in 2021, RMI, with ID’s support, brought together the HAC again to influence the most ambitious elements of the final Glasgow Climate Pact. Elements from the HAC Statement reflected in the Pact include: A doubling of financing for adaptation (from $20b per year to $40b per year), which was very hard-fought and received significant pushback initially even among ambitious states; A call for countries to return to the table with new nationally determined contributions in 2022, reflecting the urgency of halving emissions this decade; and the first mention of fossil fuel subsidies and coal in a COP outcome. RMI is also a major force behind efforts to cut emissions in international shipping.

Together with the Marshall Islands, Independent Diplomat has played a major role in securing a host of important climate outcomes and continues to help them be the vanguard for international efforts to urgently increase ambition.

Purpose

The Climate Advisor / Program Manager will be responsible for formulating and delivering political advice and support to RMI’s partner, the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The role of Climate Advisor / Program Manager will include:

• Policy delivery: Providing advice on diplomatic strategy and negotiations, including in the UNFCCC as well as other relevant fora. This may include, for example, developing draft texts, providing background research and analysis to inform and support negotiating positions, and briefing ministers, envoys and ambassadors.
• Project management, including project planning, monitoring project progress, and regular reporting to the client and donors.
• Relationship management: The ID ethos centers on being led by the partners we advise. The candidate will sustain and build strong relationships of trust with the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, particularly the Climate Change Directorate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Public diplomacy: Providing support on communications and media engagement, including advising on messaging, outreach to media contacts, and social media to maximise impact;
• Coalition-building and coordination: Supporting the client to coordinate the work of the High Ambition Coalition, and to contribute to other relevant coalitions and groups, such as the Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CAN-CC) Where relevant, this may also include providing support to HAC ministers in support of the coalition’s aims;
• Fundraising: all staff are expected to support efforts to secure the funding required to sustain our work. The candidate will support relationship management with existing donors, conduct outreach to new donors, and develop project proposals, in collaboration with the ID Director – Global Threats and Managing Director.

Requirements

Essential

• University degree in international relations, environment, economics, or a related field;
• 7+ years of previous experience in climate politics and diplomacy, and a demonstrable understanding of the political dynamics surrounding the international response to climate change;
• Excellent analytical skills, with a proven ability to translate analysis into political action;
• Familiarity with the technical aspects of international climate change negotiations;
• Media savvy, with an ability to use communications to further diplomatic objectives;
• Familiarity with the climate change and sustainable development-related challenges of small island developing states would be a strong asset;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Experience working with a geographically diverse team;
• Personable and creative self-motivator with a strong work ethic and a willingness to work flexibly;
• Commitment to Independent Diplomat’s mission.

Independent Diplomat is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of qualifications and merit.  Our objective is to encourage diversity and have the best available person in every job.  ID’s policy prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy), religion, marital status, familial status, age, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, domestic violence victim status or any other unlawful consideration.

APPLICATIONS  

Please submit a two-page CV and one-page cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the position to leah.wawro@independentdiplomat.org by April 8th, indicating “[SURNAME] – Climate Advisor / Program Manager” in the email subject line.  If you are applying for a position located in the United States or Geneva, please indicate in your cover letter whether you require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Due to a large expected number of applicants, we regret that we are unable to confirm receipt of applications, provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates, or pay travel expenses for interviews conducted in person. For further information about Independent Diplomat, please visit our website at: https://independentdiplomat.org/

By submitting an application to ID, you expressly consent to ID processing the personal data contained in your application, including, but not limited to, the information contained in any cover letter, curriculum vitae, resume or references.  We will hold your information securely and use it only to process your application.  When the post has been filled, ID will erase your personal data securely. For further information about ID’s Data Protection Policy, including why and how we process and transfer personal data, and your rights with respect to your personal data, please refer to our website at www.ingdependentdiplomat.org