35-015 | (Senior) Specialist, Urban Resilience

VACANCY TITLE: 35-015 | (Senior) Specialist, Urban Resilience

LOCATION: Rotterdam, the Netherlands

LEVEL OF EFFORT: Full time – 40 hours per week

START DATE: As soon as possible

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

SALARY INDICATION: 80,000 – 90,000 EUR (Gross base salary)

WHO WE ARE

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization working to accelerate action on adapting to climate change. We support adaptation solutions at the international and the local levels, partnering with the public and the private sector.

Our focus is firmly on those who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change; communities least prepared to withstand the health, social, and economic impacts of the climate emergency are our priority.

Founded in 2018, our organization operates with a unique dual-headquarters model. Our Global North headquarters is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, housed in the world’s largest floating office — a landmark of sustainable innovation. Our Global South headquarters is located in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition, we maintain a growing global presence with regional offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Bangladesh, and Beijing, as well as a dedicated knowledge and research hub in Groningen, the Netherlands.

Our work encompasses high-level policy development, research, agenda-setting and advocacy to drive faster and deeper climate adaptation. We collaborate closely with partners to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of results where they are most needed.

WHAT WILL YOU DO

Join us at GCA as a (Senior) Specialist, Urban Resilience in the Water and Urban team. In this role, you will contribute directly to GCA’s mission as a solutions broker for urban climate adaptation.

You will provide leadership in policy advocacy and program development for urban resilience, while also offering technical and content-focused support to advance our global policy agenda. A key part of your work will involve building and managing relationships with external partners and stakeholders. You will also support the implementation of GCA’s Urban program, helping to shape and scale climate adaptation strategies that deliver real impact — and work for all.

Responsibilities 

Drive the implementation of GCA’s City Adaptation Accelerator (CAA), with a focus on scaling up urban climate adaptation and advancing locally led solutions. You'll play a key role in turning ambition into impact by operationalizing innovative, high-impact programs that support cities in adapting to climate change. Under the oversight of GCA Water and Urban Lead you will carry out the following:

• Develop and implement a pipeline of technical assistance projects in the urban climate adaptation and urban resilience sectors that shapes and expands GCA’s partnerships with leading Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) such as Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank – to drive, scale up and accelerate on-the-ground urban climate adaptation. This will include established adaptation practice while creating the space and energy for innovation as well.

• Closely collaborate with MDB task teams to support the integration and implementation of climate adaptation in urban development projects that may include urban water management, housing, spatial planning, informal settlements, urban flood management and associated planning tools. This work will be done in collaboration with other GCA Water and Urban team members involved in integrated water resource management (IWRM), irrigation, urban service delivery, and so on.

• Lead the conceptualization, design, implementation and supervision of highly innovative and transformative technical assistance to urban climate adaptation and urban resilience building investment projects and programs of MDBs, in particular the ADB. This will include frequent and in-depth interactions and coordination with task team leaders/managers of MDBs.

• Drive a multi-faceted program, in coordination with regional and international partners, to build capacity of national and local government and non-governmental stakeholders.

• Play a key role in the operationalization of knowledge development related to urban water resilience and participate in relevant workshops and meetings to keep abreast with ongoing trends in climate adaptation, urban development and their implications on the GCA agenda and strategy.

• Further expand and maintain GCA’s network of international, national and local stakeholders in the water-urban adaptation sector.

• Support and oversee the procurement of external expertise (individual consultants, firms).

• Support the preparation of knowledge products (e.g. policy briefs, news stories, reports) on GCA’s activities.

• Provide mentorship and on-the-job guidance to GCA staff, strengthening their capacity through knowledge sharing, coaching, and skill development. Support the Global Water and Urban team in team management and performance enhancement.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

This role requires, at least, 6 to 7 field trips a year for the duration of one week (tentatively).

• Master’s degree in urban planning, climate resilience, or a related field.

• At least 10 years of experience implementing complex, large-scale projects or programs in urban development and urban resilience.

• Minimum 5 years of experience working in Africa.

• Direct experience working with city or urban authorities and/or multilateral development banks is a strong asset.

• Hands-on experience in procurement and contract management of advisory services.

• Solid conceptual understanding and/or practical experience in climate adaptation and urban resilience.

• Proven ability to translate complex concepts into actionable technical assistance for national/local governments and project teams, particularly in the African urban climate adaptation context.

• Working knowledge of French is highly desirable.

Desired Competencies, Mindset, and Values

• Strong communicator, with excellent written and spoken English, and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to confidently take ownership and provide direction when needed

• Able to work effectively in multicultural teams, with genuine curiosity and appreciation for different ways of life, fostering inclusive and smooth collaboration.

• Skilled in facilitating collaboration across diverse stakeholders, with a constructive, solution-oriented approach to resolving challenges.

• Organized and able to prioritize tasks while contributing to the overall efficiency of team workflows.

• Passionate about climate adaptation and motivated to drive meaningful impact in the urban resilience space.

A sense of humor is always a great asset but is not a requirement.

WHAT WE OFFER

Joining our team means contributing to our global mission on climate adaptation. You will have the opportunity to tap into the extensive expertise available at GCA and its partner organizations worldwide. Furthermore, you will play a role in shaping international policies and global action on climate change, working at the highest governmental levels, and collaborating with governments on all continents.

GCA offers a competitive salary package complemented by 25 days of paid annual leave, a pension plan and a public transport travel card for free business commuting within the Netherlands.

At GCA, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued. We warmly welcome applicants from all walks of life and do not discriminate in any of our programs or activities based on race, color, religion, sex, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Join us and contribute your unique perspective to our collective success.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this position, please submit your motivation letter and CV by following the link https://gca.org/about-us/join-us/. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

Our recruitment process is designed to be both engaging and insightful. It consists of four rounds of interviews. Throughout these stages, you'll have the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of GCA team members who are eager to learn about your personality, skills, and potential. This journey also allows you to gain a deeper understanding of GCA's objectives, culture, and values. We look forward to discovering how we can achieve great things together.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. The Global Center on Adaptation also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.