Youth Leadership Program Assistant - Local recruitment only

Short term consultant based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Duration: August 2022 – December 2022

Starting date: ASAP in beginning of August

Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization which works as a solutions broker to accelerate action and support for climate adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sector, to ensure we learn from each other and work together for a climate resilient future.

Youth Leadership Program

The GCA’s focus on youth leadership aims to make young people central to driving the adaptation agenda and implementation worldwide through its Youth Leadership Program. The Program’s mission is to mobilize the next generation of adaptation leaders around the world, empowering youth to make the case for adaptation on the global stage and make their communities more climate-resilient.

Young people are agents of change for a climate-resilient future. To allow young people to fully participate in society, it is fundamental to broaden economic opportunities for youth. Inclusive growth can be strengthened by entrepreneurial skills development by the enterprise-owners of tomorrow and the creation of adaptation jobs.

Youth perspectives in the global adaptation agenda

Ahead of COP27, the COP of adaptation and implementation in Sharm El-Sheikh, the Global Center on Adaptation and the GCA CEO’s Youth Advisory Panel, are convening the Youth Adaptation Summit, ‘GCA Youth Dialogue on Adaptation Action: Delivering on the Glasgow Climate Pact’. The convening will bring together young people and global leaders to accelerate adaptation action and ensure youth’s perspectives and solutions are promoted to deliver on the Glasgow Climate Pact.

To ensure the continued engagement of young people on the road to Sharm El-Sheikh, GCA is supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo as host of the Pre-COP27, in organizing a high-level event on youth leadership and entrepreneurship for adaptation solutions.

Building adaptive capacity in future generations

Building adaptative capacity and providing young people with the tools to meaningfully engage in advocacy, policy-making and decision-making is a core part of GCA’s Youth Leadership Program. In collaboration with the CARE Climate Justice Centre, GCA is developing a Toolkit for Youth on Leadership & Adaptation to be implemented in 10 countries across the African continent. This toolkit will provide training materials and educational content to engage with adaptation issues to 10,000 young people in Africa.

Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program

GCA and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are joining forces to use their complementary expertise, resources and networks to develop and implement a bold new Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) to galvanize climate resilient actions through a triple win approach to address COVID-19, climate change, and the economy. One of the AAAP’s Flagship Programs aims to empower youth for entrepreneurship and job creation in climate adaptation and resilience by promoting innovation and inclusive growth for young people in climate resilient jobs; developing skills and knowledge on adaptation, building the entrepreneurial capacity of African youth; and facilitating access to funding and mentorship to youth-led and women-led businesses in the adaptation space.

Profile

The Global Center on Adaptation is seeking a program assistant on a range of administrative and operational topics to support the Youth Leadership team. The Program Assistant will report to the Youth Leadership Program lead, and will work closely with colleagues across the GCA’s network of offices.

Tasks

• Prepare background notes, presentations, concept notes and speaking notes as required.
• Prepare reports on the status of various work activities and initiatives, funding and program results and impact.
• Support administrative matters related to the Youth Leadership Program.
• Revise and respond to (mail) questions
• Keep track of deadlines and project deliverables.
• Provide logistical support to organize the hybrid Youth Adaptation Summit and any other youth convenings.
• Support the call and selection of 12 young people as members of the Youth Advisory Panel 2023.
• Any other tasks required.

Requirements

• The consultant needs to be permitted to work in the Netherlands.
• Recent graduates of a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply.
• Specific skills: Experience organizing events, writing concept notes, familiarity with social media and online advocacy, ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience working international youth networks is an asset.
• Experience organizing in person and virtual events.
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite), especially in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom and Mailchimp.
• Excellent spoken and written English.

Additional information

• The consultant will be based at GCA’s office in Rotterdam.
• The estimated intensity of the activities is up to 5 days per week.
• The position is suited for recent graduates.
• GCA does not discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

How to apply

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Cover Letter. The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position.