60-022 | Program Officer, Partnerships and External Affairs

VACANCY TITLE: Program Officer, Partnerships and External Affairs

TEAM: External Affairs and Policy

LOCATION: Rotterdam, the Netherlands or Nairobi, Kenya

LEVEL OF EFFORT: Full time – 40 hours per week

START DATE: As soon as possible

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, 02 June 2025

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

The External Affairs and Policy team at the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) serves as the bridge between our organization and the global community. We cultivate strategic relationships with governments, international organizations, financial institutions, and key stakeholders, ensuring that GCA’s mission to accelerate adaptation action resonates worldwide.

Our team leads high-level political engagements, facilitates impactful partnerships, and supports the global dialogue on climate resilience. By preparing comprehensive briefings, and amplifying GCA’s presence at high-level summits, we ensure that adaptation remains central to the global climate agenda.

GCA’s Africa portfolio entails close work with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and other strategic partners to align GCA’s flagship Adaptation Program- the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), with Africa’s climate agenda.

The External Affairs, Africa team also ensures that Africa’s Adaptation and resilience remain top priorities at the global climate policy by promoting the AAAP’s progress and impact.

Reporting to the Senior Partnerships Manager for Africa, you will support the implementation of GCA’s external affairs strategy in Africa. Your focus will be on advancing the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) by helping integrate it into key climate and development policies across the continent. This includes working with institutions such as AfDB, AUC, and UNECA, organizing high-impact events on adaptation, managing stakeholder relationships at national and continental levels, and providing countries with advocacy tools to promote adaptation action.

Responsibilities

Advocacy and Outreach

• Strengthen political support for adaptation finance and solutions by contributing to the development of briefing materials, communication assets, and presentations aligned with GCA’s messaging.

• Position the AAAP as Africa’s leading adaptation program by promoting both the urgency of adaptation and scalable solutions to mobilize USD 25 billion in financing.

• Increase GCA’s visibility and influence in Africa by supporting the successful delivery of high-impact AAAP events and advocacy platforms through end-to-end planning, procurement management, and outcome tracking for future improvements.  

• Ensure regular communication on AAAP progress by supporting content development for the AAAP newsletter and coordinating with the communications division.

• Maintain alignment with African institutions by supporting communication and coordination with the African Union Commission, AfDB, NEPAD, and UNECA and others.

Strategic Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Support integrated adaptation efforts by helping manage relationships with officials in Ministries of Environment, Finance, sectoral agencies, and national coordination bodies.

• Sustain institutional partnerships across Africa by supporting engagement with key continental actors such as the AUC, AfDB, NEPAD, and UNECA.

• Improve stakeholder engagement by maintaining an updated database and facilitating targeted communication.

• Help build a continental stakeholder community around the AAAP by supporting national and regional network development.

• Contribute to joint implementation efforts by liaising with program teams to support AUC and NEPAD workplans.

Intelligence and Analysis

• Keep the Africa office informed by monitoring and analysing global and African climate policy developments and sharing timely insights.

• Support internal planning on climate finance by tracking trends in global development finance and communicating their relevance to adaptation.

• Identify private sector opportunities for adaptation by monitoring Africa’s financial landscape—including private equity, venture capital, and banking—and sharing relevant insights.

• Ensure alignment with global climate processes by tracking developments in the UNFCCC and analysing their implications for Africa’s adaptation agenda.

• Master’s degree in international relations, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, Environmental Policy, or related fields.

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in external relations, partnerships, advocacy, or program delivery, preferably in climate change, sustainable development, or international cooperation.

• A good understanding of international climate governance frameworks, particularly the Paris Agreement and its mechanisms for adaptation and support.

• Experience engaging with African regional institutions, multilateral development banks, or UN agencies—particularly within the context of African or global climate processes at policy or implementation levels. This includes, but not limited to, direct involvement in UNFCCC adaptation-related processes, as well as participation in joint programs, policy dialogues, technical consultations, or coordination with mid-level government officials.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders—including government officials and private sector—to foster collaboration, build consensus across diverse institutional and cultural contexts, and clearly communicate complex information.

• Cultural and Political Sensitivity: Demonstrated ability to navigate complex cultural and political contexts with tact and effectiveness, fostering inclusive, respectful, and context-appropriate collaboration across diverse stakeholder environments.

• Planning and Organizing: Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver high-profile events and initiatives by effectively managing timelines, resources, and competing priorities, with strong attention to detail and a proactive, solution-oriented approach.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Comfort and agility in fast-paced, dynamic settings; able to pivot and reprioritize as needs evolve.

• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in French is an advantage.

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, additional benefits allowance, 25 days of paid leave, 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/ before Monday, 02 June 2025.

Our recruitment process is designed to be both engaging and insightful. It composes of two to three 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.