International Climate Change Specialist

Plan International Cambodia and Australia are preparing for the upcoming Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project in Cambodia on Second Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project from March 2017 to February 2019. The project will support the progressive mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and disaster risk management into rural water supply and sanitation.

Job Description

The International Climate Change Specialist will lead and facilitate the mainstreaming of climate change directly into Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) initiatives, specifically targeting local government and village levels, where the impact is directly felt. This position will provide strategic direction and technical assistance on climate change integration during the implementation of the ADB-funded project, as well as support training and programs at national, sub-national, and school levels in climate change resilience and adaptation for RWSS, particularly for floods, droughts, and impacts on groundwater. The incumbent will coordinate with the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) under MRD and the Provincial Project Teams (PPT). S/he will ensure effective implementation by responding to emergent needs, providing backstopping support, and facilitating other technical specialists to provide assistance to key stakeholders. 

The International Climate Change Specialist will be responsible for (i) identifying the climate change risks and assessing the impacts on the rural population in the selected provinces; (ii) developing measures to improve climate change resilience and promote adaptation and mitigation, with a large focus on village level activities and infrastructure; (iii) supporting the development of trainings for central and provincial levels, and developing climate change awareness programs for commune and village levels; and (iv) contributing to the planned trainings. S/he will not directly manage staff but will work closely with the National Climate Change Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Carry out assessments to identify climate change risks and the impacts on the rural population
• in the selected provinces
• Develop measures to improve climate change resilience and promote adaptation and mitigation, with a large focus on village level activities and infrastructure
• Contribute to and support the development of trainings for central and provincial levels that focus on climate change impacts, provincial-specific risks, and mitigation measures
• Provide, facilitate, and/or coordinate ongoing technical support regarding climate change
• mainstreaming after training for key stakeholders
• Facilitate development and roll-out of appropriate climate change awareness and disaster management programs for communes, villages, and schools
• Present and facilitate understanding of climate change mainstreaming at project orientation workshops and other events at national and subnational levels, as needed
• Support the reporting process with clear data, deliverable and outcomes
• Liaise closely with the National Climate Change Specialist to ensure accountability and deliverables according to the job role and responsibilities
• Ensure all staff and consultants are oriented and apply the Child Protection Policy and code of
• conduct throughout project planning, implementation and evaluation
• Handle interactions and troubleshooting with the project team, key stakeholders and other agency counterparts in a professional manner
• Advocate, share, and influence government officials and others to raise Plan’s profile, scale up Plan’s programmes and best practice

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in engineering, environmental sciences or a related discipline (e.g., economics, public policy, international cooperation, international development, natural sciences or a related field)

Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge in climate change theory, policy, and practice
• General knowledge of rural development in Cambodia
• Knowledge on key cross-cutting issues including gender, equality, and right based approach
• Understanding of government ministries/departments and other stakeholders in the water and sanitation sectors including their capacity, strengths and weaknesses

Skills

• Excellent facilitation skills
• Excellent coordination skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required
• Ability to respond on short notice and plan and execute several activities at once
• Ability to work under pressure, as part of a team or independently, and meet deadlines consistently
• Proven leadership, inter-personal and cross-cultural skills, and ability to build and motivate diverse teams
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in environmental engineering/science projects relating to climate change
• At least 5 years of experience in rural development, rural water, and related fields
• Experience on projects financed by multilateral development agencies would be an advantage
• Previous experience working projects in Southeast Asia is preferred
• Experience working with government partners

Attitudes and Behaviours

• Results and performance oriented
• Flexibility and adaptability 
• Team work spirit and responsiveness
• Abide by Plan’s values and principles
• Humble and mature individual
• Approach work interdependently
• High self-esteem and respect of others.
• Gender sensitivity, inclusion, and support team work.
• Open to feedback

Other Information

The position is based in Phnom Penh and requires frequent travel to provinces to oversee project implementation. 

• Office base 60-70%
• Travel 30-40%