Environment and Climate Change Specialist at Cowater International

• The Environment and Climate Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring that Canadian funded projects in Kenya and Somalia adhere to Canadian and global environmental and climate change regulations, policies, and best practices while providing support and capacity to both Kenya and Somalia in their vision to implement their global and national climate change commitments. This position will require an understanding of environmental impact assessments, mitigation strategies, and regulatory compliance; global and national frameworks for climate including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs); nature-based solutions and biodiversity; and the global climate finance architecture. The Environment and Climate Specialist will work closely with GAC staff, partner organizations, government agencies, and local communities to promote gender-sensitive, sustainable, and environmentally responsible legislation, policy and project implementation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Environmental Compliance and Monitoring:

• Monitor and ensure compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and project-specific environmental safeguards.
• Regularly assess environmental risks and propose mitigation measures.
• Advise GAC on best practices in maximizing climate change and environment-related results within Canadian-funded programmes and projects.
• Prepare and submit regular reports, including on environmental performance and compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with GAC staff, partner organizations, likeminded donors, local communities, and government agencies to address environmental and climate change concerns and foster inclusive and gender-sensitive responses.
• Participate in and provide guidance on consultations and engagement sessions related to environmental and climate change matters, including, gender-integration, climate finance, nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
• Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for GAC staff, partner organizations, local communities, and government agencies’ engagement in climate- and environment-related fora.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Draft, review and/or provide input on project documents, reports, and proposals, as requested.
• Prepare and submit regular reports, including on environmental performance and compliance.
• Maintain accurate records of key contacts, reports, and other aspects as required.
• Draft reports based on findings from project site visits.

Capacity Building:

• Provide training, build awareness, share best practices to GAC staff, partner organizations, local communities and government agencies.
• Stay informed about emerging climate change- and environment-related issues and disseminate relevant information to GAC.
• Provide assistance and capacity building support to GAC staff, government agencies, partner organizations and local communities, including on global commitments and national climate strategies and frameworks, including those related to climate finance.

Environmental Innovation:

• Identify opportunities for gender-sensitive, sustainable, and eco-friendly practices, including within project activities.
• Research and propose innovative solutions to reduce environmental impacts and enhance gender-sensitivity, sustainability, and climate resilience.
• Identify opportunities to showcase and leverage Canada-funded activities, results and innovations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, climate change, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in environmental management or a climate change related field, preferably in the context of international development projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Thorough understanding of Kenyan, Somali and Canadian environmental and climate change legislation, policies, and regulations including NDCs and NAPs.
• Experience and knowledge of global climate change commitments and the global climate finance architecture.
• Experience in conducting environmental impact assessments and developing mitigation strategies.
• Significant experience designing and monitoring environment and climate change projects.
• Knowledge and experience on integration of gender equality, climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, and nature-based solutions.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Certification in environmental impact assessment or related field is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the local culture and environmental context in Kenya and Somalia
• Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and local communities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging and multicultural environments.
• Ability to travel throughout Somalia and Kenya.

The following skills and experience will be an asset:

• Technical skills in Climate change mitigation and adaptation practices
• Proficiency in environmental monitoring tools and software.

Language Requirements: Excellent English language skills, as most of the reporting will be written in English.