Program Officer, Partnerships and External Affairs at Global Center on Adaptation (GCA)

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.

Requirements

• 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.