Nairbo, Kenya

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Climate Innovation Specialist to provide technical support to the DRC EAGL region.

About the job

The Regional Climate Innovation Specialist focuses on expanding DRC’s climate-focused programme models that address the intersection of displacement and climate challenges in East Africa and the Great Lakes, ensuring innovative, sustainable, tailored and feasible solutions are developed, and opportunities for integrated programming are identified and supported across EAGL.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Programme and Technical Support:

• Review and analyse effective climate programme models and nature-based solutions relevant to displacement settings across EAGL.

• Explore and develop programme models in clean energy, forestry, and natural resource management, assessing DRC’s potential role.

• Map potential locations and contexts for piloting new programme models, identifying pathways for development.

• Connect climate programme models to DRC sectors and operations, understanding challenges and opportunities for implementation with DRC’s ways of working.

Climate Finance and Partnerships:

• Explore and map climate finance opportunities for DRC, identifying relevant partners.

• Assess and recommend financing modalities, including carbon credits, investment finance, and other funding sources.

• Work with country offices on proposals – supporting ideation, design, delivery modalities, and writing.

Innovation and Development:

• Develop new ideas with country programmes, aligning with the PIBE flex funds and RIL innovation processes.

• Support the implementation of new initiatives and ensure continued development of innovative solutions.

• Support engagement with donors and private sector partners to position DRC’s work in this area.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Conduct workshops and training sessions to share knowledge and build capacity within DRC teams on climate programming and financing.

• Prepare and submit comprehensive reports, including preliminary analyses, programmatic approach documents, and final reports.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have At least 3 years of experience in climate-related programming and financing, with a focus on displacement contexts. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Proven experience in developing forestry projects with carbon credit elements and strong links to carbon markets.

• Ability to set up projects using future carbon credit revenues and a strong track record in the carbon accreditation process.

• Understanding of refugee / host community contexts, including socio-economic challenges and opportunities and the role NGOs and private sector can play in addressing challenges and realizing opportunities.

• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication, and reporting skills.

• Strong communication skills (oral and written) in English.

Desirable

• Experience in community forestry project approaches.

• Experience in clean energy and clean cooking carbon accreditation.

• Experience in working across multi-country contexts with diverse teams.

• Experience working with a multitude of stakeholders, from senior management in countries, to field technical staff.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 6 months

Band: G Non-Manager

Salary: National candidates, starting point of base salary in KES/month 337,500
Expat candidates, see salary here: https://job.drc.ngo/working-in-drc/salary-package-and-benefits/

Designation of Duty Station: Unaccompanied

Start date: 16 September

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates or Nationals; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 22 August

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.