Programme Officer - Policy and External Relations

The Programme Officer - Policy and External Relations serves as a programme officer responsible for external relations, policy and resource mobilization within the CREWS Secretariat. The role provides strategic leadership in external engagement, partnership development, policy coordination, and resource mobilization to support the growth and sustainability of the CREWS Initiative, promoting its visibility and influence within the international climate change agenda and related frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the external relations and partnership strategy for the CREWS Initiative.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with donor governments, international financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, and other strategic partners.
• Provide guidance and oversight to consultants and other staff members, ensuring the effective delivery of external relations, policy advocacy, communications, and resource mobilization activities in support of the CREWS Initiative.
• Represent the CREWS Secretariat in international meetings, conferences, technical forums, and high-level policy dialogues.
• Identify opportunities to expand partnerships that enhance the effectiveness and visibility of CREWS.
• Monitor international policy developments related to climate change - specifically adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance – disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, resilience financing, sustainable development.
• Analyze emerging policy trends and advise senior management on their implications for CREWS programming and strategic positioning.
• Prepare policy papers, strategic briefs, speeches, background documents, and briefing materials for senior leadership.
• Ensure alignment of CREWS priorities with global frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals, G7, G20 and the Early Warnings for All initiative.
• Contribute to strategic planning processes and institutional positioning within the broader international climate and development architecture.
• Develop and implement resource mobilization strategies consistent with CREWS' Strategy 2030 and its Operational Plan.
• Identify funding opportunities and cultivate relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• Lead the preparation and coordination of investment cases, and donor presentations and briefings.
• Coordinate campaigns and funding negotiations with bilateral and multilateral partners.
• Maintain an up-to-date pipeline of funding opportunities and monitor donor priorities and funding trends.
• Contribute towards strategic communications and outreach initiatives that enhance the visibility and influence of the CREWS Initiative.
• Coordinate the development of key messaging for external audiences.
• Oversee preparation of communication products, policy briefs, presentations, web content, and promotional materials.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, International Relations, Programme Management or a Related discipline. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, partnership development, resource mobilization, policy development, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, or international development.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with bilateral and multilateral donors.
• Experience developing successful funding proposals and resource mobilization strategies.
• Experience working within the United Nations system, international organizations, development banks, or similar multilateral institutions is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting high-level governance processes and international partnerships is desirable.
• Strong drafting, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to assess, synthesize, and effectively communicate complex financial, operational, and strategic information.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.
• Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

Skills

• International Relations
• Partnership Development
• Resource Mobilization
• Policy Development
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Funding Proposals
• Governance Support
• Multilateral Engagement
• Programme Management
• Strategic Communications
• Analytical Skills
• Drafting Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Multi-cultural Team Collaboration
• United Nations Experience

Languages

English