Climate Justice Fund Senior Adviser - B3

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

Overview

The International Climate Change unit sits in a division covering International Development and Climate Change within the Department for Culture and External Affairs.

The Climate Justice team is responsible for delivery of the Climate Justice Fund. The Fund was a £36 million commitment running to the end of the previous parliamentary term, with a commitment to grow the fund during this Parliament. The Fund supports climate vulnerable communities, particularly in our partner countries of Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda, to build resilience to and address climate loss and damage. The fund also supports global capacity building and advocacy efforts for people underrepresented in climate fora.

The Climate Justice Fund is entering an important new phase, with an external evaluation of the Fund’s impact and effectiveness informing our future approach to climate justice programming. Working closely with the C1 Team Leader, the postholder will play a significant role in translating evaluation findings into the design, commissioning and delivery of the next phase of CJF programming.

The Climate Justice Fund Senior Adviser is a key role in the Unit. The role combines strategic programme development with hands on programme and contract management, robust financial oversight and governance. The postholder will build strong relationships with delivery partners operating in the Global South, and identify opportunities to communicate evidence, impact and learning to inform future policy and programming.

Key Responsibilities

Programme design and development: Lead the design and development of new programmes under the Climate Justice Fund, working closely with the C1 team leader. This is likely to include multi-year programming in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda. Develop evidence-based programme proposals, including business cases and options, delivery approaches and commissioning routes, ensuring alignment with international climate and development priorities.

Programme delivery and grant/ contract management: Lead the day-to-day management of CJF programmes, including direct grant and contract management, with B2 support. Develop delivery plans and monitor progress against agreed milestones and outcomes.

Establish and maintain robust governance, risk management and reporting procedures: Oversee programme budgets, including financial monitoring for the entire CJF portfolio. Provide regular advice and updates to senior officials.

Partnerships and stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with delivery partners, civil society organisations, partner country governments and others to help advance Scotland’s objective and reputation as a credible, values-based, global leader on climate justice. Identify opportunities throughout the year to promote evidence and impact from CJF programmes, working with partners to develop case studies, knowledge products and learning to inform the global evidence base.

Contribute to climate justice elements of programmes for international engagementby the First Minister, Cabinet Secretary and wider Ministerial team, and provide ministerial advice and support on climate justice This includes London Climate Week, New York Climate Week and the annual COP, though other opportunities may arise.

Provide line management to B2 staff, supporting the c-band leads to build and maintain an inclusive and supportive team culture whilst adapting to changing context and priorities of the incoming administration and wider Directorate efficiency plans.

As required, work closely with the international development team to align approaches to ODA programming across partner countries, sharing best practice and improving processes.

Technical / Professional Skills

Working Internationally - Level 2

• Working with Ministers - Level 2
• Policy Context and Purpose - Level 2
• You can find out more about the skills required here: Policy Profession Standards.

Working Pattern

• This role is a permanent level transfer position.
• The Directorate supports a mix of office based and remote working depending on the requirements of the role and personal circumstances.
• The post is a full-time role, but staff with different working patterns are invited to apply, and we will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for this post.
• International travel will likely be required for this role and candidates should be willing to be available to spend periods of time overseas supporting ministers.

How to apply

• Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 employees.
• Please submit a CV and statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
• Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Tuesday 10 November.
• If you have questions about your application, please contact [email protected]

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.