Climate Justice Specialist (Internationally recruited)

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development. IDLO works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development, and economic opportunity.

With its Headquarters in Rome, Italy, a Branch Office in The Hague, and United Nations Liaison Offices in New York and Geneva, IDLO carries out policy advocacy, research, and learning, as well as rule of law and justice programmes in countries through some 17 Country Offices operating in every region of the world.

Climate change is a defining challenge that will undermine the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the world grows hotter, drier, and harder-hit by extreme weather events and the effects of sea-level rise, climate change will act as a threat multiplier, disrupting livelihoods, driving displacement and migration, intensifying scarcities of natural resources which can drive violence and conflict, and raising pressure on state-citizen relations and state capacity to advance development. The people most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are those who already experience systematic exclusion and marginalization. Women and girls, youth and children, indigenous peoples, and climate migrants will bear the brunt of the impact. With its emphasis on rule of law as an enabler of peace, justice, and inclusion, SDG 16 can help promote transformative climate action towards ‘climate justice’.

As the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law as an enabler of peace and sustainable development, IDLO champions people-centered justice and work to ensure inclusive, equitable, and effective responses to the climate crisis. As part of its renewed focus on climate and sustainability in IDLO’s Strategic Plan 2021-24, IDLO has recently published a policy brief on rule of law and climate justice, indicating the core elements guiding IDLO’s action in this area.

THE POSITION 

To help advance and roll out its climate justice strategy, integrating program, research, and policy elements, IDLO is now seeking a climate justice specialist. The Specialist will support IDLO’s climate justice work and increase the visibility, coherence, and coordination of IDLO’s climate portfolio.

Under the supervision of the Director, Research and Learning, and in coordination with the IDLO climate justice thematic cluster, the Specialist will be responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following duties:

• Support the validation process, finalization, and implementation of IDLO’s climate justice strategy, in line with IDLO’s Strategic Plan 2021-24.
• Support the development of climate justice-related research, policy, program development and program implementation;
• Identify opportunities to expand IDLO’s climate justice portfolio and contribute to global policy dialogues on the link between rule of law and climate justice, natural resources, sustainability;
• As part of the internal thematic cluster on climate justice, champion climate-related activities within IDLO including through knowledge-sharing webinars and curation of a climate justice knowledge repository;
• In coordination with the Department of External Relations and Partnerships, establish and strengthen strategic partnerships and resource mobilization in the area of climate justice and rule of law, with a view to developing a climate justice program portfolio;
• Help establish and coordinate a specialized, expert network on Climate Justice and rule of law;
• Provide technical input and drafting support for climate-related knowledge products;
• Support in the development and delivery of IDLO programming on climate change programs, including in fragile and conflict-affected countries;
• Prepare briefing materials for IDLO engagement in climate justice events; and
• Guide and integrate climate justice into IDLO’s work at all levels, including through mentoring staff and other capacity development activities.  

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

• Graduate degree in Law and a post-graduate degree related to Climate Justice, as part of International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field;
• Minimum 6-7 years of relevant professional experience in rule of law and/or climate justice, preferably in an international organization or global NGO;
• Solid experience of justice sector program design;
• Proven academic track record in rule of law and environmental issues, including in researching and writing;

Languages                                                          

• Fluent oral and professional writing skills in English are essential. Knowledge of additional languages would be an asset.

Specific Knowledge / Skills / Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge of climate justice policy and programming;
• Demonstrated knowledge of rule of law and access to justice policy and programming;
• Demonstrated knowledge of major actors and funding environment for climate justice;
• Established policy and program network in climate change/climate justice / environmental law;
• Excellent drafting skills;
• Ability to work effectively across and within organizational boundaries;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working in a diverse professional environment.
• Works well with others and actively participates, shares information contributes, encourages, and motivates others to become involved in thematic activities, including providing constructive feedback;
• Proven ability to see tasks through and set and deliver results;
• Proven ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility, and an entrepreneurial spirit;
• Ability and willingness to travel, if necessary; and
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

For this internationally recruited professional position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an Affiliate Contract of 24 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding.

IDLO shall offer an annual basic salary of Euro 58,000, and a benefits package including provident fund contribution (14%), medical insurance, leave entitlements in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules. Relocation and installation support are also available for internationally recruited employees.

Salaries and benefits paid by IDLO to employees are exempt from taxation in Italy. IDLO employees are responsible for compliance with income tax laws of their country of nationality or residence and/or of any other relevant fiscal jurisdiction.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates. IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

DISCLAIMER 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the employee assigned to this work. This may not be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs, as necessary.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and in compliance with IDLO’s policy on personal data protection.

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.