Job Description

Climate and Energy Specialist - Cape TownFull job descriptionJob Advert SummaryThe Climate and Energy Specialist will play an essential role in facilitating WWFs overall energy strategy and ensuring it is science-based. Working in the Climate Action team, this is a key role to help drive WWFs vision of a just energy transformation in the South African and global context. A demonstrated extensive and deep technical knowledge base and skill set is therefore a critical requirement. This position also requires the ability to develop strong advocacy tools to build support for a net zero emissions target within civil society, labour and government as well as enable WWF and partners to embark on a well-evidenced campaign and roadmap to drive a broader just energy transformation, potentially informing the direction of finance to key transition industries.The Climate and Energy Specialist will also interact with WWF globally as the network finalises its revised energy strategy, providing an African perspective into the global climate and energy debate alongside the Climate & Energy Practice Focal Point.The position requires a strong technical support approach, as well as targeted and clear interactions with stakeholders and policy to facilitate WWFs 2025 strategy.Minimum RequirementsA masters degree in a relevant field (energy, economics, climate change and development) with more than 5 years working experience and knowledge of other aspects of the role.Experience in managing a small team to deliver key outputs in a timely manner.Experience in engaging with national policy processes, particularly within the energy space.Experience in convening stakeholders around a common objective and working with complex multistakeholder environments.Knowledge of and/or experience of engaging on international climate policy issues.An understanding of relevant South African policy, regulations and political economy around the just energy transition.Knowledge of energy modelling & scenario developmentStrong data and analytical skillsStrong ability to build and nurture effective partnerships and develop advocacy plans.The ability to easily communicate technical aspects into easily communicable messages.Ability to communicate clearly and speak in publicComfortable working with stakeholders from many different constituenciesAttention to detailAble to work independentlyDuties and ResponsibilitiesProvide leadership to WWF South Africas approach to our energy trajectory to 2050Lead development of the illustrative Integrated Energy Plan and annual workplans together with the Senior Manager Climate Action and the Energy Project OfficerEnsure that WWFSA is recognised as the thought leader in the climate-energy spaceCoordinate inputs from team members and leadership around key energy policy engagementsWith the Senior Manager Climate Action, develop strategic engagement plans to facilitate uptake of policy advocacy.Cooperate with other members of the climate action and other portfolios to support cross- cutting elements of climate action.Ensure the Head of Environmental Programmes, Delivery and Impact Leads and Chief Executive Officer of WWF South Africa are kept informed of key developments relating to climate and energy development, discourse and related topics.Coordination and inputs into the WWF networks energy strategyEngage with WWFs international energy community of practice to develop network energy strategy.Feed into WWFs Africa and international energy statements and policy workExternal stakeholder engagement and advocacyParticipate in building and strengthening organisational relationships with stakeholder groups that are key for WWF-SAs energy transition work.Provide technical inputs and develop materials for use in climate-related stakeholder engagement.Design and facilitate workshops and engage in public forums to promote WWFs vision for energy transition.Knowledge production, technical support and insightsProduce and edit research reports around key topics.Manage consultants and specialists where necessary to support knowledge production.Contribute to the development of knowledge for key strategic outcomes.Strategically disseminate the knowledge within WWFSA and with all stakeholders.Work with the Strategic Communications team to develop internal and external communication material regarding the Climate & Energy work to meet Programme goals and broaden and engage constituenciesProduce position statements in relation to climate and energy in South Africa.Develop technical content and media releases around key news items.Act as a representative spokesperson for WWF South Africas Climate and Energy workPolicy engagementManaging and coordinate key elements of WWFs climate and energy policy engagements and inputs into national processes and dialogue.Ensure evidence based scientific input into policy discourse.Support colleagues working on international-facing climate change policy.Project managementDrive the development of strategic funding applications in conjunction with other team members.Manage and contribute to projects to ensure timely delivery.Ensure adherence to financial, social and environmental safeguards.Support the development and improvement of staff capacity.

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