Climate Policy Coordinator

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY – This position is based preferably in Brazil (remote), Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru. Other possible locations are Costa Rica or Bolivia. 

The Climate Policy Coordinator provides administrative, research, and project support for the Climate Policy team in CI’s Global Policy and Government Affairs (GPGA) division, reporting to the Climate Policy Director. The Coordinator is responsible for knowledge management, workflow, and project monitoring and reporting systems for institutional climate policy priorities. The Coordinator supports CI’s participation in major climate policy conferences and programmatic events, including by managing cross-divisional work plans, logistics, budgeting and payments, and scheduling. Other responsibilities include conducting research projects, supporting program communications, and organizing meetings. This position acts as liaison between CI staff and external contacts, such as vendors, contractors, and partners. Requirements include developing a comprehensive knowledge of CI’s policies, procedures, and values, strong administrative and organizational skills, project management, critical thinking, ability to multi-task, build relationships, and handle sensitive information. The Coordinator interacts with CI senior staff and must professionally represent the GPGA division at all times. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate CI’s preparations for and engagement at UNFCCC negotiations, including cross-divisional work planning, delegation management, event organization, note-taking for negotiations, preparing logistical guides, coordinating with hotels, among other areas. This includes serving as a focal point to answer diverse and non-standard requests across the organization for UNFCCC conferences.
• Monitor developments from major climate change-relevant institutions online (e.g., the UNFCCC), summarize key takeaways, and ensure information is communicated internally in a timely fashion.
• Conduct research and update internal research materials on climate policy issues (mitigation, adaptation, and cross-cutting themes); synthesize findings into internal briefs or reports; solicit review and assistance from other divisions/programs, as needed; disseminate to relevant channels, including for CI’s strategic planning or decision-making processes.
• Draft communications materials such as external webpage content, Intranet news updates, publications, slide decks, or blog posts as needed.
• Support climate change policy-related grant administration such as compiling progress reports, tracking and review of project results, responding to information requests, coordinating project activities, and following procurement procedures, among other areas as needed.
• Organize preparations for CI-led meetings and events on climate policy, including meeting scheduling, meeting agenda and room preparations, note taking, providing on-site support and receiving guests, and following up with notes and action items.
• Manage files, reports, and assets for CI’s climate policy team in online collaboration and information storage platforms (e.g., SharePoint and Microsoft Teams).
• Efficiently execute a variety of routine administrative and operational tasks, including procurement, human resources procedures, contracting and budgeting support, among others.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment. Frequent virtual work with remote team members and other parts of CI.
• Ability to work extended hours or non-standard hours.
• Occasional domestic and international travel is required.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High School or Secondary School education.
• 2 – 4 years of related work experience, preferably in the conservation, NGO, or advocacy arena.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including strong research and proofreading skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Service focus. Courteous, tactful, and proven ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to function well in a multicultural, diverse, and fast-paced work environment.
• Comfortable managing multiple duties and adapting to changing priorities.
• Ability to coordinate and work effectively as a member of a dispersed team, supporting group meetings in person and remotely.
• Ability to work under general supervision and take initiative to solve problems under supervisor’s direction.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or up to four years of college-level work.
• At least 2 years of experience in international environmental policy.
• Strong understanding of international climate policy issues and frameworks; knowledge of climate adaptation policies, preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals from a variety of disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds, including the ability to identify and summarize key information for different audiences.
• In addition to fluency in English, proficiency in at least one other language spoken in a country where CI operates.