FCDO: IPLC/Development Officer – Brasilia

Main purpose of job:

This is an exciting role, based at the British Embassy in Brasilia, which will put the successful candidate at the heart of some of the most important global development issues, at a time when the international spotlight is on Brazil. You will have responsibility supporting and shaping our Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) policy and programmes, from within the Political/Development Team.

This role will work to strengthen the UK’s bilateral relationship work with Brazil, including working with colleagues across other teams in Brasilia and the UK to manage up to three IPLC programmes, deliver COP30, and support the Embassy’s bid for future ODA funding. The successful candidate will work primarily on IPLCs, but may be asked to be involved across a range of development topics including sustainable agriculture, trilateral cooperation, global health and development financing. The successful candidate will build strong networks within local IPLC groups, the Brazilian Government, NGOs, and the UK Government; and will use this platform to build development policy. They will have an understanding of the UK’s priorities and objectives in Brazil and will deliver against these.

The post holder will support the preparation and delivery of the UK’s engagement on IPLC issues with Brazil ahead of COP30. This will include working to ensure continued senior and Ministerial interest in Brazil, and ensuring that these visits support our key objectives.

As well as employing your development knowledge and representational skills for the UK in Brazil, you will also gain first-hand experience preparing for COP30. You will advise your peers and seniors in the Brazil Network on IPLC issues; you will work with colleagues from multiple UK Government departments; and you will join a fun, collegiate and inclusive team in a dynamic role which will provide many opportunities for personal and professional development.

The UK’s Brazil Network and the Political/Development Team
The FCDO Brazil Network works to deepen bilateral relations with Brazil across a wider range of areas including Political, Trade, Climate, Development, Economics, and Science & Innovation. Our Teams are based across 5 locations, with our Embassy in Brasilia and Consulates in Belo Horizonte, Recife, Rio De Janeiro, and Sao Paulo.

The Political/Development Team is made up of around 20 people based across Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. You will be managed by the First Secretary Political/Development.

Roles and responsibilities:

While some flexibility will be needed, you can expect to:

• Implement and manage IPLC programmes across Brazil. This involves implementing the existing Land Facility, AMCAT and UK-PACT programmes, as well as leading on any bids for new funding. This requires in-depth knowledge of IPLC issues, and experience working directly with IPLC stakeholders including FUNAI, the Ministry of Indigenous People, the Ministry of Women and NGOs, such as the Tenure Facility. It also means working with climate team to exchange programme management experience and to ensure forest programmes deliveries related to IPLC are coherent with UK IPLC strategy in country.
• Work with delivery teams to troubleshoot problems with programme delivery as and when they arise, including fraud and fiduciary reporting, safeguarding, financial irregularities, project delays, blockages to implementation and decisions concerning capital assets.
• Support our bilateral development relationship with Brazil. Support policy initiatives that assist Brazil in tackling poverty, assisting marginalised groups, and developing expertise.
• Develop and build on strong relationships directly with IPLC groups, the Brazilian government across a range of ministries and deploy these to maximum effect on, particularly with regard to COP30. Use the resulting insights to advise the Embassy on IPLC issues. Engage with Climate Team to proper manage IPLC stakeholders especially the ones related to forest scope.
• Help to oversee delivery of visits, events and comms, including those related to COP30. Working with colleagues across the Network and Brazil Desk to ensure these visits run smoothly and, where appropriate, are accompanied by an impactful bilateral side-programme. You will ensure that we are feeding into the Embassy’s comms profiles too.

• Strong experience of working with Brazilian IPLCs in a development context.
• Experience managing development programmes, such as through the UN, NGOs, Brazilian government or research organisations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a positive, enthusiastic approach and a desire to continue improving and developing.
• Strong organisational skills, an ability to work under pressure and manage multiple workstreams at the same time.
• Understanding of the UK’s objectives within Brazil, understanding of COP30, and an ability to represent our government.

Language requirements: 

Language:  English and Portuguese

Level of language required:  Excellent English and Portuguese (spoken and written).