Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy in Colombia has an exciting opportunity for a passionate and dynamic individual as the Head of Climate and Nature Policy. This is a high-profile, rewarding role, and senior within the Embassy. The jobholder will be responsible for leading and providing strategic direction to the Embassy and UK Government on climate and nature policy for the UK in Colombia and managing the Climate and Nature Policy (CNP) Team. This role sits within the British Embassy’s Economic, Climate, and Science (ECS) team. 
 
 The jobholder will be responsible for coordinating the Embassy’s climate and nature diplomacy strategy in Colombia, coordinating regionally and with Headquarters colleagues. The candidate’s primary role is to promote the UK policy and sustainability initiatives and support the implementation of key environmental treaties. The candidate will be responsible for leading UK-Colombia engagement and providing updates and advice to Headquarters colleagues to advance the delivery of a broad range of environmental priorities. This includes negotiations related to climate change within the UN Framework Convention on climate Change (UNFCCC), ICAO and IMO; the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty, and the collaboration with Colombia to tackle the Illegal Wildlife Trade. The jobholder, together with the team, will engage externally with the Colombian government, private sector and civil society; assist the delivery of missions, visits and relevant events; and oversee climate, energy and environmental communications.    
 
The jobholder will lead the CNP team by providing strategic direction for the team and overseeing team delivery of the UK’s portfolio on biodiversity and ocean programmes in Colombia, including the work on Plastic Pollution and regional initiatives on transboundary marine protected areas. The jobholder would manage a team of between two and three people with direct line management of the Biodiversity and Oceans Officer.  
 
The successful candidate will be lead on communications and building a coherent narrative on the UK-Colombia environmental cooperation under the Partnership for Sustainable Growth to promote greater climate and nature ambition from the Colombian government in line with the UK’s priorities. 

Finally, as a senior member of the Embassy, the jobholder will be expected to play an active role in the corporate life of the Embassy. Examples include involvement in Country Based Staff Association and Crisis Committee roles.  

Roles and responsibilities

Lead on climate and nature policy and strategic stakeholder engagement 

• Provide strategic direction to the Embassy and London Headquarters colleagues on climate and nature policy, prioritising interventions and efforts based on London’s objectives.
• Be the focal point for the Embassy’s preparations for the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) COPs and UNFCCC COPs, and other climate and nature negotiations fora as relevant – particularly ahead of COP30.
• Coordinate the Embassy’s climate and nature diplomacy strategy in Colombia to promote UK initiatives and priorities, including by working with other UK Embassies in the region.
• Provide timely updates on climate and nature policy development in Colombia to colleagues at Colombia post, in the region and the UK.
• Develop high quality written briefing for Senior Officials and Ministers to enable effective communication and support bilateral engagements.
• Contribute to the Embassy’s external engagement with the Colombian government, private sector and civil society.
• Identify key areas of opportunity to accelerate climate action and nature conservation in Colombia and mobilise programme and diplomatic tools to address these as appropriate.

Lead the Climate & Nature Policy Team 

• Provide the strategic direction for the CNP team to deliver on the climate and nature diplomacy strategy
• Oversee the CNP team delivery of the UK’s portfolio on biodiversity and ocean programmes in Colombia, including the work on Plastic Pollution and regional initiatives on transboundary marine protected areas.
• Carry out performance management of three team members as per best practice and FCDO standards.
• Promote L&D opportunities
• Set the strategic direction to bid for and implement the UK’s Climate and Nature Diplomacy Fund

Coordination of the UK-Colombia environmental cooperation under the Partnership for Sustainable Growth and communication about it

• Lead on communications and build a coherent narrative on the UK-Colombia environmental cooperation under the Partnership for Sustainable Growth to promote greater climate and nature ambition from the Colombian government in line with the UK’s priorities.
• Close coordination with the wider Economic, Climate and Science team to ensure a wide and holistic understanding of our work in country, and coordination with Headquarters colleagues

Resources managed:

• 3 members of staff
• Supervision of team travel and entertainment budget
• Bidding and supervision of the Climate and Nature Diplomacy Fund

Essential on arrival:

• Must have the legal status to live and work in Colombia.
• At least 5 years of experience working on climate and environment issues, with experience lobbying and influencing other stakeholders on climate and environment issues
• Strong track record of relevant programme delivery and experience in international negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of Colombian climate, biodiversity and development policies and related institutional frameworks
• Project and budget management experience
• Line management experience
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Highly motivated, organised, and resourceful
• Effective team player and leader
• Strong communication and influencing skills, capable of effectively interacting with members of the public, climate & environment community, and senior government officials
• Proven ability to write fluently, concisely, and persuasively in English about technical and policy issues for a senior UK audience.
• Ability to deliver effectively at pace, under pressure from competing demands.
• Ability to develop and work through a strong network of national and international stakeholders
• Sound judgement in taking decisions without direct supervision

Language Requirements

Language: Fluent spoken and written English and Spanish

Level of language required: Proficient level in both Spanish and English (C1 level under the CEFRL or equivalent).