The jobholder will draw on their broad and deep climate experience, to deliver the UK’s Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) programme in Brazil. As part of the UK Government’s global response to climate challenge and its commitment to help deliver the aims of the 2016 Paris Agreement, the UK Government has partnered with Brazil to deliver a Brazil-UK PACT Country Fund. This technical assistance programme supports Brazil to accelerate its clean growth transitions and reduce carbon emissions in line with its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The programme builds on existing climate programming by exploring new areas where Brazil and the UK can collaborate on reducing emissions and promoting low-carbon development. Projects are focussed on mobilising green investments, increasing the value of standing forests and making forest products and services a driver for sustainable livelihoods and green growth. 

The jobholder will be responsible for overall delivery of UK PACT in Brazil. To achieve this, they will need to establish a broad level of relationships across the federal and municipal governments at a senior-technical level. They will ensure strategic coherence across the UK PACT portfolio and that the programme is focussed on policy areas that deliver most value for money for the UK and Brazil. They will be responsible for accurate forecasting, reporting and aligning with UK Government programme delivery rules. 

In parallel, recognising Brazil’s ambitions for scaling huge volumes of private sector finance into climate initiatives, the job holder will be expected to work closely with the Brazilian Ministry of Finance and the banking sectors in the UK and Brazil. Using their strong technical expertise in green finance, they will spot opportunities to leverage private and sustainable finance to scale up the UK’s work in Brazil and support Brazil’s Ecological Transformation Plan. Recent examples of success include; (i) the launching of Brazil’s first sustainable public bond on the London Stock Exchange in June 2024; (ii) a policy mission for Brazilian officials to the UK to showcase nature investment opportunities in Brazil and the Brazil Investment Platform; and (iii) support to the launching of Brazil’s Eco Invest programme which includes an innovative FX hedging facility.

The jobholder will also need to leverage COP30 as an opportunity to deliver for both UK PACT and our wider green finance policy objectives.

This role will ideally be based in Brasilia but candidates based in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo will also be considered. The job holder will be expected to develop strong links with other colleagues working in the UK’s Brazil network, including with the Economics and Trade Prosperity, Science and Technology Network and the Department of Business and Trade (DBT). 

Roles and responsibilities:

UK PACT STRATEGIC DELIVERY

To lead forward planning and strategic development of the UK PACT programme in Brazil. The jobholder will draw on their deep understanding of Brazil’s climate priorities to guide the development of new projects, manage existing projects and ensure they are focused on areas where the UK can deliver most impact. They will also be responsible for working with UK PACT leads in London to maintain coherence across the programme. 

The jobholder will lead on briefings, presentations and other reporting to the UK PACT team in London to inform the development and management of relevant UK PACT opportunities. They will ensure coordination between UK PACT and initiatives supported by other donor agencies, identifying opportunities for multilateral cooperation where possible. And they will proactively seek cross-team collaboration opportunities amongst Embassy teams to continue supporting a mainstreamed approach to climate change in bilateral programmes.

GREEN FINANCE

The jobholder will bring strong technical expertise on scaling private sector investment into the climate and nature sectors. Working closely with their team, particularly the UK PACT and Green Growth Officer, they will leverage a wide variety of cooperation programmes (UK SIP, UK PACT and others) to support Brazilian initiatives such as the Brazil Investment Platform and ECO Invest. They will also leverage the financial weight of the City of London as well as the UK Finance Industry to scale-up project work along with the other pillars of our climate partnership to support Brazil’s climate and nature ambitions. They will build relationships both in Brazil and the UK to help bridge the gap between projects and private investment at scale.

TEAM LEADERSHIP

As a senior member of the Embassy’s climate team, the jobholder will also contribute to the team’s external engagement with the Brazilian government, private sector and civil society. They will have an important role to play in building and cementing the Embassy’s relationship with key stakeholders across the Government, particularly in the Ministries of Environment and Finance. They will be responsible – along with the Climate Counsellor – for external engagement with other donors in Brazil, coordinating and reflecting UK priorities in political lobbying and ensuring complementarity of UK programmes with those of other donors

Finally, the jobholder will work closely with the Climate Counsellor to provide strategic direction to the Embassy’s high-performing climate team. They will be expected to exhibit the highest standards of leadership encouraging and developing the talent within their team. As well as contributing actively to Embassy Governance and corporate structures, ensuring the Embassy delivers the highest standards of financial, programme and people management. 

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

The jobholder will proactively develop, manage and strengthen the Embassy’s network of UK–Brazil climate contacts at all levels of seniority, to identify capacity building and policy influencing opportunities for UK PACT and wider climate change diplomacy and programmes. They may also be expected to represent the Embassy and UK Government in public events and other climate related engagements. And finally, they will Support the Embassy to scope and develop deeper climate collaboration with Brazil at national, subnational level, fostering relationships across the Government of Brazil.

The successful candidate will have the right set of skills and experience to be able to lead a team that is central to Embassy activity and needs to deliver effectively often under significant pressure from competing and urgent demands. They will also need to be familiar and comfortable with the particular demands and sensitivities of government work.  The work will place an emphasis on developing a network of senior and influential contacts, flexibility, leadership and creativity.

• Bachelors or Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 5 years of experience engaging successfully with Brazilian and international governments, private sector and non-governmental organisations to achieve results; and lobbying or influencing the development of public policy.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication and relationship skills.
• Experience of strategic working on international climate issues with strong track-record of relevant programme delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Brazilian climate and development policies and related institutional frameworks.
• Ability to develop and work through a strong network of national and international stakeholders.
• Proven ability to write fluently and persuasively in English about technical and policy issues for a senior UK audience.

Language requirements: 

Language:  English and Portuguese 

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