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Knowledge Manager Climate (80-100%)
Caritas Switzerland is a leading organization in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, with a focus on the Triple Nexus (Humanitarian-Development-Peace) approach. Our primary goal is poverty alleviation. The programs of international cooperation focus on the themes of income, climate, and migration.
Caritas Switzerland advocates for climate justice and focusing on addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. We implement tailored climate projects and promote adaptation, sustainable natural resource management, and innovative energy solutions to build resilience and to foster sustainable development.
The position Knowledge Manager Climate is part of the unit Knowledge and Quality Management that aims to enhance and streamline expertise in our core thematic areas and in MEAL. The unit ensures high-quality standards across our 15 implementing country programs and facilitates learning and innovation by fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.
As Knowledge Manager Climate, you are responsible for thematic knowledge management, including the development and application of approaches, methods, and tools related to climate, adaptation, resilience, and sustainable energy within the context of international cooperation. In a collaborative approach that emphasizes mutual learning and exchange, you will closely collaborate with the operational units at the headquarters as well as in the countries, providing guidance, expertise, and support in thematic knowledge management. Furthermore, you will cooperate closely with the thematic Knowledge Managers specializing in Income and in Migration, the Quality Manager MEAL, and the Knowledge Manager Humanitarian Aid / Nexus.
Your duties
The position combines three roles: Knowledge Management (60%), DRR Platform (20%), and Internal Advisory (up to 20%).
Knowledge Management (60%)
In your role as Knowledge Manager, you develop Caritas' climate-related approaches with the aim of enhancing climate action, adaptation, and mitigation efforts within Caritas Switzerland's programs.
1. Knowledge management, Learning & Strategic guidance : Connect internationally recognized sector standards and best practices with programmatic work of Caritas. Analyse and incorporate lessons learned and insights from projects into knowledge management and operational work. Develop and deliver targeted training courses, both in-person and online, to enhance climate-related capacities of project teams. Facilitate working groups and exchange
2. Internal Short Consultancies and Acquisition support : Support internal stakeholders on technical request, proposal development and acquisition activities
3. Climate Toolboxes: Manage and develop the Climate Toolboxes that serves as a comprehensive resource, providing essential guidance, tools, and information necessary for effective implementation and maintenance of quality standards across the core approaches related to the themes of climate
4. Partnerships and Networking: Identify, cultivate, and enhance strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and international scientific partners and private sector stakeholders in the field of climate action to facilitate knowledge transfer and innovative initiatives
5. Supporting consultancies: Provide support in developing ToRs and contracts for external consultants in the field of climate and ensure the quality of the work performed. Establish and manage a pool of 3-5 external experts for specialized support
DRR Platform (20%)
As Knowledge Manager Climate, you will represent Caritas Switzerland in the Swiss NGO DRR Platform as a core group member, collaborating with fellow Core Group members to manage quality, administration, and program activities. This also involves networking and knowledge exchange with fellow Platform members and SDC as well as leading an activity line of the platform.
Internal Advisor (up to 20%, workload depending on candidate preferences):
As an internal advisor, you will provide contract-based support to individual country programs. This may encompass activities like supporting acquisition and proposal writing, aiding in external consultant recruitment, or delivering specialized technical assistance.
Our requirements
6. Education and Professional Background: A Master's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 3 years of practical international experience. Proven proficiency in developing tailored climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies within the context of International Cooperation (participatory risk analysis, integrated natural resource management, technology access, disaster preparedness, policy advocacy, climate adapted agriculture etc.).
7. Communication : Very good written and oral communication skills in English are required, fluency in French, German, Spanish considered an asset.
8. Capacity building: Proven experience in designing and delivering capacity-building activities.
9. Digital affinity: Aptitude for utilizing digitalization to offer accessible climate and weather data customized for adaptation actions.
10. Solution-oriented approach linking the vision to reality on the ground: Ability to translate technical knowledge into operational work and develop practical solutions in line with the objectives of Caritas Switzerland.
11. Travel readiness (for advisory tasks)
Your place of work will be the Headquarters of Caritas Switzerland in Lucerne.
Home office is possible for up to 50% of the workload.
Starting date: 01.10.2023 or as soon as possible.
Caritas offers attractive working conditions and an open working atmosphere in an international field of activities.
Caritas Switzerland is known as a reputable and fair employer. Our personnel policy is designed to uphold quality, cost-effectiveness, and employee well-being.
For further information please contact: Ms Ethel Grabher, Head of Unit Knowledge- and Quality Management, Phone +41 41 419 23 52.
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to receiving your job application by 10 September 2023 latest through our web portal.
Applications will be processed as received and interviews will be held on an ongoing basis.
Caritas Switzerland, Adligenswilerstrasse 15, 6002 Lucerne