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Administrative Officer Vacancy at the British High Commission in South Africa, Pretoria: (International Climate Finance Programmes)

admin April 24, 2023

4 minutes read

DEADLINE: 03 May 2023

View Vacancy – Administrative Officer (International Climate Finance Programmes) AO – (14/23 PTA)

Background:

Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing our world. The UK has responded with some of the world’s most ambitious legislation and domestic targets, embedding the green economy in all our industrial, research and growth strategies. Internationally, the UK is one of the most significant contributors to international climate finance and active in pressing for global ambition in line with the 2015 Paris agreement to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees.

South Africa is a key strategic partner. 1) The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between South Africa and the UK, US, France, Germany and the EU (announced at COP26 in Glasgow, November 2021) is all about supporting South Africa in meeting its ambitious NDC commitments, doing so in a just way. 2) As a developing country, under the UNFCCC, South Africa is dealing with the twin challenges of mitigating and building resilience against the climate impact that is already occurring and increasing. 3) As an influential member of the Africa Group, the G77 +China, G20 and BRICS, South Africa is a key player in securing real progress within the UNFCCC negotiation process.

Role Description:

The role holder will be responsible for keeping track of spending in the portfolio of bilateral and multilateral UK International Climate Finance (ICF) programmes operating in South Africa. These programmes are primarily aligned with the priorities of the Just Energy Transition Partnership and the British High Commission’s Country Business Plan. The ‘Cleaner, Greener Planet’ theme is a priority focus sector under the Country Business Plan, with UK PACT and ICF more broadly being key to its delivery. The successful candidate will therefore play an important role in the work of the British High Commission.

The role holder will also be responsible for maintaining the list of stakeholders across the climate portfolio and keeping track of engagement with multilateral programme stakeholders, highlighting when outreach is due.

This role will report to the Head of ICF Programmes in the Climate Change and Biodiversity Team which is led by a Climate Counsellor. The role holder will be expected to develop strong links with other colleagues working on JETP, Development, Economic Growth and Science and Innovation teams.

South Africa is both climate vulnerable as an emerging economy, and a significant contributor to global greenhouse emissions. As part of the British Government’s global response to the climate challenge and its commitment to help deliver the aims of the Paris Agreement, the UK has committed to doubling its International Climate Finance (ICF) offer to £11.6 billion over 5 years. Over £250 million of UK ICF has flowed into South Africa from central funds through International and Development Finance Institutions. As part of the UK’s ICF, UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) is a technical assistance programme that supports ODA-eligible countries to reduce their emissions, increase their climate ambition, and accelerate just transitions to clean growth. It is jointly funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ); and is managed by the FCDO.

Roles and Responsibilities

International Climate Finance (80%)

Design and keep up to date spreadsheets on bilateral (UK PACT projects, secondments and skill-shares) and multilateral UK International Climate Finance in South Africa on programmes including (but not limited to): the Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP), Market Accelerator for Green Construction (MAGC), Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) and Urban Climate Action Programme (UCAP).
Communicate to senior leadership a clear picture of how ICF programmes are supporting the priorities of the Just Energy Transition Partnership and the ‘Cleaner Greener Planet’ Campaign Goal of the British High Commission’s Country Business Plan.
Act as the main point of contact on JETP-related spend, trouble-shooting any issues that may arise.
Establish and maintain relationships with relevant teams delivering Just Energy Transition Partnership-related programmes across the British High Commission.
Support the Climate Counsellor, Campaigns Officer and Comms Team to ensure maximum visibility and political recognition for the UK’s ICF support in South Africa, including input for briefing.

Corporate (20%)

Support planning of high-level climate change-related visits of Ministers and senior UK officials to South Africa, including drafting visit programmes in consultation with Climate Change and Biodiversity Team colleagues, arranging meetings, booking venues and working closely with the British High Commission’s Visits Officer, on logistics.
Play an active part in the corporate life of the High Commission (including if necessary, as a member of any High Commission Committees) to maximise the overall well-being of staff

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Educated to at least Matric level or equivalent
Minimum of 3 years post-Matric work experience, ideally in a finance-related role involving capturing financial spend on spreadsheets
Holders of a university degree in a finance-related subject will be considered without work experience
All applicants must be fully competent in the use of Microsoft Excel and able to work without guidance on spreadsheets
Able to take responsibility for the quality of their own work and work well in a team
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to adjust to different audiences
Excellent presentation skills

A finance-related qualification

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

Post has an active Learning and Development committee and there are significant opportunities for learning and growth in this role.
The British High Commission pays in full for the Key Care Plus option on Discovery Health for staff including spouses/partners and dependants.
Once you have successfully completed your probation the British High Commission will contribute 9% of your monthly salary to a Provident Fund.
Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
Working hours per week of 36.5