Climate Change and Biodiversity Policy Officer Heo

2 weeks ago

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa Foreign & Commonwealth Office Full time
Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) 1

Main purpose of job:

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, the EU, Denmark and The Netherlands (announced at COP26 in Glasgow, November 2021) is about supporting SA to meet 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 adapting to, and building resilience against climate impact that is already occurring and increasing; 3) As the 6th most mega diverse country in the world, South Africa has an important role to play in delivery of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) including on digital sequencing information; and 4) As an influential member of the Africa Group, the G77 +China, G20, BRICS, SA is a key player in securing real progress within the UNFCCC negotiation process.


The British High Commission is looking for a temporary (Maternity Cover) Climate Change and Biodiversity Policy Officer to work with partners across government, NGOs, civil society and business on climate change and biodiversity.


This position plays a central role within the British High Commission to lead on delivering climate and biodiversity policy and events.

You will monitor relevant policy developments in SA, and report on those developments and their implications.

The role includes supporting diplomatic action linked to the 16th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in October 2024; the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in November 2024; campaigns including around Earthshot week which takes place in Cape Town in November 2024; and ongoing implementation of the JETP.

It is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of this key area of UK-South Africa collaboration.

The post holder will contribute to the development of a vision for how to grow a long-term UK-South Africa climate relationship.

This role will report to the Head of Climate Change and Biodiversity.

You will be expected to develop strong links with other colleagues working on JETP, Development, Economic Growth, Science and Innovation and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) teams.


Roles and responsibilities:

  • To plan and deliver engagement with government including subnational authorities, non government actors, business and civil society on climate change and biodiversity.
  • To deliver timely and insightful reporting on climate change and biodiversity developments in South Africa and their implications
  • To contribute to implementation of the High Commission's Climate Change and Biodiversity strategy for South Africa
  • To ensure this strategy supports longterm decarbonisation, resilience & adaptation and biodiversity objectives in South Africa, including clean growth, just energy transition, biodiversity and green finance
  • To act as the High Commission's focal point on climate change and biodiversity policy, developing and owning the bilateral narrative by working closely with colleagues on issues relevant to climate change and biodiversity
  • To coordinate with Whitehall colleagues on engagement with South Africa, advising on local sensitivities and priorities; this will include contributing to briefing for ministers and senior officials
  • To liaise with the South African government on policy relating to UNFCCC COP29 and CBD COP16, including communications
  • To identify climate diplomacy high impact, outcomedriven projects, deliver grant agreements with implementing partners and track progress
  • To manage Ministerial and official visits from the UK related to climate change and biodiversity in South Africa
  • To 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 wellbeing of staff

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

The postholder might oversee a climate related outreach budget.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1


We are looking for a proactive self-starter, able to work well with others and have a flexible approach to work whilst under pressure.

Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to build strong relations within the High Commission and with a wide range of stakeholders in South Africa.


  • At least a Bachelor's with honours degree, preferably in Environmental

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