Technical and Policy Expert

Technical and Policy Expert

A vacancy exists for one (1)

Technical and Policy Expert

at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre

Technical and Policy Expert

Terms of Reference (TOR)

OVERVIEW 

BACKGROUND 

Officially opened in August 2005, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated by CARICOM Heads of Governments to lead th1e region's response to managing and adapting the impacts associated with anthropogenic-driven climate change. Additionally, it serves as the main repository for regional and national information on climate change.  The CCCCC was established by an intergovernmental agreement among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and is guided by the philosophy established and nurtured through foundational activities such as that of the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) project, Adapting to Climate Change in the Caribbean (ACCC) project, and Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) project. The CCCCC manages its portfolio of responsibilities through its network of national, regional, and international collaborating agencies and institutions. The CCCCC is accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as a Regional Accredited Entity, allowing it to access and he CCCCC, since April 2022, is also accredited as a Regional Implementing Entity by the Adaptation Fund.  In addition, the CCCCC is currently implementing projects with other donors and bilateral partners that include the European Union, Government of Italy (GoI), and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Global Affairs Canada (GAC).  The work of the CCCCC is guided by the draft CARICOM Revised Regional Framework (RRF) for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change. It provides the high-level strategy, identified by its Member States, to systematically address the challenges posed by climate change for the Caribbean and by the CCCCC’s Strategic Plan (2021-2025) “Building Resilience. Securing Our Future.” The CCCCC’s Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) outlines five inter-related Strategic Objectives that, when achieved, will support the achievement of the CCCCC vision of a “Resilient and Sustainable Caribbean region for all.” The Strategic Objectives outlined in the SIP include:   

• Strategic Objective #1: Scale up actions to manage the effects of climate change.   

• Strategic Objective #2: Strengthen strategic partnerships for sustained climate change results within the Region.    

• Strategic Objective #3: Increase the uptake of climate data and innovative tools for socio-economic development and evidence-based decision-making across the region.    

• Strategic Objective #4: Increase the Caribbean’s public ability to make informed decisions in responding to climate change and its impacts.   

• Strategic Objective #5: A strong and sustainable Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre delivering on its mandate and providing added value to the Region.   Strategic Objective #5 seeks to transform the CCCCC into a fit-for-purpose institution that has the internal capacity to deliver on its mandate and deliver the outcomes of its SIP. To assist in the delivery of this strategic objective, the CCCCC is desirous of recruiting a Technical and Policy Expert to support the CCCCC efforts in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.    

 OBJECTIVE 

The Technical and Policy Expert provides expert guidance on climate change, climate change research, management tools, and climate policy matters to the CCCCC.  This role supports collective actions that contribute to the building of climate resilience in Economic and Social Council and other CARICOM Member States. The Expert leads the Technical Services Department (the Research and Climate Data Services Unit, the Technical Services Unit, and the Special Projects Unit) of the CCCCC, overseeing administrative functions and technical guidance related to CCCCC’s various information portals, data accessibility, the utility of CCCCC’s data repository. 

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Technical and Policy Expert is familiar with the impacts of climate change on CARICOM States and individual sectors and the implications for achieving low-emissions climate resilience ambitions of States. They ensure that knowledge and information is shared across internal and external networks.  They contribute to the goals and objectives as outlined in CCCCC’s Strategic and Implementation Plan 2021- 2025 and the changing external landscape (e.g. UNFCCC, the Green Climate Fund, the Paris Agreement, the Hyogo Framework of Action, etc.). 

1. Development of a Climate Policy and Science framework/strategy  

• Design and implement the climate policy and science interface for the CCCCC.   

• Stay current on the latest developments in climate change science, policy and technology and information emerging from UNFCCC, IPCC, the CARICOM Revised Regional Framework for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change (CRRF) and its Implementation Plan, the Strategic and Implementation Plan for the CCCCC.  

• Lead the CCCCC’s coordination and engagement with regional organizations involved in climate science/climate information (UWI-Climate modeling group, CERMES, CIMH etc.) 

• Provide leadership coordination on climate-science outcomes from the UNFCCC Conference of Parties.  

2. Climate Change Research and Science  

• Provide technical guidance to the Project Development Unit to develop the climate rationale or “climate-science basis” to clearly demonstrate the climate impact potential of the proposals. 

• Provide technical oversight of vulnerability and risk assessments related to the climate change impacts on the region’s infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities. 

• Provide technical guidance and oversight on climate-related projects and programs being executed by the CCCCC. 

• Provide science and policy briefs on a periodic basis that would inform the development and implementation of projects/programmes within the CCCCC and interventions at the regional, national levels. 

3. Engage/Collaborates with Stakeholders 

• Provide technical support to the Office of Executive Director to effectively engage in climate change dialogue.  

• Establish new and reinvigorated strategic partnerships with inter and extra regional climate science institutions (e.g., NOAA, Hadley Centre, University of East Anglia). 

• Collaborate with other stakeholders to shape and advocate for policies and their relation to other international agreements that address climate change impacts. 

• Provide high-level technical advice to support the CCCCC contribution to UNFCCC-related meetings and conferences, inter-agency working groups and joint activities, meetings with donors and other external partnerships.  
• Support the convening of meetings of the Regional Coordinating Committee on Climate Change (R4C) and to contribute to the development of the agenda. 

• Represent the CCCCC in the regional/international climate science related dialogues. 

• Conduct capacity-building workshops to enhance technical and policy skills within the Region. 

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATION, EXPERTISE, AND COMPETENCIES   

Eligible candidates should possess the following qualifications, experience, and key competencies. 

Qualifications: 

• A Master’s Degree in Physical Sciences (Earth Science, Climate Science, Natural Resources Management, Environmental/Climate Change Policy, Climate Change) or related fields. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of six (6) years’ climate change and development experience. 

• Solid understanding of climate science, international climate change frameworks, policy, and agreements. 

• Sound knowledge of climate change thematic areas (adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer, and financing) and its implications for the Caribbean. 

• Demonstrated experience working with international funding mechanisms and multilateral agencies. 

• Experience in working and collaborating with governments and other stakeholders on climate change issues, particularly in the Caribbean Region. 

 Competencies: 

• Excellent facilitation, program management, and written and oral communication skills. 

• Ability to translate complex climate data into practical policy options and strategic initiatives, with strong analytical and research skills. 

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

• Proven ability to lead and facilitate stakeholder consultations and workshops effectively. 

• Strong interpersonal skills for collaborative work in a multicultural environment. 

• Effective networking skills to build collaborative networks with governments, NGOs, international agencies, and community groups. 

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines. 

• Capacity to multi-task and manage concurrent projects, with willingness to work beyond normal hours. 

• Proficient in English. 

• Self-directed with a strong ability to work effectively in a team. 

• Demonstrated experience in leadership and management. 

Performance Standards: 

Strict adherence to: 

• CCCCC’s policy and procedures 

• CCCCC’s Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct 

5. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 

The Technical and Policy Expert for Climate Change will report directly to the Assistant Executive Director.  

6. COMMENCEMENT AND PLACE OF WORK 

The Technical and Policy Expert will be contracted full-time at the CCCCC’s Headquarters in Belmopan, Belize. The initial contract duration is for two (2) years with a probationary period of three (3) months. The contract is subject to extension and/or renewal, contingent on performance and availability of funding. 

The Technical and Policy Expert is expected to take up the assignment immediately. A hybrid modality will not be considered for this role. 

7. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION 

1. Submission Package: 

Eligible candidates shall submit the following: 

• A Motivation letter outlining how your experience, skills, qualifications, and professional associations fit with the required job description. 

• A Detailed Curriculum Vitae or Résumé with full details of experience, achievements, and qualifications (include copies of Degrees and certificates). 

• Proof that nationality is that of a CARICOM Member State. 

• Employment References: Using the template below, please provide details for three (3) past employers/supervisors [table must be copied, fully completed, and inserted in your application package]. 

2. How to Apply: 

Applications should be clearly identified as: “Vacancy for Technical and Policy Expert” in the subject matter of the email and be submitted as ONE PDF package (in the order listed above) via an email to: 

Caryn Guerrero

Human Resources Unit

Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)

3^rd Floor, David L McKoy Business Center, Bliss Parade

City of Belmopan, Belize

Phone: + (501) 822-1094 or 1104

3. Deadline for submission of application:   

Friday, 24 October 2025 

Incomplete packages and late applications will be rejected. 

4. Additional Notes: 

• Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted. 

• The successful candidate will be required to submit a valid Police Record (no older than six months). 

• The CCCCC is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. 

• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 

• ALL qualified individuals are equally encouraged to apply.