View Vacancy – Climate Change, Environment and Energy Officer (BHC Belmopan)

Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s High Commission in Belize offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven individual to join the team as a Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Officer. This rewarding role supports and enhances the relationship between the UK and Belize, while working at the forefront of international climate diplomacy to make a significant global impact.

The role will be at the centre of our climate change, environment and energy work in Belize and the Caribbean more widely.  The main purpose of the role is to support the UK Missions in the region in the delivery of the UK’s climate change and nature objectives.  

The incumbent will also:

• Lead the British High Commission to Belize’s work on climate change, protection of the environment and transition to cleaner energy in Belize.
• Lead for the High Commission on major climate change and environmental programmes in Belize supported by the UK.
• Provide support to the regional climate coordinator and UK Missions in the Caribbean on regional climate diplomacy and programmatic work, work collaboratively with colleagues in the UK and wider region.  This will entail supporting posts in the region to influence states and public opinion, working closely with policy teams in London.
• Play an active role in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) Caribbean network, acting as the conduit between the network and UK Government colleagues working on international climate and environment issues, such as the FCDO’s Energy, Climate and Environment Directorate and the Americas and Small Island Developing States  Directorate, as well as other UK Government Departments such as the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Roles and responsibilities:

• Engage Government of Belize on climate action, environment and energy.
• Engage  with non-Government actors, through stakeholder mapping and building working level contacts with representatives of businesses, and civil society throughout Belize and the region.
• Drive implementation of the UN COP commitments and goals in Belize, and the region, working closely with Heads of Post, the Climate & Environment Attache for Caribbean and relevant colleagues.
• Support the Caribbean Regional Climate Attache to coordinate, facilitate, and track regional climate diplomacy and promote UK objectives to address climate change and biodiversity protection in the Caribbean, especially in the lead up to COPs and international meetings.
• Provide technical support to the Projects Officer in the management of environment and climate-related projects in Belize, including in liasing with partner organisations, assessing bids and conducting Due Diligence Assessments.
• Understand and support regional countries in work on access to climate finance and carbon credits – (forest, mangroves, seagrass).
• Support Ministerial and official visits from the UK to Belize related to climate action. This will include organising visit agendas and supporting events as required.
• Provide impactful content and work with the political and media team to amplify the UK’s climate and nature work
• Be the focal point at the High Commission for UK funded programmes on climate and nature.
• To support the Caribbean Development Team on the development of regional climate and environment programming in the Caribbean.
• As required to contribute to the wider work of the Mission
• Any other duties as required from time to time.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a relevant field, for instance, Climate and Environment Science or Public Policy.
• Experience working for an organisation in a relevant field, for example, working for/with national or state government, international organizations or agencies, preferably in climate change.
• Strong understanding of international climate change policy,
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge or experience of project management and relevant skills.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: fluent