Climate Change Research Specialist

Organizational Context

The Bahamas, a low-lying island nation, is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts like sea-level rise and intensified hurricanes. The government is actively seeking Green Climate Fund (GCF) resources for mitigation. A GCF-approved Readiness Project aims to develop a Strategic Framework to Reduce Deforestation and Forest Degradation and enhance adaptive capacity. This initiative seeks to strengthen policy, build expertise, and create an enabling environment for GCF programs, providing crucial data for future climate change priorities and LULUCF sector proposals, including REDD+ activities.

Job Purpose

The Climate Change Research Specialist will support the FAO Project Management Unit in formulating the Climate and Forest Strategy for The Bahamas. This role involves conducting comprehensive primary and secondary research to inform the strategy's development. The findings will be integrated into the draft plan and subsequently validated by key stakeholders within the Land-use, Land-use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. This position is critical for ensuring the strategy is robust, evidence-based, and aligned with national priorities and international climate frameworks.

Responsibilities

Analyze the draft Climate and Forest Strategy to identify areas for enhancement and information gaps. Conduct desk research to gather and analyze secondary data on national land-use classification, carbon stocks, and drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. Support the MRV Specialist and Facilitator in engaging key stakeholders, ensuring at least 50% female participation, through meetings, interviews, focus groups, and workshops. Collect and analyze primary data essential for elaborating the strategy. Systematize research findings into a report for integration into the draft strategy. Assist in developing the draft strategy document, ensuring it reflects national priorities and aligns with existing climate change adaptation strategies and policy frameworks. Support the Climate Finance REDD Specialist in creating presentations on the strategy's key elements for internal coordination and dissemination. Aid in the design, organization, facilitation, and documentation of national workshops and consultations. Provide support to finalize the Strategy Document. Perform other related duties as required.

Work Experience

Requires at least two years of relevant experience in forest policy, climate policy, natural resource management, or related fields within The Bahamas. Strong analytical and writing skills are essential.

Skills

Demonstrated ability in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Familiarity with The Bahamas' LULUCF sector, including policies and stakeholders, is highly desirable. Experience in developing strategies, stakeholder engagement, and facilitating workshops is preferred. Strong documentation, record-keeping, and report-writing skills are necessary. Ability to communicate effectively in English. Familiarity with international climate frameworks like REDD+ and NDCs is an asset. Proven ability to plan and facilitate diverse stakeholder engagements and build partnerships.

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