Job Opening: Climate Justice Coordinator

Applications Closed

Job Opening: Climate Justice Coordinator

The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) is seeking to appoint a Climate Justice Coordinator.

Opportunity closing date: 5 June 2020

SAFCEI is a multi-faith organisation committed to increasing awareness, understanding and action-taking on eco-justice, sustainable living and climate change, by faith leaders and their communities throughout Southern Africa. The organisation’s vision is faith communities caring for living earth. As an institute of people of many faiths, we are united in our diversity through our common commitment to earth keeping.

Start date: As soon as possible

Location: Cape town, working remotely due to Covid-19

This is a one-year fixed-term contract for appointment as soon as possible.

The main purpose of this position is to lead on climate change activities: to increase understanding of climate change amongst faith-based communities and members of civil society; to build climate resilience in faith communities; and to advocate for the implementation of an ethical, and socio-economic and ecologically just transition and sustainable future.

Requirements:

• A university degree (or equivalent) with minimum five years’ relevant work experience.
• Project coordination experience and excellent report writing skills.
• Previous experience and work on climate climate issues including monitoring policy and research.
• Attendance of national, regional and global meetings (e.g. UNFCCC COP).
• Committed, hard working with attention to detail and ability to problem solve.
• An ability to speak authentically and with integrity and conviction from a faith perspective.
• Ability to present SAFCEI’s message professionally in both written and oral formats including emails, letters, briefs, public presentations and meetings.
• Ability to think and act critically and creatively, strategically and tactically.
• High-level of interpersonal skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Team player and self-motivated, cooperative, tenacious, tactful and committed to continuous learning.

Objectives of the Role:

• Coordinate delivery of climate-related project activities.
• Build awareness and capacity of faith communities and ‘champions’ on climate justice, energy justice and food justice as it relates to their faith and action.
• Build climate justice related networks and represent SAFCEI in local, regional and global fora on climate, energy and food focused issues.

Key Performance Areas:

1.Monitoring of Climate Change Policy

• Monitor and track national and regional climate policy developments with a particular focus on food systems and energy access/ just transition for regular briefings and reports.
• Understand, compile and disseminate accessible climate justice information for faith leaders.

2. Research and Resources

• Represent SAFCEI (at times as a member of the delegation) at various climate change-related fora in South Africa, the African continent and globally.
• Oversee the production of briefs and policy papers on how equitable and environmentally-sustainable agroecological food systems could be supported by policy and prioritised in decision-making.
• Track governance mechanisms, in relation to food and climate justice, identify  policy frameworks and promote the implementation of policies and compliance.
• Undertake research and develop resources on food and climate justice (including leaflets, posters, liturgical material, videos) in consultation with other staff and external consultants.

3.Training and Networking

• Identify and engage with faith leaders (with an emphasis on women and young people) from a variety of faiths, for training on energy and food systems, and the impacts of industrialisation on human and Earth community wellbeing.
• Ensure that faith communities understand climate change science, governance issues, barriers to implementation and opportunities for engagement.
• Equip faith leaders with the skills and knowledge to advocate effectively on eco-justice issues, including an ecosystems approach to climate change: mitigation (a just transition) and adaptation (food sovereignty) within their faith institutions and to decision-makers.
• Assist in maintaining and strengthening SAFCEI’s networks with faith leaders, eco-champions, activists, relevant decision-makers and stakeholders throughout Southern Africa.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with environmental and other relevant NGOs throughout Southern Africa.

4. Advocacy and campaigns

• Identify decision makers and leaders in local, regional and national governments for SAFCEI to engage with (working with the Programme and Operations Manager and Executive Director).
• Promote faith-based climate policies and collective commitments within faith institutions and their decision-making structures.
• Build partnerships and coalitions with allied organizations in order to support advocacy and undertake campaigns that build solidarity on sustainable consumption, energy justice (such as nuclear energy campaign) and ethical governance on climate justice (with a focus on food and energy- sustainable consumption).
• Initiate and promote petitions and mobilise volunteers to carry out campaigns that promote agroecology and food sovereignty.
• Help organise public, multi-faith celebrations (around food and climate-related days and religious holidays), including engagement in Green Action Week and other international eco and faith activities and days.
• Support the Communications team in generating content and stories for media, newsletters, website and social media, and by collecting photographs.

5. Project Coordination

• Support implementation of regional food, energy and climate-focused faith leader efforts.
• Regular project report writing and a monitoring and evaluation plan for project implementation.
• Keep detailed project records, metrics, data and documentation for all events.
• Monitor the project budget and undertake such administrative tasks as may be required for the effective functioning of the project.

To apply, email portia@safcei.org.za with a letter of motivation, detailing your experience and expertise, including your CV, and the names and contact details (email addresses and telephone numbers) of three references.

A skills test will be administered as part of the selection process.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. SAFCEI is committed to the pursuit of diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets and building the best possible team.

Opportunity closing date: 5 June 2020

For more information, visit www.safcei.org

Image Source: Nigel Pamplin