Main purpose of job:

The UK Government is committed to delivering a cleaner and greener planet, through its international climate and biodiversity programmes and policies that contribute to halting nature loss globally.

To augment the work of the Climate and Environment Officer at the British Embassy in Antananarivo, who co-chairs the Environment Sector Coordination Platform, we are seeking to fill a vacancy to help programme manage, coordinate and strategically shape the programming of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in Madagascar.

Defra currently funds over 30 nature projects in Madagascar totalling over $30 million. The funding is delivered through four main programmes:
•    Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF)
•    Biodiversity Challenge Funds (Darwin Initiative & Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund)
•    Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC)
•    Blue Planet Fund (BPF)

The purpose of this role is to enhance coordination and drive implementation primarily of the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, as well as wider Defra programming in Madagascar. The BLF is a UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme focused on globally important biodiversity hotspots – supporting countries to tackle poverty, protect nature and address climate change. The BLF Madagascar project runs from 2021-27, with a particular focus on supporting the integrated management of protected areas in Madagascar.

The post holder will act as Defra’s lead contact for the BLF Madagascar programme to ensure it is implemented effectively and remains aligned to UK government interests and objectives. This will include coordinating a range of administrative, logistical, project management and communications activities. The postholder will also be expected to provide strategic advice to Defra on how its portfolio in Madagascar could be improved in the future, drawing on best practice and lessons learned.

The post holder will have strong communication skills and must be fluent in written and spoken English, French and Malagasy. They will also have excellent programme management and coordination skills to meet complex operational and logistical deadlines. They must be able to engage effectively and develop excellent working relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders at local, national, and international levels. The post holder will be experienced in managing reputational and political risks and be able to use their initiative to develop solutions to complex problems.

They will be required to work closely with others across Madagascar and in the UK. Regular travel to programme sites (approximately 3-4 times a year) will be expected.

Roles and responsibilities:

Below is an indication of the primary tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The successful candidate will work as a part of the team at the British Embassy Antananarivo and will also be expected to support the delivery of wider mission work. 

1. Coordination and programme management of the BLF in Madagascar, as well as supporting other Defra-funded programmes

•  Work effectively with Defra programme teams in the UK, external contractors and regional colleagues to ensure programmes are delivered in line with ODA requirements.
• Work effectively with BLF delivery partners and other key stakeholders to disseminate knowledge products, attend meetings and workshops and review progress reports.
• Monitor and assess risks and opportunities associated with Defra programmes, reporting clearly to the programme teams.
• Identify and facilitate opportunities to deliver capacity building and technical assistance with programme partners, with the aim of further enhancing the long-term impact of the BLF and other programmes.
• Identify connections, opportunities and risks to align programme activities/impact and the delivery of wider national and regional objectives on biodiversity loss, climate change and poverty reduction. 
  

2. Engagement & communications

• Support Defra-funded delivery partners by communicating strategic objectives and standards clearly, for example, around safeguarding and conflict sensitivity.
• Collaborate with partners in planning field visits, organizing stakeholder meetings and other requests.  Including supporting UK official and Ministerial visits to Madagascar, as required.
• Facilitate the exchange of lessons learned and best practice across programmes.
• Support Defra programmes and Embassy staff in engagement efforts with the Madagascar government, helping to sustain government buy-in and demonstrate how funds contribute to national objectives.
• Increase the visibility, recognition and impact of the BLF and other Defra-funded programmes, including by supporting the spreading of key messages and progress of activities.
  

3. Strategically shape Defra’s future investments in Madagascar 

• Collaborate with Defra programme teams to review and summarise the evidence base, identifying what has and hasn’t been effective within Defra’s current programming in Madagascar.
• Draw on best practice for intervention, both from within Defra’s portfolio and from external sources, to inform future strategies.
• Identify gaps and opportunities where Defra’s investment can add the most value.
• Provide strategic recommendations on how Defra-funded programming within a region can be more cohesive, effective and aligned with both local needs and global best practice.
  

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

The UK Government, through Defra, currently funds over 30 projects in Madagascar totalling over $30 million. 

Whilst each of these funds is unique, they share commonalities in their objectives, delivery partners and field sites. Defra is committed to ensuring that its portfolio of projects and their overarching programmes achieve the best possible outcomes for people, nature and climate.

This role is not responsible for the management of staff or expenditure, which for BLF, is the responsibility of the Fund Manager and Lead Delivery Partner.

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in climate change, environmental economics, environmental law, international development or other related fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably at international level.
• A good understanding of the institutional, political and capacity challenges in Madagascar. An understanding of the opportunities available to developing countries such as Madagascar to achieve sustainable and low-carbon development.
• Relevant experience in ODA grant administration and programme management.
• The ability to build and maintain good relationships with a range of different stakeholders (government, civil society, multilateral agencies, research organizations and the private sector).
• Experience of generating and/or using evidence to develop policy and/or strategy, preferably in a relevant field.

Language requirements: 

Language: French, Malagasy and English

Level of language required: French (fluent), Malagasy (fluent), English (Advanced)