Senior Project Officer for Policy and Advocacy

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established in 1943, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various programs including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS Philippines, established in 1945, is the longest-running CRS country program, with over 55 staff members working across multiple offices in Manila, Davao, and Cotabato City. The organization collaborates with a strong network of church partners, government agencies, and NGOs to implement its programs effectively.

Job Overview:
The Senior Officer on Policy and Advocacy will play a crucial role in coordinating and monitoring project activities and relationships with partners and stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the CRC-NURTURE project. This project aims to institutionalize and scale Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the Philippines through collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The officer will be responsible for strengthening national and local frameworks, enhancing decision-support tools, and generating mechanisms for identifying and prioritizing bankable NbS proposals that drive climate resilience at both national and local levels. The role requires a proactive approach to policy analysis, development, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with national policies and frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead policy analysis and development by conducting thorough policy and regulatory analysis to identify gaps, barriers, and opportunities for integrating and scaling locally led NbS at both national and subnational levels.
• Develop policy briefs, position papers, technical notes, and recommendations that align with national policies such as the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), NbS Framework, and other relevant DENR policies.
• Facilitate policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder consultations, supporting coordination with other NbS stakeholders involved in national climate adaptation and resilience programs.
• Contribute to donor reports, learning reviews, and project evaluations related to policy and advocacy outcomes, ensuring comprehensive documentation of progress and challenges.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in environmental science, environmental policy, economics, social development, or other relevant fields is required. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in similar fields with an additional two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the master’s degree requirement.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, and policy advocacy work, preferably within an international non-governmental organization (INGO).
• Additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements, demonstrating a flexible approach to candidate qualifications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, environmental policy, economics, or social development. A bachelor's degree in similar fields may be acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant experience, showcasing the importance of practical knowledge alongside formal education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant work experience in areas related to climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, and policy advocacy. Experience within an INGO context is preferred, highlighting the need for familiarity with international development frameworks and practices. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications, indicating a preference for practical experience in the field.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Filipino is mandatory for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders, partners, and project beneficiaries. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 30% of the time to project locations, emphasizing the need for flexibility and willingness to engage with various stakeholders across different regions. The role does not include supervisory responsibilities, allowing the officer to focus on policy and advocacy efforts without the added burden of managing a team. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as the needs of the organization change.