CHAMP Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent research organization that focuses on improving people's lives, protecting and restoring nature, and stabilizing the climate. Established with a mission to influence policy and catalyze change across various systems such as food, land, water, energy, and cities, WRI employs over 2,000 staff members who work in more than a dozen focus countries and collaborate with partners in over 50 nations. WRI's mission is to encourage human society to adopt practices that protect the environment and ensure the sustainability of resources for future generations. The organization values independence, integrity, impact, partnership, and care, and is committed to advancing gender and social equity in its operations. WRI has a diverse workforce and strives to create an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The CHAMP Advisor role is a pivotal position within the WRI Africa Regional Office, specifically located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This hybrid position requires the advisor to be present in the office at least eight days per month while also allowing for remote work. The advisor will play a crucial role in supporting Ethiopia's preparations for COP32 by ensuring that subnational priorities are adequately represented in the COP32 Action Agenda. The advisor will be responsible for strengthening collaboration with African CHAMP-endorsing countries, leading regional convenings, and developing evidence-based narratives that highlight the importance of subnational governments in climate action. The advisor will work closely with the Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) and the global CHAMP Secretariat team at WRI, reporting directly to the Cities Director for Africa. This position is essential for facilitating effective multilevel partnerships and enhancing the role of local governments in climate initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The CHAMP Advisor will have a diverse set of responsibilities, primarily focused on coordination and network facilitation (50% of the role). This includes supporting the Ministry of Planning and Development in establishing and managing coordination mechanisms that link national ministries, the COP32 Secretariat, local governments, development partners, NGOs, and civil society. The advisor will act as a liaison between the MoPD and the COP32 Presidency team, providing inputs for Action Agenda planning and tracking follow-up actions. Additionally, the advisor will contribute to communication efforts surrounding the upcoming IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, ensuring its findings are integrated into the COP32 process. The advisor will also engage with African CHAMP-endorsing countries to gather and synthesize stories of progress and barriers to effective multilevel partnerships, leading the planning and delivery of regional convenings in partnership with Ethiopian Ministries. Finally, the advisor will inform tracking against relevant plans to accelerate solutions within the Action Agenda and package findings ahead of COP32 to strengthen the case for multilevel partnerships.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the CHAMP Advisor position must possess a completed master's degree in environmental policy, sustainable development, urban planning, or a related field. In lieu of a degree, additional relevant experience may be considered. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of full-time relevant work experience in climate policy, subnational governance planning, intergovernmental coordination, or a related field, including experience at the manager level. Candidates should have a strong background in urban policy formulation and strategy development at both national and subnational levels, as well as experience in developing frameworks to estimate the contribution of urban areas to the national economy. Familiarity with international climate processes such as UNFCCC, COP, and GST is essential, along with experience in organizing high-level regional or international convenings. A deep understanding of Ethiopia's political economy and government structures at both national and subnational levels is crucial, as is knowledge of key planning and investment frameworks in Ethiopia, including the 10-Year Development Plan, Nationally Determined Contribution, and Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy. The candidate should also have a well-established network within Ethiopia and across the African region relevant to climate and subnational governance actors, as well as strong analytical and evidence-synthesis skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the CHAMP Advisor position includes a master's degree in environmental policy, sustainable development, urban planning, or a closely related field. Candidates who may not have a formal degree but possess significant relevant experience may still be considered for the role. This flexibility allows for a broader range of applicants who can demonstrate their expertise and capabilities through practical experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 7 years of full-time relevant work experience. This experience should encompass areas such as climate policy, subnational governance planning, intergovernmental coordination, or related fields. Candidates should also have manager-level experience, indicating a capacity for leadership and oversight in relevant projects. Experience in urban policy formulation and strategy development at both national and subnational levels is essential, as well as familiarity with international climate processes and the ability to translate global frameworks into actionable plans at the local level. The candidate should also have a proven track record of organizing high-level regional or international convenings, demonstrating their ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in a local language is preferred, as it may enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities. This language requirement underscores the importance of effective communication in the role, particularly in a diverse and multilingual context like Ethiopia.

Additional Notes:
The CHAMP Advisor position is a hybrid role, requiring the candidate to be present in the office at least 8 days per month while also allowing for remote work. Candidates must have the right to work in and be resident in the WRI Country Office location where they are hired at the start of employment. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. The application deadline is set for 17 November 2026, and candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes along with a cover letter. Internal applicants should apply through the Jobs Hub portal in Workday, while external applicants must use the WRI Careers portal. The organization may close applications earlier if a high volume of qualified candidates is received. WRI offers access to a global network, opportunities for career development, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a flexible working environment with generous leave days that increase with tenure.