Business Development Senior Advisor - Climate Finance

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its policies reflect this commitment. The organization welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and mission.

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Support Unit (CFSU) is a newly established unit within CRS that collaborates with country programs, regional teams, and headquarters to develop a strategic approach to climate finance. The Senior Advisor will play a pivotal role in leading business development processes for multilateral climate funding streams, such as the Green Climate Fund. This position requires a blend of strategic thinking and technical expertise, as the advisor will be responsible for researching new funding opportunities, building relationships with potential donors, and supporting country programs in their climate adaptation efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business development and a technical understanding of climate change issues, particularly in areas relevant to CRS's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Advisor will support various business development functions throughout the business development cycle, adapting to the needs of country programs and regions. Key responsibilities include leading the finalization of CRS's climate finance strategy, analyzing funding trends, and mapping funding mechanisms to align with CRS's climate portfolio. The advisor will also lead the selection process for projects to prioritize for co-design investment for the Green Climate Fund, develop competitive capture strategies, and strengthen country program teams in positioning for climate finance opportunities. Additionally, the advisor will track climate-specific funding streams, provide guidance for proposal development, and support knowledge management efforts across the organization to leverage past experiences and successes in business development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have knowledge and demonstrated experience with institutional climate funding streams, including familiarity with donors such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, World Bank, and USAID. A Master's degree in climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). The ideal candidate will have applied knowledge of climate change strategies, environmental compliance requirements, and a track record of contributing to business development processes. Strong interpersonal communication skills, the ability to build professional networks, and a technical background in climate change or environmental sustainability are preferred.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, ecology, carbon management, international development, or international relations is required for this position. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of climate finance and related fields.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), specifically in business development processes such as intelligence gathering, relationship management, and proposal coordination. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with institutional climate funding streams and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Oral and written fluency in English is essential for this role. Proficiency in French or Spanish is preferred, and knowledge of Arabic is considered a plus. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel up to 30% of the time, including potential visits to the CRS headquarters in Baltimore for strategic meetings or to support proposal processes. The role is expected to adapt to the needs of country programs across different time zones, necessitating flexibility in working hours. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.