SADC Parliamentary Forum Hiring: 17-Month Programme Officer Role in Climate, Environment & SRHR

Location: SADC Parliamentary Forum Headquarters, Windhoek, Namibia
Contract Duration: Fixed-term (17 months)
Reporting To: Secretary General, SADC Parliamentary Forum
Application Deadline: 10 June 2025

Position Overview

The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) is seeking a Programme Officer to support Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member Parliaments in integrating and implementing climate change, environmental sustainability, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policies, strategies, and programs. This role aims to strengthen regional responses to the health impacts of climate change, focusing on SRHR, improving resilience, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration for sustainable development. The selected individual will assist Members of Parliament (MPs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders in pursuing advocacy initiatives that mainstream SRHR policies into climate action, ensuring that women and young girls are not disproportionately affected by climate change and its impact on human life.

Key Responsibilities

• Implementation of Climate Change and Gender Components: Lead the integration of climate change and gender considerations into the SRHR, HIV, and AIDS Governance Project (2023–2026), emphasizing women’s participation in climate action, disaster recovery planning, and risk management.
• Support for SADC Climate Change Strategy: Assist in the implementation of the SADC Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, with a focus on health and environmental linkages.
• Mainstreaming Climate Adaptation and Mitigation: Facilitate the incorporation of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into public health policies and systems.
• Promotion of Early Warning Systems: Advocate for integrated early warning systems, climate services for health, and regional preparedness for climate-sensitive diseases (e.g., malaria, cholera, heat stress).
• Coordination of Environmental Health Initiatives: Coordinate regional initiatives on environmental health, air quality, and pollution control.
• Technical Support to Member Parliaments: Provide technical assistance to Member Parliaments for the development of climate-resilient health infrastructure and services.
• Liaison with Partners and Stakeholders: Engage with regional and international partners, donors, and stakeholders on environment and health programs.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor and report on the progress of related regional programs, including the SRHR, HIV, and AIDS Governance Project (2023–2026), preparing analytical briefs and policy recommendations.
• Resource Mobilization: Assist in mobilizing resources for environment and health initiatives.
• Organization of Capacity-Building Activities: Organize regional meetings, workshops, and capacity-building activities.
• Contribution to Policy Frameworks: Contribute to relevant SADC policy frameworks, declarations, and protocols.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: A Master’s Degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Public Health, Environmental Health, or related fields.
• Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the field of climate change and/or environment and health. Experience working in a regional or international organization is an added advantage.

Competencies

• Understanding of Interlinkages: Strong understanding of the interlinkages between climate change, environment, gender, and health/SRHR.
• Familiarity with International Frameworks: Familiarity with international frameworks (e.g., UNFCCC, WHO, IPCC) and African Union policies.
• Analytical and Policy Development Skills: Excellent analytical, policy development, and report-writing skills.
• Project Management and Coordination: Strong project management and coordination skills.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Ability to work across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders.
• Language Proficiency: Proficient in English; knowledge of French or Portuguese is an advantage.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to Travel: Willingness to travel frequently within the SADC region.
• Ability to Work with Parliamentarians: Ability to work with Parliamentarians and observe parliamentary decorum.
• Commitment to Sustainable Development: Demonstrated commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to [email protected], with a copy to [email protected]:

• A cover letter detailing the applicant’s suitability for the position.
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• Certified copies of academic qualifications.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview.

Note: The SADC Parliamentary Forum is an equal opportunities employer. SADC PF reserves the right not to make any appointment following this advertisement.

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