Job Opportunity: Program Specialist Needed at Plan International
Job Opportunity: Program Specialist Needed at Plan International
Empowering Communities Through Climate Resilience: A Call to Action
Introduction
In an era of unprecedented climate change, the need for resilience has never been more critical. Across the globe, communities are facing increasingly frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and unpredictable agricultural conditions. In the Philippines, a country situated in the typhoon belt of the Western Pacific, the impacts of climate change are acutely felt, posing significant challenges to the well-being and livelihoods of millions of people.
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At Plan International Pilipinas Foundation Inc., we are committed to enabling children and communities to not only survive but thrive in the face of these challenges. As a local non-governmental organization, we are dedicated to addressing the root causes of poverty, inequality, and injustice, with a strong focus on gender equality and child rights. Our work is guided by a vision of a world where every child can realize their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.
In this document, we present an in-depth exploration of the role of climate resilience in community development, focusing on the position of Program Specialist – Climate Resilience within our organization. We delve into the key responsibilities, qualifications, and impact of this role, highlighting the importance of building resilience at the grassroots level to create sustainable change.
Understanding Climate Resilience
Climate resilience refers to the ability of individuals, communities, and systems to withstand, adapt to, and recover from the impacts of climate change. It encompasses a wide range of factors, including physical infrastructure, social cohesion, economic resources, and environmental sustainability. At its core, climate resilience is about building capacity and fostering innovation to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and promote long-term well-being.
In the context of community development, climate resilience is a fundamental component of sustainable growth and poverty reduction. By investing in resilience-building measures, communities can better withstand the shocks and stresses associated with climate change, such as extreme weather events, droughts, and sea-level rise. Moreover, building resilience can enhance adaptive capacity, empower local stakeholders, and promote inclusive development, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are not left behind.
Program Specialist Needed at Plan International
The Role of the Program Specialist – Climate Resilience
As the Program Specialist – Climate Resilience at Plan International Pilipinas Foundation Inc., the incumbent plays a pivotal role in driving our climate resilience agenda forward. Tasked with implementing health programs related to climate resilience, the Program Specialist works closely with communities, local partners, and government agencies to develop and implement initiatives that enhance resilience at the grassroots level. Through research, planning, capacity-building, and advocacy, the Program Specialist seeks to empower communities to adapt to climate change and build a more sustainable future for all.
Key Responsibilities
The Program Specialist – Climate Resilience is responsible for a wide range of tasks and activities aimed at promoting climate resilience and community development. Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Implementing health programs focused on climate resilience: The Program Specialist leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of health programs that address the specific challenges posed by climate change. This may include initiatives related to nutrition, maternal health, early childhood care, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and other areas relevant to community well-being.
- Providing technical support and advice: The Program Specialist offers technical guidance and expertise to field staff, partners, and community members on issues related to climate resilience. This may involve providing training, conducting workshops, and facilitating knowledge-sharing sessions to build capacity and enhance understanding of climate change adaptation strategies.
- Conducting research and planning: Research and planning are essential components of effective climate resilience programming. The Program Specialist conducts comprehensive assessments of community needs, vulnerabilities, and capacities, using this information to inform the development of targeted interventions and action plans.
- Delivering training and capacity-building activities: Capacity-building is central to building resilience at the community level. The Program Specialist delivers training and capacity-building activities on topics such as nutrition, maternal health, WASH, and other relevant areas, equipping community members with the knowledge and skills they need to adapt to climate change and protect their well-being.
- Fostering relationships and advocacy: Building strong relationships with stakeholders and advocating for policies and practices that promote climate resilience are key aspects of the Program Specialist’s role. By engaging with local authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders, the Program Specialist works to create an enabling environment for resilience-building initiatives and amplify the voices of marginalized groups.
Qualifications
To excel in the role of Program Specialist – Climate Resilience, candidates must possess a combination of education, experience, skills, and language proficiency. Some of the key qualifications include:
- Education: A university degree in Health or a related field is required, with an advanced degree considered an advantage. The candidate should have a solid understanding of public health principles, as well as specialized knowledge in climate resilience and community development.
- Experience: Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in implementing health programs related to climate resilience, with an additional three years in community development. Experience in research, planning, and project evaluation is highly desirable, as is a track record of working with vulnerable communities.
- Skills & Training: The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to think critically and creatively about complex issues. Training in nutrition, early childhood care, maternal health, WASH, and other relevant areas is also beneficial, as is experience in technical support and capacity-building.
- Language Proficiency: A good command of both oral and written English is essential, as the role may involve communication with international partners and stakeholders.
- Eligibility: Candidates must be based in the Philippines and be Filipino nationals. They should also be open to frequent fieldwork in project-covered areas, as travel may be required to support program implementation and monitoring.
Location and Type of Role
The Program Specialist – Climate Resilience is based in Makati City, with frequent fieldwork to project areas across the Philippines. The role is offered on a fixed-term basis, with the initial contract running until December 2024, and the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position reports to the Portfolio Manager – Disaster Risk Management, Resilience Building, and Climate Change Adaptation, providing opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and career advancement.
Benefits and Working Conditions
Plan International Pilipinas Foundation Inc. offers a competitive compensation package, including local terms and conditions. In addition to a flexible working arrangement, employees have access to a supportive and inclusive work environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Plan International is committed to creating a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Plan International, we believe that equality, diversity, and inclusion are essential principles that guide our work and shape our organizational culture. We are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. We celebrate diversity and strive to build a culture of inclusivity where every voice is heard and valued.
Safeguarding Children and Young People
Plan International is committed to safeguarding the well-being of children and young people and ensuring that they are protected from harm. As part of our recruitment process, we conduct pre-employment checks in line with our Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. We also participate in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure transparency and accountability.
Join Us
If you are passionate about making a difference and empowering communities to thrive in the face of climate change, we invite you to join us on this important mission. Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
Note: Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.
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