Project Coordinator – Climate Change Advocacy

TEAM: Policy and Advocacy
LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa
REPORTING LINES:
Post holder reports to: Policy And Advocacy Manager
Staff reporting to this post: (None)
Contract period: 18 months
Background
Fairtrade Africa is the independent non-profit umbrella organisation representing all Fairtrade certified producers in Africa. Established in 2005, Fairtrade Africa is a member of Fairtrade International Fairtrade Africa is owned by its members, who are African producer organisations certified against international Fairtrade standards producing traditional export commodities such as coffee, cocoa, tea, cotton, cut flowers, bananas, pineapples, mango and non-traditional commodities including shea butter, rooibos tea, vegetables and fresh and dry fruits.As a membership-based organisation, we work through primary structures such as product groups, country partnerships and regional networks which enable our members to have a strong voice in the governance and management of the organisation. Our pride is our members and their strong voice in the governance and management of the organisation.
Fairtrade Africa operates three regional networks: Eastern Africa Network (FTA-EAN) based in Nairobi, Kenya; West Africa Network (FTA-WAN) based in Accra, Ghana and Southern Africa Network (FTA-SAN) based in Cape Town, South Africa. A new network in North Africa is soon to be established by Fairtrade certified producers.
Fairtrade Africa (FTA) has recently received a grant to enable it to play a lead role in the Fair Trade movement in the development and implementation of an advocacy program aimed at ensuring that the interests of Fairtrade and vulnerable producers in general are represented in national and international policy forums related to climate change. Specifically, the grant will be used to seek to influence the outcomes of UNFCC negotiations related to the financing of adaptation activities in developing countries, both in terms of the global agreement and in terms of how the agreement is delivered at the national and local levels.
Policy and Advocacy
Provides Fairtrade Africa with sound analysis of policies, legislation and international agreements as well as other developments and trends in global trade in as much as these affect or likely to affect the beneficiaries of the Fairtrade system.
Job Purpose
To oversee the detailed planning and implementation of the Fairtrade movement’s advocacy activity in relation to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Durban, in accordance with the agreed global strategy.
Key tasks:
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that the following tasks are fulfilled:
 Establish and coordinate the Fairtrade Producer Networks Climate Change Working Group
 Liaise with Fairtrade partner networks in Africa, Asia and Latin America
 Liaise with Fairtrade International (FLO), the Fairtrade Foundation and other stakeholders
 Co-ordinate data collection for advocacy materials
 Oversee a participatory video project relating to climate change and Fairtrade farmers;
 Co-ordinate preparation and attendance for the Fairtrade movement at COP17 and COP18.
 Coordinate a carbon footprint measurement and reduction programme for Fairtrade Africa
 Develop and deliver monitoring and reporting systems in line with donor expectations
Knowledge and Experience
Person Specification
Essential
 Understanding of climate change in a developing country context including impacts mitigation and adaptation
 Demonstrable advocacy experience in international development, agriculture or a related discipline
 A commitment to the vision and objectives of Fairtrade
 Previous experience of coordinating managing working groups or coalitions
 An organised, methodical approach to work and ability to juggle competing priorities
 Ability to work on own initiative
 A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work and operate as part of a team.
 Familiarity with MS Office programmes (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Powerpoint)
Desirable
 Previous experience of working on trade issues
 Previous experience of working on issues relating to UNFCCC
 A working knowledge of French and/or another language would be a major advantage
Personal Attributes
 Leadership qualities to inspire others and team player (in person and virtual)
 Strong attention to detail and highly organized
 Self-motivated and able to work independently
OTHERS:
This job description is intended as a guide and should not be viewed as an inflexible specification as it may be varied from time to time based on discussions with the post holder. The post holder will be expected to work to agreed objectives, which should facilitate achievements of the key responsibilities in accordance with the Performance Review Process.
APPLICATION
Send applications to recruitments@fairtradeafrica.net by the 31 of July, 2011. Please reference “FTA Project Coordinator – Climate Change Advocacy ” in the subject line. All applicants should state how they meet essential requirements of the post, with ALL the following: detailed CV, cover letter and salary history (current and last 2 jobs), email address, telephone contacts, current and expected remuneration package, names of three referees with contact details by 31 of July, 2011. Note that qualified applicants will be subjected to a background check as a condition of employment. The final hiring decision is anticipated on the first week of August for a start date ASAP.