We are looking for an experienced and entrepreneurial:

Senior Manager and Changemaker – Climate Adaptation, Capacity Strengthening & Adult Learning

PlanAdapt is a global network-based organisation with a decentralised structure spanning across more than 25 countries. We provide knowledge services in support of effective, economically just and socially inclusive climate change adaptation (CCA) and climate risk management (CRM) around the world.

This full-time role can be performed remotely and/ or in one of the key locations PlanAdapt operates in. In any case, we are happy to shape the job conditions to suit the needs of both, yourself and PlanAdapt.

We offer:

  • experience in working with diverse colleagues in a vibrant, multi-cultural and international work environment;
  • exposure to cutting-edge projects and activities in research and capacity strengthening activities related to climate change adaptation and climate risk management, particularly in the Global South;
  • value-based learning opportunities in an ambitious and growing international organisation;
  • an excellent opportunity to build leadership skills and knowledge in the areas of climate change adaptation and climate risk management.

Role and responsibilities:

  • Provide managerial and organisational leadership to processes and initiatives that contribute fulfil our mission, further build the vision and help to shape operational procedures;
  • Provide conceptual leadership in approaches and methods for capacity strengthening, (online) adult learning, e-learning, peer learning;
  • Represent PlanAdapt in international fora and initiatives and lead outreach and engagement process with existing and prospective partner organisations, funder and investors etc.
  • Manage a team and/ or fundraising processes targeting philanthropic funding, public tenders, and research grants;
  • Champion and drive forward activities in a sub-set of PlanAdapt’s core areas of work:
    • Conduct applied research in the field of CRM and CCA using research-for-impact concepts;
    • Develop methods, concepts and approaches in view of effective, economically just and socially inclusive CRM and CCA;
    • Advise public sector/ governmental structures and businesses in view of understanding climate risks, planning, developing and implementing adaptation strategies;
    • Develop strategic institutional partnerships with other international actors/ organisations in the area of CRM, CCA and educational services.

A significant part of the role will focus on the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Programme (CLARE) is a UK-Canada research programme on Climate Adaptation and Resilience, aiming to enable socially inclusive and sustainable action to build resilience to climate change and natural hazards in Africa and Asia-Pacific. The Programme is funded and run by the FCDO and IDRC. PlanAdapt co-hosts the CLARE Capacity Strengthening (CS) Hub, in collaboration with the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS). It supports strengthening of research and research-for-impact capacities related to climate change adaptation and resilience among CLARE-financed research projects.

We are looking for:

  • Level of experience: a minimum of 15 years in the areas of climate adaptation and resilience, climate risk management, climate justice;
  • Extensive experience (8+ years) in capacity strengthening, adult learning, pedagogy, didactics, specifically in the context of international cooperation and at least partly in countries of the Global South;
  • Extensive experience in international research programmes related to climate adaptation and resilience;
  • Ideally, you have an entrepreneurial spirit and some managerial and/ or leadership experience next to the excellence in the skills and experience required in view of PlanAdapt’s areas of work.

Minimum qualifications:

  • An aptitude for improving systems and processes;
  • Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as a commitment to equal opportunities;
  • Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, and diversity for all aspects of development work;
  • Excellent attention to detail, creative and collaborative, and passion for PlanAdapt’s services and mission;
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills to formulate and articulate contractual, technical, financial and value points with partners and internal PlanAdapt teams.

Conditions and Terms: 

Closing date: applications will be processed upon receipt

Duration: 1.5 years initially, with an intent to collaborate long-term

Start: fliexible; ideally 1 July 2025

Location: remote and/or virtual

Terms: annual salary 45.000 to 65.000 USD; according to experience, location and seniority of the appointment

The incumbent will report to PlanAdapt’s Managing Director. To apply, interested persons should send an email, indicating the job title in the subject line, with the following documents to recruitment@plan-adapt.org:

  • Motivation letter
  • Updated CV
  • Indication of your availability

Please be aware, that we will contact only candidates that are selected for the next stage of the recruitment process.