Description

Planet Aid seeks a Climate Adaptation Partnership Officer (CAPO) – with a passion for assisting communities around the world navigate the complex challenges of the impending climate emergency.

The Climate Adaptation Partnership Officer (CAPO) will write concept papers and proposals, negotiate partnerships, build relationships, and create presentations and proposals for USAID and other donors in the sectors of Food Security, resilience, and Climate Adaptation. 

This is an exciting opportunity to grow the climate portfolio with Planet Aid and contribute to the development of adaptation solutions, implemented by local organizations with the potential of impacting millions of stakeholders, build resiliency and adapt to a changing climate. 

The CAPO will be part of a dynamic team of partnership specialists working virtually and at Planet Aid’s office in Elkridge, MD. Working closely with field teams in Sub Saharan Africa and Latin America, the CAPO must be able to contribute significantly to the design of competitive technical solutions in climate change and be able to present these convincingly to potential donors in the US, with focus on USAID and international institutions. 

Technical or academic experience in integrated food security combined with climate change adaptation is a requirement. Experiences working with projects or INGOs in Africa and/or Latin America is preferred. The CAPO must be driven, a strong writer, excel as a negotiator and be able to present locally-led climate solutions.

The CAPO will carry out New Business tasks, including, but not limited to:

• Analyze new funding opportunities in food security and climate adaptation and carry out all needed steps to develop highly competitive strategies in advance of planned and released solicitations.
• Write and edit technical proposals for USAID and other donor agencies.
• Secure partnerships with other INGO’s or local partners and execute teaming arrangements for applicable bids.
• Seek, prepare for and take the lead in meetings with relevant USG Agencies and stakeholders for specific climate adaptation opportunities.
• Participate in relevant high-level conferences as needed (COP 27, SID, UNGASS, etc)
• Educate other team members on USG climate change and food security trends and opportunities.

Compensation and benefits

Salary commensurate with experience.

Our benefit package includes paid life insurance, company-subsidized health and dental insurance, voluntary vision and short-term disability insurance, flexible spending account, 401(k) plan with match and paid time off.

About Planet Aid

Planet Aid is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is best known for its yellow bins that accept clothing and shoes to be reused and recycled. Due to its recycling program, Planet Aid is able to support development projects worldwide and is a registered Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) with the U.S. Agency for International Development. 

Requirements

Experience Sought:

• At least 3-5 years of experience writing and/or reviewing complex federal funding proposals in food security and/or climate adaptation.
• Subject matter experience in climate change adaptation and how that relates to food security.
• Knowledge about the major global climate adaptation funders such as the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, World Bank, and others.
• Ability to synthesize technical information and data to create engaging and compelling text while maintaining technical accuracy and adhering to strict page limitations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant USAID and U.S. Government strategies and policies (e.g., Climate Change Strategy, Private Sector Engagement Strategy, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy, Youth in Development Policy, Evaluation Policy) in the context of USAID proposals. 
• Contextual knowledge of USAID’s Feed the Future program and other related sectors relevant to scale up climate adaptation strategies on the ground.
• Partner negotiation experience.
• Presentation experience preferred (PowerPoint and general presentations).
• Excellent references from former places of employment and USAID implementing partners.

Core Competencies Sought: 

• Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture of inclusion, trust, and commitment.
• Communication: Excellent Writer. Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. An excellent listener and displays full openness to other people's ideas and viewpoints.
• Professionalism: Displays respectful, ethical behavior and integrity in the workplace.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in international development, environmental sciences, climate sciences, or another relevant field (Master preferred).
• A passion for locally-led solutions and respect for what works on the ground.
• Excellent technical and persuasive writing skills.

Job location: 

At least one day per week spent in our corporate office in Elkridge, MD, while the rest can be carried out virtually, from a home office. 2-3 days each month is expected to be spent in Washington D.C. for meetings with partners, networking events and/or conferences.

Planet Aid is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.