CHAMP Advisor - Subnational Climate Partnerships

About the role

The CHAMP Advisor supports Ethiopia's COP32 preparations by ensuring subnational priorities are reflected in the COP32 Action Agenda. The role is based at the WRI Africa Regional Office in Addis Ababa, with regular in-person presence at the Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD); it is hybrid, with at least 8 days per month in the office and living within reasonable commuting distance. You will report to the Cities Director for Africa, with technical direction from MoPD.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate networks (50%): help set up and run coordination mechanisms linking national ministries, the COP32 Secretariat, local government, development partners, NGOs and civil society, and act as liaison between MoPD and the COP32 Presidency team and Secretariat.
• Support communication around the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, and contribute to CHAMP's engagement in the 2nd Global Stocktake (GST-2).
• Engage African CHAMP-endorsing countries, gather stories of progress and barriers, and plan and deliver regional convenings with key Ethiopian Ministries.
• Track progress against Plans to Accelerate Solutions and package findings ahead of COP32.

Required profile

• Master's degree in environmental policy, sustainable development, urban planning or a related field; additional experience can be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 7+ years of full-time relevant experience in climate policy, subnational governance planning, intergovernmental coordination or a related field, including manager-level experience.
• Experience in urban policy formulation, estimating urban contributions to the national economy, and engaging with UNFCCC, COP and GST processes.
• Strong knowledge of Ethiopia's political economy and planning frameworks (10-Year Development Plan, NDC, LT-LEDS), and an established network in Ethiopia and across Africa.
• Right to work in and residence in the WRI Ethiopia office at the start of employment.

Required skills

• Proficiency in English; a local language is preferred.
• Macroeconomic frameworks, Microsoft Office suite, Teams/Zoom.
• Analytical and evidence-synthesis skills, stakeholder management and relationship building.

What we offer

• Access to the WRI global network and varied learning and training opportunities.
• Hybrid working model with flexible hours and generous leave days increasing with tenure.
• Diversity and inclusion commitment.

Applications with a resume and cover letter are due by 17 November 2026; internal applicants use the Workday Jobs Hub, external applicants the WRI Careers portal. Salary is commensurate with experience.