Director for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Ref No: CCAQ05/2025
Position Overview
The role of Director for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is pivotal. The salary for this position is R1,216,824 per annum, which includes an all-inclusive salary package. The position is located in Pretoria, South Africa, and offers a leadership opportunity in climate change negotiation and international cooperation. The director will be responsible for managing, coordinating, and leading South Africa’s engagement in multilateral climate change agreements. The role demands extensive experience in climate policy and international environmental cooperation.
Minimum Qualifications Required
Applicants must hold an undergraduate qualification in Natural/Environmental Sciences or a related field. The qualification must be recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) at NQF Level 7. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complex scientific and policy issues related to climate change. A strong foundation in environmental sciences is necessary for managing South Africa’s climate change negotiations and international engagements. The role requires expertise in climate change science and its application in global negotiations and agreements.
Experience and Senior Management Skills
Candidates should have at least five years of experience at a senior management level. This experience must be in the climate change or environmental sector, focusing on policy, negotiations, and international cooperation. Proven experience in managing and coordinating high-level engagements in multilateral climate change agreements is essential. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to lead complex projects, manage stakeholder relations, and navigate international environmental diplomacy. Strong leadership skills are required to manage teams and lead negotiations effectively on behalf of South Africa.
Completion of Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme
Applicants must have completed the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme, endorsed by the National School of Government. This program equips candidates with essential skills for effective leadership in the South African public sector. Successful completion ensures that candidates are prepared for the responsibilities associated with high-level government positions. The program provides training in public administration, strategic planning, and leadership, which are critical for managing South Africa’s climate change position at international forums. This certification is mandatory for senior management roles within government.
Experience in Multilateral Climate Change Engagements
The director will be responsible for managing South Africa’s participation in multilateral climate change agreements. This includes engaging in international climate negotiations, such as those held under the UNFCCC. The director must have experience in formulating and negotiating positions in climate change agreements. This requires an understanding of both national priorities and international frameworks. The ability to coordinate and negotiate South Africa’s climate positions on a global stage will be essential. Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills are needed to ensure successful outcomes in international climate forums.
Project Management and Stakeholder Engagement
Candidates should have experience in project management, particularly in large-scale international environmental projects. The director will oversee the preparation, formulation, and approval of South Africa’s positions on climate change agreements. The role requires managing complex projects that involve multiple stakeholders and departments. Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for ensuring that all relevant parties are involved in the decision-making process. The director will be responsible for coordinating inputs from various government departments and aligning them into a unified position on climate change issues.
Knowledge of Financial Management
Knowledge of financial management is required, as the director will need to manage resources effectively. This includes overseeing budgets for climate change projects and ensuring that financial resources are used efficiently. The director must ensure that all climate-related projects comply with financial regulations, such as the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Understanding how to allocate funds for international climate cooperation is critical for ensuring the success of South Africa’s engagements in global climate change initiatives. Financial acumen is necessary for overseeing funding for climate change programs and ensuring accountability.
Change Management and Leadership Skills
Strong leadership and change management skills are essential in this role. The director must lead teams through dynamic and sometimes challenging international climate negotiations. Change management skills will help the director navigate shifts in climate policy and international priorities. The ability to adapt to evolving climate science and policy developments is essential for this leadership role. The director must be proactive in managing change and ensuring that South Africa’s climate strategies remain relevant and effective in the global context. Leading through change is critical for maintaining South Africa’s position in climate negotiations.
Strategic Planning and Analytical Skills
The director must possess strong strategic planning skills to align South Africa’s climate policies with global frameworks. Strategic thinking will be required to anticipate the future direction of climate negotiations and global agreements. Analytical skills are necessary to assess the outcomes of international engagements and adjust strategies accordingly. The director will need to analyze complex environmental data and policy documents to craft informed, effective climate positions. A strong ability to assess risks, opportunities, and challenges in climate negotiations will be crucial for success in this role.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
Problem-solving skills will be critical for managing challenges that arise in multilateral negotiations. The director will need to make decisions that balance South Africa’s national interests with global climate objectives. The ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions will ensure that South Africa’s climate strategy remains on track. The director must be able to resolve conflicts that may arise between different stakeholders, both domestically and internationally. The ability to make well-informed, timely decisions in high-pressure situations will be essential for success.
Communication Skills
The role demands excellent written and verbal communication skills. The director will need to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, international partners, and the public. The ability to draft reports, policy papers, and briefings will be crucial for keeping stakeholders informed of progress. Strong presentation skills will also be required, as the director will represent South Africa in international climate forums. Clear, concise communication will be key to ensuring that South Africa’s positions are understood and supported by other parties in climate negotiations.
Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the director will be to manage and coordinate South Africa’s climate change negotiations. This includes formulating the South African position on climate change-related multilateral and cooperation agreements. The director will also lead research efforts to assess the positions of other countries on climate change. This research will be critical in shaping South Africa’s negotiating strategy and ensuring that its climate priorities are represented in international agreements. The director will be responsible for coordinating inputs from various government departments to create a unified position on climate change.
Research and Preparation of South African Positions
A key responsibility of the director is managing the preparation, formulation, and approval of South Africa’s positions. This involves extensive research and analysis to ensure that South Africa’s stance on climate change is well-informed and aligned with global frameworks. The director will need to assess the positions of other countries to ensure that South Africa’s interests are well-represented. Coordinating research across government departments and external stakeholders will be essential to ensuring a coherent and effective position on climate change issues.
Coordination of Stakeholder Consultation
The director will lead stakeholder consultations on South Africa’s climate change positions. This involves engaging with government departments, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to gather feedback. Stakeholder consultation is crucial for ensuring that South Africa’s climate policy reflects a broad range of interests and perspectives. The director will need to facilitate discussions and manage relationships with key stakeholders in climate diplomacy. Building strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders will ensure that South Africa’s position is supported by key players in international negotiations.
UNFCCC Reporting and Submissions
The director will also be responsible for managing South Africa’s reporting obligations under the UNFCCC. This includes preparing and submitting National Communications (NCs), Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), and Adaptation Communications. Timely submission of these reports is essential for South Africa to maintain its credibility in the international climate community. The director will ensure that all reports meet the required standards and are submitted within the established timelines. This will involve coordinating with various government departments and external experts to gather the necessary data and information.
Mandatory Reports under the UNFCCC
The director’s role includes managing the preparation of mandatory reports required under the UNFCCC framework. These reports are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in South Africa’s climate change actions. The director will coordinate the submission of National Communications (NCs), which outline the country’s climate policies and actions. Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) will also need to be prepared, detailing South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation actions. The director will ensure that all reports comply with UNFCCC guidelines and reflect South Africa’s commitments to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Inquiries and Application Process
For further inquiries, candidates can contact Ms. P Gasela at Tel No: (012) 399 9182. Applications should be submitted via email to CCQA05-2025@dffe.gov.za. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by the specified deadline and submit all necessary documents for consideration.
