Climate Officer

Assignment Type:

Canadian International Volunteer

Eligibility Requirements:

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only

Assignment ID:

VA-105841

Assignment Title:

Climate Officer

Partner:

WUSC Caribbean

Country:

Guyana

Duration:

6 to 12 months (flexible)

Time Commitment:

Full Time

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about the environment? Do you have skills/experience in climate resilient agriculture and equitable economic growth to share? 

As the Climate Officer with WUSC Caribbean in Guyana, you will contribute to the WUSC Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean project’s goals of increased economic prosperity of women and youth (female and male) in more sustainable and equitable agricultural markets. 

Apply today to make an impact in fostering climate-resilient agricultural markets in the Caribbean!

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support the establishment of hydrometeorological stations, with the aim of providing useful information on weather and climate to the farming community and other stakeholders
• Contribute to the realization of extension programs with the objective of having interactive sessions with farmers which can be in form of forums, conferences, seminars, field activities etc
• Assist in the collection of meteorological and agronomic data from stations across Guyana, including the provision of seasonal rainfall predictions and dry season forecasts (Drought forecasting)
• Working with the agricultural research and extension agencies in developing the enhancement and application of available pests and diseases models. 
• Plan and programme the expansion of the agrometeorological observation network, and, when necessary, assist in the preparation of urgent agrometeorological information, and warnings
• Participate in pre-assignment training
• Participate in at least 3 public engagement initiatives before, during, or after the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, and support to achieve these goals. Volunteers will also have one virtual check-in with the Public Engagement Officer throughout the course of their assignment
• Set up a personalized volunteer fundraising page on the WUSC fundraising platform and share it in your networks. Volunteers will be supported with the tools, training and support to achieve the fundraising goal.
• Ensure that a gender equality lens is consistently applied in the execution of all activities
• Support partners to empower young women and promote a culture of gender sensitive representation in all activities and program benefits.
• Submit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years relevant professional experience in your field of expertise
• A Master’s Degree in Meteorology, Climatology or Agrometeorology
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience 
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills and good report writing skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Proficient in statistical analysis with tools such as GIS software and Programming languages such as R
• A commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteering
• Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Experience with group facilitation and trainings, including content development considered an asset
• Experience living and working internationally considered an asset
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Project Description

WUSC Caribbean is implementing a five-year project – the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) project, which will promote climate resilient agriculture for equitable economic growth to increase the economic prosperity of women and youth (female and male) in more sustainable agricultural markets in the Caribbean. The project builds on learning from the Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL) project and is a multi-country economic growth project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) being implemented in Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Suriname.

Partner Description

The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) project promotes climate resilient agriculture for equitable economic growth. It aims to increase the economic prosperity of women and youth (female and male) in more sustainable agricultural markets in the Caribbean. The SAC project will engage in agricultural market systems and will work with all market actors to address gaps and barriers (particularly those facing women and youth) and will facilitate the provision of capacity strengthening support for all actors in the market systems. The SAC project is being implemented in Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Suriname.The Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Department observes, archives and works to understand Guyana’s weather and climate while providing meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic services in support of Guyana’s national needs and international obligations.The Department contributes Guyana’s social, economic, cultural and environmental goals through the coordination of the hydrometeorological activities of the Government of Guyana including the collection, processing, archiving, and disseminating of data and information on weather, climate, hydrology and oceanography.

Support Package

• Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from WUSC Country Team while on assignment
• Pre-departure training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteers
• In-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignment
• Language training in country of assignment, where required
• Modest monthly living and accommodation allowance
• Airfare to and from the assignment country
• Visa/work permit
• Pre-departure medical exam
• Health insurance
• Vaccinations and antimalarial medication
• Criminal record verification
• Vacation leave entitlement
• Debriefing after completion of assignment
• An incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!

WUSC’s Safeguarding Policy

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion and sexual exploitation and abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to sign off on the WUSC Code of Conduct and the Self-Disclosure Form. International and national volunteers will also be required to submit a criminal record verification.

WUSC is a signatory to the Cooperation Canada Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct. The pledge represents the shared commitment as Canada’s global development and humanitarian leaders to ensure the full implementation of practices and policies that will protect and respond to our own staff, volunteers and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces and programs that promote gender equality and are free from gender-based violence, including by addressing and responding to all abuse of power, holding people to account, and protecting the vulnerable. Read the full pledge.