Program Manager, Climate Displacement

Refugees International advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.

Position Overview:

The Program Manager, Climate Displacement is responsible for developing and overseeing all aspects of the climate displacement program at Refugees International, while contributing substantially to the program's overall advocacy output. The Program Manager will develop and oversee the work of the Ken and Darcy Bacon Center for the Study of Climate Displacement.

Reports to: Vice President for Policy

Responsibilities:

1. Working within the framework of the agency strategic plan, develop an overall Refugees International climate displacement program, consisting of long-term and mid-term objectives, and the advocacy strategies to achieve them. Manage the implementation of this program in collaboration with other program staff.
2. Develop a multi-year budget for the climate displacement program and develop foundation proposals to garner additional support for it in collaboration with the fundraising department, building on the initial grants provided to establish the Ken and Darcy Bacon Center for the Study of Climate Displacement. Meet with potential donors and write reports to funders as needed.
3. Represent Refugees International to the global community of organizations and individuals working on climate change and displacement; build a network for RI --- with the United Nations, environmental organizations, the U.S. government, and international experts --- that advances the agency's objectives in the area of climate displacement.
4. Working with a colleague or with an external consultant, conduct assessments of situations involving displacement forced by climate change. Include in fieldwork interviews with vulnerable individuals in need of protection, the staff of humanitarian organizations and local research institutes, and other concerned individuals.
5. Produce high quality advocacy materials based on desk and field research. These are typically short 4-page field reports, and/or longer policy reports when appropriate, with clear and credible recommendations that are the starting point for agency advocacy initiatives to ensure implementation.
6. Hire and supervise the staff and consultants for the Bacon Center and the climate displacement program, assuring the development of a balanced and effective team to achieve RI's overall objectives in this thematic area.
7. Participate, preferably as a speaker/panelist, in conferences and seminars focused on issues of concern to RI and the issue of climate displacement.
8. Prepare and present Congressional testimony on climate displacement and related issues within sphere of expertise whenever opportunities present themselves.
9. In collaboration with the Communications Department and program colleagues, develop media contacts and conduct interviews as needed to advance the advocacy agenda of the climate displacement program.
10. Collaborate with colleagues in the Program Department to advance agency thinking on key issues and to support the achievement of the agency's overall mission.
11. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. A minimum of 10 years' professional experience involving direct involvement with forced displacement and/or environmental threats in countries vulnerable to humanitarian emergencies. Prior experience with the non-governmental sector in the United States is advantageous.
2. An academic qualification in international affairs, public policy, or environmental studies, preferably at the Masters level or above.
3. Strong network among the institutions and individuals involved in displacement and climate change, especially at the United Nations and in the United States.
4. Experience and expertise in the U.S. policy making process in the forced displacement and/or climate change area.
5. Fundraising experience, especially the development of foundation proposals and the cultivation of grants officers.
6. Prior supervisory experience, preferably in a non-profit setting.
7. Exceptional communication skills, especially writing and public speaking. A strong publications record is preferred.
8. English language fluency is required; a working knowledge of another language of value to the agency's overseas work, such as French or Arabic, is advantageous.
9. Ability to work well with others in small teams.
10. Willingness and ability to travel to dangerous and isolated places up to 3 months per year.
11. Flexibility and sense of humor.

To Apply:

Please apply by December 17, 2009 by email. Please put "Program Manager, Climate Displacement" in the subject line and include a cover letter, CV, writing sample and 3 references. Only Finalists will be contacted to set interviews.