Pacific Climate Change Attachè – British High Commission (BHC) Suva

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is seeking a dynamic and expert Pacific Climate Change Attachè to lead the UK’s climate diplomacy and adaptation programmes across the Pacific Island Countries. Based in Suva, Fiji, you will be at the heart of a regional network covering Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. This role is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between UK climate expertise and the urgent adaptation needs of Pacific nations, ensuring the UK remains a leading partner in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Role Purpose

As the Pacific Climate Adaptation policy lead, your mission is to drive the UK’s four climate priorities in the region: access to climate finance, renewable energy transition, climate adaptation, and ocean resilience. You will provide strategic advice to the UK’s International Climate Finance programmes, manage relationships with embedded advisers in the Fiji Government, and represent the UK at high-level regional events. Your work will directly inform UK Ministers and Senior Officials ahead of global events like COP30, ensuring Pacific voices and UK-Pacific partnerships are central to global climate policy.

Key Responsibilities

Policy & Diplomacy: Lead on climate adaptation policy, providing strategic advice on UK-Pacific partnerships and driving engagement with Pacific Governments.
Programme Management: Support the delivery and coordination of UK International Climate Finance projects, focusing on monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain and build networks with regional bodies such as PIFS (Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat), SPC, and SPREP.
Global Reporting: Provide high-quality briefings and timely policy updates to UK-based leads and Ministers to facilitate effective communication at global climate summits.
Network Integration: Manage relationships with ODI Fellows and climate advisers embedded within the Fiji Ministry of Finance.
Regional Support: Flexibly support other UK High Commissions in the Pacific on local climate and humanitarian issues, including disaster risk finance.

Person Specification (Requirements & Skills)

Essential Criteria:

Education/Experience: Undergraduate degree in a relevant field OR a minimum of five years’ work experience in climate, science, or government.
Climate Expertise: Sound understanding of international climate policy and specific knowledge of Pacific-regional climate challenges.
Network: An established climate change network within Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
Skills: Strong project management experience, excellent research/analysis skills, and the ability to build remote relationships across a regional team.

Desirable Criteria:

Experience managing diverse, senior-level relationships.
Knowledge of financial and budget management principles.
Experience in broader development or humanitarian work.

Pacific Climate Context: At a Glance

The Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are among the most vulnerable to climate change globally. The following table highlights the critical nature of the adaptation work managed by this role:

Salary & Benefits

Salary: FJD 5,369.95 per month.
Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO).
Location: British High Commission, Suva (Office-based; 38 hours per week).
L&D: Access to specialist UK Government training in climate policy and energy, including potential international travel to the UK.
Culture: Join an inclusive, diversity-friendly employer that promotes equality and values difference.

Application Information

Deadline: 13 May 2025.
Start Date: 10 July 2025 (Subject to security vetting).
Process: Sift of online application followed by a behaviour-based interview focusing on Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, and Working Together.

To apply for this job please visit www.terra.do.