The salary range for this position is $101,000 to $135,000
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
The United Nations Foundation was created in 1998 with entrepreneur and
philanthropist Ted Turner's historic $1 billion gift to support UN causes and
activities. The United Nations Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources
to the United Nations to help strengthen the UN and its ability to advance human
dignity and well-being on a thriving planet. The Foundation champions
multilateral cooperation and the UN system and serves its mission by
accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action,
mobilizing diverse constituencies for global change, nurturing a strong U.S.-UN
relationship, and supporting the UN and its leadership.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director, Adaptation & Resilience works directly with the senior leadership
of the Climate & Environment team to develop and advance the UN Foundation’s
adaptation and resilience strategy. The Director leads the implementation of
this strategy, collaborating with colleagues across the Climate & Environment
team and the broader UN Foundation to advance policy and advocacy priorities,
cultivate strategic partnerships, support fundraising efforts, and provide
substantive guidance and support to UN Foundation leadership.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director, Adaptation & Resilience will lead the execution of the UN
Foundation’s adaptation and resilience strategy in close collaboration with the
senior leadership of the Climate & Environment team. Essential responsibilities
include:
Lead the execution of UNF’s adaptation and resilience strategy, identifying
opportunities to advance policy priorities, influence international climate
processes, and achieve meaningful adaptation and resilience outcomes
Shape and coordinate UNF’s adaptation and resilience engagement across key
international forums, processes, and negotiations, including the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA), World Bank meetings, and G20, as relevant
Provide strategic direction and oversight for UNF’s Adaptation Campaign Hub
and related communications and advocacy initiatives, strengthening their
reach, effectiveness, and contribution to UNF’s adaptation and resilience
objectives
Serve as a principal point of contact for key partners within and outside the
United Nations system, cultivating and sustaining relationships that advance
shared adaptation and resilience priorities
Develop and implement a fundraising strategy in collaboration with relevant
UNF teams, identifying funding opportunities, cultivating prospective donors,
and securing resources to sustain and expand UNF’s adaptation and resilience
initiatives
Identify, establish, and strengthen collaborations with governments, civil
society organizations, private-sector entities, and philanthropic foundations
to advance collective action on climate adaptation and resilience
Provide substantive policy analysis, strategic recommendations, and technical
guidance to inform UNF leadership’s decision-making and external engagement.
Oversee and contribute to the development of research, policy assessments,
briefing materials, talking points, and testimony, as appropriate
Lead the design and execution of high-level meetings, workshops, and
consultations that bring together diverse stakeholders, foster collaboration,
and advance UNF’s adaptation and resilience priorities
Represent UNF in international and domestic meetings, conferences, and
professional forums, articulating the Foundation’s adaptation and resilience
priorities and strengthening its relationships with key stakeholders
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director, Adaptation & Resilience is a supervisory role.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative
of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in climate policy, political science,
economics, environmental studies, or a related field. Candidates with
commensurate professional experience demonstrating the requisite knowledge
and capabilities are also encouraged to apply
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in
climate policy, adaptation, resilience, or closely related fields, including
experience in policy development, advocacy, strategic communications, or
international engagement
Advanced knowledge of climate change, adaptation, and resilience policy,
including familiarity with international climate processes, policy
frameworks, and emerging priorities
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategies and
initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, preferably within international,
multilateral, nonprofit, or public policy environments
Experience cultivating strategic partnerships and engaging with governments,
international organizations, civil society, philanthropic institutions, or
private-sector stakeholders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to
translate complex policy and technical information into compelling messages,
strategic recommendations, and executive-level briefing materials
Strong research and policy analysis skills, with the ability to synthesize
complex information and develop actionable recommendations
Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning, project management, and the
coordination of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability
to communicate effectively with senior leaders and diverse international
audiences
Experience developing and executing strategic communications and advocacy
initiatives that advance organizational objectives
COMPETENCIES
The following competencies support successful performance of this role.
Demonstrated strategic thinking and sound judgment, with the ability to
translate organizational priorities into actionable plans and measurable
outcomes
Proven ability to lead complex initiatives, manage competing priorities, and
drive results in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal competencies, with the ability
to establish trust and collaborate effectively with diverse internal and
external stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, navigate complex stakeholder
relationships, and advance shared objectives across organizations, sectors,
and cultures
Proactive, solutions-oriented approach, with demonstrated adaptability,
initiative, and accountability for results
Strong attention to detail and organizational awareness, with the ability to
exercise discretion and navigate changing priorities effectively
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The essential functions of this role will generally be performed in a typical
professional office environment with routine use of standard office equipment.
Employees are expected to work on-site in accordance with UNF’s hybrid work
policy, which currently requires regular in-office presence.
LOCATION
Remote
DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
The United Nations Foundation will make reasonable accommodations in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
To be considered for this position, please upload both a resume and cover
letter. Applications that do not include both documents will be considered
incomplete and will not be reviewed.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
For full-time, U.S. benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of
benefits, including:
a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with
HSA)
dental insurance
vision insurance
flexible spending accounts
403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
group term and supplemental life insurance
short-term disability
long-term disability
back-up care
employee assistance program
Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation
days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.
The United Nations Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer.