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Senior Advisor: Agriculture and Climate Change

Senior Advisor: Agriculture and Climate Change (Oxfam GB)
Based in Oxford, but occasional travel in the UK and overseas
£33,700 - £41,710 pa

Climate change is happening. And what few people realise is the devastating impact it’s already having on those living in poverty. It’s for that reason, here at Oxfam, that we’re focusing squarely on integrating climate change adaptation into the agricultural work in our country programmes. In this key role, you’ll become the driving force behind that integration process. And in doing so, you’ll make a very real difference to the lives of millions around the world.

The role
Supporting smallholder farmers to lift themselves out of poverty is one of Oxfam’s biggest areas of investment. Climate change is increasingly undermining these efforts. As Oxfam GB’s lead on agriculture and climate change, you’ll have a profound influence on our £multi-million joint venture with Oxfam International to assure food security in Africa and Asia. You’ll be working closely with our teams in-country - advising them and giving them the support they need to help smallholder farmers counter the effects of climate change. You will also play a significant role in guiding Oxfam’s external advocacy on agriculture and climate change. Since other NGOs and government organisations follow Oxfam’s lead in this area, your influence on broader agricultural policies will be wide-ranging.

What we’re looking for
It could be that you’ve worked with another NGO, or possibly as a policy researcher or consultant. Whatever your background, you’ll have an in-depth knowledge of climate change and the impact it has on agriculture in general and smallholders in particular. You’ll need to understand policy around agriculture and climate change, and be able to influence thinking at the very highest level. This is every bit as important as the practical knowledge and functional expertise of how to make change happen at community level as well as in policy arenas. Someone with the ideas, energy, passion and personal credibility to mobilise people, coordinate resources and bring out the best in everyone around them. A second language – French, Spanish or Portuguese - would be a distinct advantage. And since you could be away for up to 10 weeks a year, you must be prepared for extensive international travel.

About Oxfam

A simple, inescapable truth underlines everything we do at Oxfam. There’s enough wealth in this world to go around. It’s not unfortunate that people live in poverty. It’s unjustifiable. It’s not their problem. It’s ours too. And with the right support, we can beat poverty and injustice. Thousands of people already commit their time and talents to our campaigning, humanitarian and long-term development projects. Now we’re looking for yours.

To find out more about this role and to apply, visit www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs and quote ref: C&P507
Closing date: 26 April 2010.