Deputy Head, Climate, Nature and Energy – British Embassy Brasilia

About the role

The British Embassy in Brasilia is recruiting a Deputy Head of its Climate, Nature and Energy team, one of the largest policy and programme teams in the UK's diplomatic network in Brazil. The team leads UK engagement on climate change, forests and land use, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, energy transition and sustainable finance, and works with federal and state governments, businesses, civil society, research institutions and multilateral development banks. The Deputy Head leads delivery of the Embassy's climate, nature and energy objectives, advises Embassy leadership and Whitehall departments, and acts as deputy to the Counsellor for Global Issues.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Embassy's Climate, Nature and Energy strategy and lead policy engagement with Brazilian counterparts
• Provide analysis and advice to the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission, Counsellor and Whitehall stakeholders, and depute the Counsellor in senior meetings
• Oversee a substantial programme portfolio, including climate and nature-related ODA funding, with strong governance, financial management and value for money
• Support ministers, senior officials and visiting delegations, and promote UK expertise in clean energy, sustainable agriculture and climate finance
• Identify opportunities for UK businesses and investors and work with BIST, UKEF and other partners on trade and investment
• Line manage four direct reports, oversee a significant ICF programme budget and lead workforce planning

Required profile

• Strong leadership and line management experience, with a track record of building high-performing teams
• Significant experience in climate, nature, energy, environmental or international development policy
• Experience managing complex programmes and budgets, including ODA-funded programmes
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, and experience advising senior leaders and ministers
• Excellent English and Portuguese, spoken and written
• Legal status to live and work in Brazil; internal candidates must resign their current contract to take up the post

What we offer

• Monthly salary of BRL 25,411.65 (Grade 7, full-time, permanent, 36 hours per week)
• Health and dental care, life insurance, bus transportation allowance and meal vouchers
• Flexible working (3 days from the office, 2 days from home), a generous leave package and learning and development opportunities