Senior Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary on National Climate Agenda & Environment
Senior Advisor to the CS on National Climate Agenda & Environment
About UKPACT
The UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme aims to strengthen the effectiveness of key institutions public, private, and civil society in partner countries to accelerate emission reductions and raise the ambition of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Through its focus on NDCs, UK PACT supports global efforts to review commitments and enhance climate ambition.
Background
Kenya has emerged as a global climate leader with commitments to cut emissions by 32% by 2030, achieve 30% tree cover by 2050, and implement key frameworks such as the Climate Change Act (2016) and Carbon Market Regulations (2024). Meeting these goals requires strong technical expertise, strategic leadership, and coordinated engagement across government, development partners, and the private sector. The MECCF, led by the Cabinet Secretary, plays a central role, but the complexity of implementing the NDCs and broader climate strategies underscores the need for dedicated technical support.
To address this gap, a senior advisor will be embedded within the Cabinet Secretary’s office to translate Kenya’s climate priorities especially in high‑emission sectors like land use and forestry into coherent, actionable strategies. The role builds on UK PACT-funded work, including REDD+ regulations, the National REDD+ Registry, and strengthened forest monitoring systems. The advisor will help the ministry leverage these technical advances, identify policy opportunities, and enhance coordination to maximize long-term climate impact.
Location
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
The expert will be embedded in the Cabinet Secretary’s office to:
Academic Competencies
Compensation type: Output basis
Safeguarding
Palladium is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults, and expects all staff and partners to share this commitment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
About UKPACT
The UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme aims to strengthen the effectiveness of key institutions public, private, and civil society in partner countries to accelerate emission reductions and raise the ambition of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Through its focus on NDCs, UK PACT supports global efforts to review commitments and enhance climate ambition.
Background
Kenya has emerged as a global climate leader with commitments to cut emissions by 32% by 2030, achieve 30% tree cover by 2050, and implement key frameworks such as the Climate Change Act (2016) and Carbon Market Regulations (2024). Meeting these goals requires strong technical expertise, strategic leadership, and coordinated engagement across government, development partners, and the private sector. The MECCF, led by the Cabinet Secretary, plays a central role, but the complexity of implementing the NDCs and broader climate strategies underscores the need for dedicated technical support.
To address this gap, a senior advisor will be embedded within the Cabinet Secretary’s office to translate Kenya’s climate priorities especially in high‑emission sectors like land use and forestry into coherent, actionable strategies. The role builds on UK PACT-funded work, including REDD+ regulations, the National REDD+ Registry, and strengthened forest monitoring systems. The advisor will help the ministry leverage these technical advances, identify policy opportunities, and enhance coordination to maximize long-term climate impact.
Location
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
The expert will be embedded in the Cabinet Secretary’s office to:
- Provide strategic advisory support to the Cabinet Secretary for effective engagement with development partners, stakeholders and on international matters.
- Facilitate inter and intra-ministerial coordination by supporting structured engagement across forestry, energy, agriculture, water, and finance sectors to promote integrated climate and environmental action.
- Advise on donor alignment to ensure support is consistent with national priorities and strengthen Kenya’s access to climate finance.
- Offer technical guidance on carbon market readiness, including interpretation of the 2024 Climate Change (Carbon Market) Regulations and positioning Kenya to benefit from nature-based and carbon market opportunities.
- Guide on preparation of high-level policy briefs and statements to support Kenya’s participation in global and regional forums (e.g., COP, Africa Climate Summit, UNGA) with technically credible and impactful messaging.
- Advise on inclusive policy development by identifying entry points for integrating gender, youth, disability inclusion and Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives into climate and environment strategies.
Academic Competencies
- A master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field: This could include Forestry, Environmental Science and policy, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, or a related discipline.
- Specialized training or certification: Additional certification in climate finance multi-stakeholder coordination, governance, or institutional development is desirable.
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience: In senior-level public sector advisory in climate/environment policy- supported by broader experience in diplomacy and international relations, demonstrating a strong track record of supporting ministers or senior government leaders and facilitating inter-ministerial or multi-stakeholder coordination.
- Proven leadership capacity: Experience providing high-level policy advice, building institutional capacity, and managing cross-government or donor coordination processes.
- Extensive sectoral and/or regional expertise: Strong understanding of Kenya’s climate, forestry, and environmental governance landscape, with demonstrated engagement at both national and regional levels.
- Policy advisory and governance: Demonstrated expertise in climate change, forestry, or natural resource governance, including policy formulation and implementation.
- Climate and biodiversity finance: Experience advising on carbon markets, biodiversity credits, and climate finance mechanisms.
- High-level communication and advocacy: Proven ability to draft speeches, policy briefs, and talking points for senior leaders and represent institutions in international forums (e.g., COP, UNGA).
- GEDSI integration: Experience mainstreaming gender equality, youth, and Indigenous Peoples’ priorities in climate and environmental policy.
Compensation type: Output basis
Safeguarding
Palladium is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults, and expects all staff and partners to share this commitment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.