Application Guide

How to Apply for Programme Officer – Latin America and the Caribbean

at The Degrees Initiative

🏢 About The Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a unique non-profit focused on solar radiation modification (SRM) research governance in developing countries, specifically helping vulnerable regions assess SRM's potential risks and benefits. Working here means contributing to equitable climate governance and ensuring Global South voices shape emerging climate technologies, offering a rare chance to bridge scientific research with policy impact in Latin America and the Caribbean.

About This Role

As Programme Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean, you'll manage partnerships with research institutions and policymakers across the region to facilitate SRM research projects and capacity-building workshops. This role is impactful because you'll directly empower local experts to lead climate intervention discussions, ensuring regional perspectives inform global SRM governance decisions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves coordinating with research teams in Colombia and Jamaica via video calls, reviewing Spanish-language workshop materials, preparing briefing documents for UK-based colleagues on regional political developments, and planning stakeholder consultations with Caribbean climate ministries. You'll balance project timelines with adapting to different time zones and cultural contexts across the region.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for The Degrees Initiative

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who The Degrees Initiative Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years experience managing international development or climate projects specifically in Latin America/Caribbean contexts
  • Demonstrates fluency in Spanish and Portuguese with proven ability to navigate regional political landscapes
  • Possesses technical understanding of climate science or geoengineering concepts (not just general environmental policy)
  • Shows experience facilitating dialogues between researchers, policymakers, and civil society organizations

📝 Tips for Applying to The Degrees Initiative

1

Highlight specific experience with SRM/climate intervention projects or demonstrate you've researched Degrees' unique approach to SRM governance

2

Quantify your Latin America/Caribbean project management experience (e.g., 'managed 5 workshops across 3 countries')

3

Reference Degrees' existing regional partners like CINVESTAV in Mexico or University of the West Indies to show genuine research

4

Explain how you'd handle sensitive SRM discussions with skeptical stakeholders in the region

5

Mention your remote collaboration tools proficiency since this UK-based role requires coordinating across multiple time zones

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience managing science-policy interfaces in Latin America/Caribbean contexts', "How you've previously built trust with diverse stakeholders on controversial topics", "Understanding of Degrees' 'capacity building first' approach versus advocacy organizations", 'Examples of navigating different cultural/political contexts within the region']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Degrees' 'DECIMALS' grant program and existing Latin American research projects
  • → The 2023 'Governing Solar Radiation Modification' report co-published with partners
  • → Regional SRM discussions at forums like the Latin American and Caribbean Climate Week
  • → Degrees' distinction from advocacy groups like the Solar Radiation Management Governance Initiative

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building new partnerships with Caribbean SIDS (Small Island Developing States) on SRM research?
2 Describe a time you managed conflicting stakeholder views on a sensitive scientific topic
3 What challenges do you foresee in implementing Degrees' model in countries like Brazil versus smaller Caribbean nations?
4 How would you measure success for a regional SRM capacity-building workshop?
5 Discuss your experience with UK charity compliance requirements for international projects
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating SRM as purely theoretical rather than a governance challenge Degrees addresses practically
  • Generic climate change experience without specific Latin America/Caribbean regional expertise
  • Focusing only on research without demonstrating partnership management skills
  • Not acknowledging the controversy around SRM and Degrees' nuanced position

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Degrees Initiative!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →