Duration: ongoing full-time inputs to the end of the programme (31st December 2026)

• Programme overview
• The role and responsibilities
• Expertise required
• Expected timeframe and indicative input
• The deliverables
• Reporting

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADS) is one of the United Kingdom Government’s most strategic and longstanding partners in Colombia. The Ministry serves as the principal counterpart for the bilateral Partnership for Sustainable Growth, initially signed in 2019 and subsequently renewed at COP27. This Partnership establishes the overarching framework for cooperation between the two countries on climate change and environmental sustainability.

Within this framework, the UK Government supports a broad range of programmes and initiatives in Colombia. Among these is the Programme Territorios Forestales Sostenibles (TEFOS), a £64 million, seven-year (2021-2027) initiative designed to stabilise and reduce deforestation in priority areas. The programme focuses on strengthening land governance, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. TEFOS adopts a holistic approach to tackle deforestation, addressing complex drivers, including land tenure insecurity, illegal activities, and limited access to sustainable economic opportunities.

In addition to TEFOS, the UK Government supports a wider portfolio of programmes through UK PACT, the Blue Planet Fund, and other mechanisms, all aligned with Colombia’s climate and environmental priorities. The UK has supported the financing of a portfolio of initiatives focused on marine and coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, and strategic ecosystems, among others of key importance for addressing nature loss and poverty. This support has been implemented through partnerships with NGOs. These initiatives encompass a range of thematic areas, including the prevention of environmental crime (notably through initiatives such as United for Wildlife), biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and ocean-related agendas.

Furthermore, since 2022, the UK, through the NDC Partnership, has provided support to Colombia by deploying an expert to assist with the consolidation and implementation of climate goals within the Ministry of Environment.

In addition to that, since 2021, UK PACT has funded a role embedded within the Ministry of Environment to strengthen coordination across TEFOS. Given the programme’s scale and complexity, and the need for effective coordination across multiple directorates, this role has been instrumental in facilitating integrated engagement and delivery. Building on this experience - and recognising the expanding scope and increasing complexity of the UK’s climate and nature portfolio in Colombia - the British Embassy has identified the need to evolve this position into a more strategic and integrated function. This enhanced role will provide broader support to the Ministry in advancing its strategic engagement across UK-supported programmes.

The role will extend beyond TEFOS, offering flexible and cross-cutting support in the monitoring of the UK cooperation across a wider range of UK-funded initiatives and priority areas. These include, but are not limited to UK PACT, the BioCarbon Fund, JDI-REM Visión Amazonía, environmental crime, NDC, biodiversity conservation, and ocean-related programmes.

Given the breadth and complexity of this cooperation portfolio, there is a need for a cross-cutting, flexible and strategically embedded role to support the UK Embassy’s engagement with the Ministry and ensure effective alignment, coordination, and delivery of cooperation efforts. Therefore, we expect this role to support the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Environment to ensure that UK cooperation efforts are effectively aligned, coordinated, and responsive to emerging priorities.

This role is intended to support the International Affairs Office of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in overseeing the United Kingdom’s Climate and Nature portfolio in Colombia. The position will contribute to strengthening coordination, articulation, and information flows across the Ministry’s various directorates. This role is expected to contribute to the strategic positioning of the UK portfolio by facilitating its alignment with the priorities of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development to deliver greater impact.

It will also support the planning and logistical organisation of high-level meetings, as well as participation in national events of relevance to the UK portfolio, when needed by the Ministry and in coordination with the International Affairs Office.

The role will be responsible for the following functions:

• Support the International Affairs Office in coordinating UK‑funded programmes and initiatives within MADS, ensuring alignment with government policy and identifying opportunities for coherence and synergy through effective engagement with technical teams. This includes organising meetings, workshops, and knowledge‑sharing activities with key counterparts.
• Promote engagement with Ministry‑supported programmes aligned with the UK portfolio to identify and advance opportunities for cooperation and maximise impact. This includes mapping relevant policy and regulatory initiatives, monitoring progress on NDC 3.0 and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and identifying areas for potential collaboration.
• Assist the Ministry in preparing Colombia’s participation in international fora and conventions aligned with UK priorities.
• Respond to emerging needs from the UK Embassy and the Ministry, including preparing briefing materials and supporting priority thematic areas such as environmental crime, biodiversity, and ocean governance.
• Consolidate and maintain a centralized repository of relevant documents pertaining to the management and monitoring UK portfolio programs under the Ministry's purview.
• Promote and facilitate the seamless flow of information across the three TEFOS pillars to ensure alignment in core messages and foster effective articulation among pillar leaders, implementing agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring of the UK portfolio programs, with special attention to TEFOS programme's progress and developments, and ensure the timely provision of updated information to the Office of International Affairs.
• Participate in meetings and relevant forums related to the UK portfolio programmes, acting solely in a liaison capacity and in close coordination with the Office of International Affairs, which retains the authority to issue and communicate official positions on behalf of the Ministry.

All activities should be developed in close coordination with the International Affairs Office of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. Key deliverables may require validation from the designated Ministry focal point prior to finalisation.

The person selected for this role will have:

• Relevant academic background in areas such as public policy, project management, international cooperation, environmental management, international relations, economics, law, or related fields.
• Proven experience in coordination and management of international cooperation programmes or projects, preferably within the environmental or public sector.
• Strong understanding of Colombia’s environmental sector and institutional landscape.
• Experience working with international cooperation programmes and multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality technical outputs in English and Spanish.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

The role is expected to be full-time for an initial six-month contract period. Subject to programme requirements and the availability of funding, there may be the possibility of extending the contract. The level of effort will remain flexible to accommodate evolving priorities and operational needs. Be available to participate in on-site meetings and field visits whenever required by the Office of International Affairs, in support of the effective implementation and follow-up of the UK portfolio programmes and the Ministry priorities.

This role will help to:

• Provide consolidated updates on the progress of programmes and initiatives under the UK–Colombia Sustainable Partnership, highlighting key developments, synergies, and emerging risks.
• Influence practical improvements to Uk programmes and wider work in Colombia, through enhanced collaboration with MADS
• Prepare high‑quality briefing notes and concept papers to support decision‑making processes, and contribute to meeting documentation—including minutes, aide-mémoires, attendance records, agreements, and follow‑up actions.
• Documentation on the identification, scoping, and formulation of potential new collaboration opportunities aligned with the strategic priorities of the UK portfolio.

This role formally reports to the head of the International Affairs Office of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, through the focal point of the UK portfolio.

Application deadline: Apply no later than 29. July 2026