Kay Harrison
Wellington,WGN
Summary
Astute Ambassador possessing excellent communication, negotiation and diplomatic skills. Proven track record of successfully representing and promoting interests in different fora. Skilled in developing and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Climate Change Ambassador
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs And Trade
04.2019 - Current
- Head of New Zealand Delegation to UNFCCC subsidiary body meetings and COPs 25-28.
- Advisor to the Minister of Climate Change including when he was facilitating at COPs.
- Developed negotiation mandates and strategies.
- Delivered public diplomacy initiatives to increase awareness of New Zealand's climate change policies among foreign and domestic audiences.
- Co-facilitated negotiations at UNFCCC meetings.
- Member of Steering Committee for delivery of climate finance strategy.
Lead International Carbon Markets Project
Ministry For The Environment
09.2017 - 04.2019
- Led the development of an international carbon market strategy for New Zealand.
- Engaged with multiple national governments on possible carbon market collaboration.
- Organised and convened multinational meetings such as the Asia Pacific Carbon Market Round Table to develop standards for high integrity carbon trading.
- Lead negotiator UNFCCC carbon markets negotiations.
Senior Advisor to the Minister of Climate Change
Ministry For The Environment
12.2017 - 06.2018
- Advised the Minister of Climate Change for the first six months after a change of government.
Director Climate Change
Ministry For The Environment
10.2014 - 12.2016
- Led New Zealand's domestic climate change policy development and implementation for: mitigation; adaptation; reporting; science; and carbon pricing.
- Led a directorate and management team through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
Acting Deputy Secretary Climate Change
Ministry For The Environment
01.2016 - 09.2016
- Member of the senior leadership team of the Ministry for the Environment,
- Managed directors and significant programmes of work.
- Collaborated with multiple government agencies to develop effective climate change policy and implementation.
Director Water Reform
Ministry For The Environment
01.2014 - 11.2014
- Established an interagency directorate to lead the development and implementation of national water reform programme.
Education
Master of Public Policy With Merit - Public Policy
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, NZ03.2013
Master of Arts - History With Distinction
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, NZ04.1985
Skills
- Negotiations
- Public Policy
- Leadership and Management
- Diverse cultural understanding
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Diplomatic negotiation
Accomplishments
Harkness Fellowship 1997-1998
at Harvard University
Languages
French
Limited Working
Italian
Elementary
Maori
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Climate Change Ambassador
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs And Trade
04.2019 - Current
Senior Advisor to the Minister of Climate Change
Ministry For The Environment
12.2017 - 06.2018
Lead International Carbon Markets Project
Ministry For The Environment
09.2017 - 04.2019
Acting Deputy Secretary Climate Change
Ministry For The Environment
01.2016 - 09.2016
Director Climate Change
Ministry For The Environment
10.2014 - 12.2016
Director Water Reform
Ministry For The Environment
01.2014 - 11.2014
Master of Public Policy With Merit - Public Policy
Victoria University of Wellington
Master of Arts - History With Distinction
Victoria University of Wellington
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