Associate Director, Energy Transition, London/Brussels/Berlin. INTERNAL VACANCY ONLY

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, Energy Transition, LONDON/BRUSSELS/BERLIN

E3G is looking for an experienced energy and transitions practitioner and thought leader to lead its new Energy Transition Programme.

As a recognised global leader in climate diplomacy, geopolitics and international governance, E3G is increasing its capacity to shape the integration of climate change into geopolitical relations and make international governance regimes fit for purpose in a climate changed world.

We plan for this position to be based in E3G’s office in London, United Kingdom. We will consider applications from candidates who could work from E3G’s offices in Berlin or Brussels.

Context and Focus

E3G is an independent think tank working globally to achieve a safe climate for all and is consistently ranked among the world’s most influential environmental think tanks. E3G has a strong track record of over 15 years of delivering innovative diplomatic, policy and institutional changes at national and international leveland is rapidly growing its international work across a range of subject areas and venues.

Staying within the Paris 1.5C temperature goal requires the complete transformation of the global energy system in three decades to reach net zero CO2 emissions and ensure resilience against the worsening impacts of climate change. This transition is the most ambitious common global project ever attempted. Delivering this will require fundamental changes to how countries work together and to international regimes.

In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical rivalries climate change has come of age as a “top table” issue. Still the largest contributor to climate change, transforming the energy sector remains fundamental to success in addressing the climate crisis. While there have been major breakthroughs in the delivery of renewables, major challenges remain.  These include the need to build out networks to absorb renewables and deliver the demand for electric heating and mobility; the social transition needed as the transition reaches how people warm and cool homes and workplaces, and how they move around; the ability of developing countries to “leapfrog” the fossil energy and go direct to clean; the macro-economic implications of weaning the world economy of oil and gas. As well as being complex technical discussions – they are the stuff of high politics, coming to a head in multilateral spaces such as G7, G20 and the deliberations of the IEA.

E3G is now seeking to take its work on the Energy Transition to the next level and is seeking an experienced senior leader who is keen to take on this challenge.

E3G’s Energy Transition teams have staff based in the UK, across the EU and in the US. It also draws on, coordinates and amplifies expertise and research from across E3G programmes on clean economy, finance and resilience, public banks, climate diplomacy, and political economy. E3G works to shape public views in key countries on transformative reforms to energy systems, and the economic systems that surround them, and in relation to the politics of the wider energy system. This work includes producing high quality thought leadership, and ongoing analysis.

E3G undertakes analysis, develops practical policy and institutional proposals. It convenes track 1.5 and 2 dialogues on multiple issues related to Energy Transition, and is a regular advisor to governments and international institutions on political analysis, strategy and diplomatic priorities.

Profile & requirements

• You will be committed to achieving E3G’s objectives, and to working in an innovative and entrepreneurial manner. You will have strong strategic and political understanding, will prioritise achieving outcomes over running activities, and be capable of inspiring and facilitating action by others.
• You will have a very substantial body of experience of working on issues related to energy and the energy transition in leadership, analytical and management roles. Experience of wider climate issues will be an advantage but is not a requirement.
• You will demonstrate a solid grasp of global geopolitical trends, dynamics and developments and have a good understanding of how international institutions work and evolve. Ideally you will have been directly involved in major multilateral diplomatic processes at a high-level.
• You will have a significant track record of achievements, including experience of building consensus inside and between organisations around sensitive issues; creating and facilitating dialogue and agreement.
• You will have a track record of thought leadership and problem solving.
• You will have been involved in major complex projects. You will have built and managed teams, delivered collective outputs and managed budgets. Experience of managing multi-national teams across different locations would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience of fundraising from philanthropic and/or government sources would be an advantage.
• You will be used to operating internationally, with a high degree of cultural sensitivity. Strong personal networks and experience at international level would be an advantage.
• You will be able to operate confidently at high and “expert” level, in the worlds of government, business, the media and civil society.
• You will have strong written and spoken English, and be able to speak at least one other international language with a high degree of fluency.

Further information

• E3G offers a reward and benefits package which compares well with other organisations within our sector. The indicative salary range in UK for this position is £77,000 - £94,000 dependant on experience;
• E3G is unable to provide any relocation assistance to candidates who would need to move in order to take up this position.
• E3G will require candidates to demonstrate that they have the right to live and work in the relevant E3G office location.

Application information

Please submit your application in English

Please include:

• A CV of maximum two pages;
• A cover letter of no more than one page outlining your motivation for the job and when you would be able to start.

The deadline for applications is 9am GMT on 26 January 2024.

Interviews will be held on the week of 29 January 2024.

E3G values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background.

We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.