Associate Director, Public Banks & Development, London, UK

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PUBLIC BANKS AND DEVELOPMENT, LONDON, UK

E3G is looking for an experienced development finance practitioner and thought leader to lead its new Public Banks and Development 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 may consider applications form exceptional candidates who could work from E3G’s offices in Berlin, Brussels or Washington DC.

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 level and 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 economy 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” diplomatic issue. Key to addressing the climate crisis is the question of how to mobilise finance at scale and pace to support a global transition in all of the world’s countries. Discussions in multilateral spaces such as G7, G20 and World Bank meetings increasingly demonstrate international appetite for substantive reforms to international financial institutions in order to address this global challenge. Meanwhile, the forward ability of the UNFCCC to act as the world’s forum for collaboration on climate action depends on improving the operating terms for climate finance and building trust in developing countries.

Financing the global transition will require high levels of international cooperation as well as effectively managed competition. Development finance institutions, and particularly the world’s MDBs and public banks, have a crucial role to play in multiple ways, for example in setting ambition standards, meeting national financing needs, helping to restructure economies, improving national policies, and leveraging private finance at scale.

E3G is now seeking to take its work on Public Banks and Development to the next level and is seeking an experienced senior leader who is hungry to take on this challenge. E3G’s Public Banks and Development team has staff based in the UK, US and across the EU. It also draws on, coordinates and amplifies expertise and research from across E3G programmes on clean economy, finance and resilience, fossil transition, climate diplomacy, and political economy. E3G works to shape public views in key countries on transformative reforms to development finance institutions, and in relation to the politics of the climate finance system. This work includes producing high quality thought leadership, and ongoing analysis e.g. the E3G Public Banks Climate Tracker Matrix.

E3G undertakes analysis, develops practical policy and institutional proposals. It convenes track 1.5 and 2 dialogues on multiple issues related to Public Banks and Development 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 public banks and/or development and/or UNFCCC finance issues 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.

What we offer

• Permanent, full-time position;
• Work-life balance. Enjoy a 35 - working hour workweek with a hybrid work model;
• Requests for flexible working will be considered;
• Occasional international travel;
• 25 vacation days + additional 3 extra days leave between Christmas and New Year;
• Pension contribution plan depending on location, e.g. UK 7.5% employer contribution;
• 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;
• Yearly process for remuneration review;
• UK Cycle To Work Scheme;
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities;
• A workplace that prioritises diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work.

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 UK or other 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 Monday 8th January 2023.

We will not be able to reply to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, we will not be shortlisting you on this occasion.  More information on E3G’s work can be found at www.e3g.org

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.