Consultant - TOR Steel (Location flexible and home based - possible)

European Climate Foundation London United Kingdom Other
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Company Description

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to help tackle climate change by fostering the development of a low-carbon society at the national, European and global level.

We support over 280 partner organisations to carry out activities that contribute to the public debate on climate action, drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero emissions economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

 

Background

The prospect of decarbonising the steel sector is behind schedule if we are to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. There is a body of ‘inside-track’ work in different parts of the world exploring solutions, engaging policy makers and the industry. This includes new technology commercialisation efforts, such as Hybrit in Sweden, and ideas about improving scale and quality of recycling.  However, the solutions are too few and too slow. Moreover, there are structural barriers to transformation in the steel industry.  These include excess production capacity, reluctance to invest because of trade conflict, and deep challenges from the social impacts of changes in how steel is made.

Advocates and funders need strategies for steel industry transformation that incorporate the international dynamics of steel as a traded commodity many other complex economic and industrial policy issues. Staying below 1.5oC requires us to make progress in many places at once: in Europe, where there is the greatest near-term appetite for change; in China, where most steel production occurs; and in India, where there will be the greatest growth in steel production in the coming years. A global strategy will incorporate the specific needs of China, India, and the high-income countries, and understand their interactions.

Position

Objectives of this consultancy

The international energy programme at ECF, the industrial emissions programme at ECF, ClimateWorks Foundation, and allies in China and India wish to build an approach on steel that can shift the sector in line with staying below 1.5oC of warming. As local strategies are unfolding in the OECD, China, and India we wish a consultant to investigate and develop a winning strategy in a dynamic and interactive process with these partners and key NGOs.  This strategy should pay particular attention to opportunities to accelerate momentum across the three big geographies and address the trade and trans-national political-economic context of steel. By the end of one year the consultant will have articulated a strategic framework for these partners and identified new grantmaking opportunities. The foundations involved in this process will be expanding grantmaking and NGOs expanding their advocacy and other interventions as the consultancy unfolds.

Specific terms for the consultancy:

  • Review and map existing work by engaging with the full range of existing stakeholders in campaign organisations, governments, research organisations, and firms. 
  • Review and map the status of key solutions (hydrogen, recycling, material efficiency, and others).
  • Analyse the political economy of steel at local, national, regional and international level. Through this analysis identify pathways for grantmaking, interventions, and strategies.
  • Identify components of a global strategy and recommend grantmaking themes and partners.
  • identify no-regrets opportunities for near-term investments or iconic campaign or policy opportunities to shape the agenda.
  • In the course of examining this global strategy, report on progress and insights with the main re-granting organisations and NGOs, building a network of key strategists in the process.
  • Undertake and, where necessary, commission data and analysis, always maintaining a preference of building capacities in the field.

Specific deliverables

  • An action plan and timetable for the project delivered within three weeks of the beginning of the consultancy;
  • An interim mapping at five months then a report suitable for sharing with a wide range of stakeholders presenting your findings on the international political economy of steel decarbonisation and related topics ten months into the consultancy;
  • Final recommendations on pathways, strategy, and grantmaking opportunities for steel decarbonisation by the end of the consultancy;
  • Continual engagement on a monthly cycle with a small group of key foundation and strategic stakeholders;

Time commitment: Given the magnitude of this task we expect this to be a full-time assignment.

Requirements

Specification of consultant:

  • Strong track record of international advocacy strategy development.
  • Track record of working in or with partners in China, India, and the OECD.
  • Strong analytical approach and skills.
  • Exceptional networking skills.
  • Exceptional presentation and writing skills.

Desirable: knowledge of steel, coal, industrial policies.

Other information

 

12-month consultancy on developing a global steel decarbonisation strategy and partner engagement process.

The consultant will be hosted by the international energy programme at ECF and will be directly working to ECF and CWF.

Please upload below your CV and letter of interest explaining your fit for this consultancy.