ABOUT THE GLOBAL COVENANT OF MAYORS FOR CLIMATE & ENERGY

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), is a global coalition of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change an

d move to a low-carbon, resilient society, based on the following core principles:

• Local Governments are Key Contributors: The Global Covenant works to organize and mobilize cities and local governments to be active contributors to a global climate solution
• City Networks as Critical Partners: Local, regional and global city networks are core partners, serving as the primary support for participating cities or regions
• A Robust Solution Agenda: Focusing on those sectors where cities have the greatest impact, the Global Covenant supports ambitious, locally relevant solutions, captured through strategic action plans that are registered, implemented and monitored and publicly available
• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fostering Local Climate Resilience: The Global Covenant emphasizes the importance of both climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as universal access to clean energy

INNOVATE4CITIES: RESEARCH & INNOVATION AGENDA

Innovate4Cities: A Global Climate Action Accelerator, is an initiative responding to the Edmonton Declaration’s call to action. This city-focused research and innovation agenda addresses critical data, innovation, and technological gaps that will enable cities to take accelerated and more ambitious climate action. It has been co-developed by cities, city networks, scientists and research institutions, and leading private sector entities and focuses on some of the most critical areas to drive climate action in cities. A global set of priorities was released the One Planet Summit in New York City in September 2018. GCoM is working to solidify national government commitments, develop partnerships, and evolve the agenda throughout its network of Regional Covenants, guided by the Research and Innovation Technical Working Group.

HEAD OF RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Reporting to the Director of Strategy & Operations, but working under the management of the Special Advisor for Innovate4Cities, the Head of Research & Innovation contributes to all aspects of the Innovate4Cities Initiative.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Delivers on key strategic priorities and regional expansion of the Innovate4Cities research and innovation agenda
• Facilitates the activities of the Research and Innovation Technical Working Group and guides the coordinated research and innovation agenda across GCoM partner networks
• Supports and develops Innovate4Cities partnerships and leverages the capabilities of key partners to deliver the agenda
• Promotes the Innovate4Cities agenda through relevant forums and partnerships
• Contributes to policy papers and thought leadership work, helping to shape the future direction of innovative responses to the climate challenges that cities face
• Leads all planning and logistics for Innovate4Cities convenings
  • Plans, organizes, and executes all convenings, utilizing significant project management and event planning expertise
  • Creates and modifies documents and presentations for internal and external use. This includes preparing, editing, formatting, posting, and distributing briefing notes and meeting materials
  • Drafts messaging and materials for the initiative to be used for media strategies, workshops, and press releases

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proven ability to communicate with stakeholders on many levels and interact with other personnel and organizations including: Mayors and municipal leadership, funding/philanthropic organisations, academic institutions, legislative officials, and other stakeholders, and the public at large
• Experience developing and implementing cross-cutting research and innovation strategies, coupled with a strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, city network members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters: a relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to "manage by influence”
• Comfortable working within a network environment where collaboration and transparency are critical to success
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience and expertise in writing research reports and strategy documents and/or technical publications
• Public speaking and public presentation skills. Experience managing and delivering public and private events
• Passionate about climate change and sustainability issues and a passion for GCoM’s mission
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives
• Decisiveness in order to tackle and resolve difficult issues and to meet the Global Covenant’s mission
• Strong organizational skills

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates will be considered for the selection phase based on the following formal requirements to be fulfilled by the deadline for applications:

• Education: Master’s degree in environmental science, political science or other related fields or equivalent
• International Experience: Experience working in an international environment, particularly working across different cultures, languages and time zones
• Professional Experience: At least 5-7 years postgraduate professional experience in climate change related fields with an international organization
• Languages: A thorough knowledge of English is required and additional knowledge of one of the official languages of the European Union is preferred
• Place of Employment:  The place of employment is Brussels (Belgium). Applicants must have the right to work in Brussels (Belgium).  Moderate to significant travel may be required as well as the ability to participate in regular meetings outside of normal business hours.

Location

Brussels

Start Date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload below

• CV
• Cover Letter of no more then 2 pages (Both in English)