Context of the role

A new organisation focused on the decarbonisation of the global steel sector is seeking a Strategic and Organizational Director who can lead on organizational development, team management, and oversight of high-level strategy.

Initially, the organisation will be hosted by the International Energy Programme at the European Climate Foundation (ECF). The Director will be responsible for planning and executing a transition to a standalone entity after 1 year.  

We are looking for a unique individual with a drive for the highest quality management, systems design, strategic insight, and people motivation.  

A background in steel is not essential. We are looking for an experienced strategist with an excellent track record and outstanding networking skills and with a strong knowledge of how to bring about change at the international level working with civil society, government, business, and other stakeholders.  
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Key responsibilities

Organisational Management and Development  

• Overall initiation and management of the organization covering business planning (including robust monitoring and evaluation), operational processes, and HR processes; 

• Synthesis of High-Level Strategy, developed together with a team that you build and reporting to a steering committee of funders and experts; 

• Management of a significant funding budget with likely future growth; 

• Ensuring systems for quality control, risk management and exceptional monitoring and evaluation.

Team Management 

• Build and manage a team of 4-5 people working in separate countries with likely future growth;  

• Planning, implementing and leading the functions and operation of the team, including line-management;    

• Building team structures, processes and culture to drive impact, efficiency and nimbleness;  

• Embodying and upholding organisational values and principles and facilitating the creation of a strong team culture.  

Reporting to a Steering Committee

• Managing a Steering Committee of committed funders to meet their needs and expectations in delivering strategy and exceptional performance;  

• Ensure regular reporting to funders and overall responsibility for ensuring that targets are met.  

Responsibility for overseeing transition to a standalone entity 

Within the first year of operation you will; 

• Begin to build capabilities towards a spin-off in the 2nd year of operation 

• Articulate to the steering committee the operating model of the future entity, leveraging the support of the ECF 

• In the second year of operation you will execute the transition to a standalone entity. 

You will have at least ten years of relevant experience of developing, managing and implementing successful and innovative strategies to bring about change with visible results in terms of policy and practice change. You will need a solid understanding of how civil society can help drive change, through both collaborative and confrontational means. And you will have the potential for exceptional organizational leadership, based on existing experience of managing teams and overseeing strategies.

Specifically, you will have :

• A minimum of 10+ years of relevant work experience, including in a senior role in government, business or an NGO. 

• Demonstrated experience managing a diverse team, ideally including responsibility for operational functions including organisational development, finance and fundraising. 

• Demonstrated experience interacting with senior policy and decision-makers in NGOs, industry, government and/or the financial sector. 

• Excellent strategic capabilities and board management skills.  

• Strong networking skills, insights in community building and experience with culture development. 

• A personal commitment to solving the climate crisis and enabling systemic change. 

• Willingness to travel frequently regionally and internationally. 

• A demonstrable ability to self-manage and self-organise establishing your own workspace and schedule. 

• Sharp written and verbal skills, fluent English language skills; other (regional) languages are desirable. 

• A grasp of the specific challenges connected to decarbonising the steel sector is desirable but it is more important that you have experience of changemaking on climate issues and strong management skills.

What we offer

• Initial one year contract consultancy with likelihood of renewal

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;

• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;

• A highly flexible self-managed approach in terms of day-to-day arrangements. 

• An initial one-year consultancy contract with possibility of extension

• An extended network of close partners with technical understanding of the issues, strong international and local change-making experience and a deep knowledge of grantmaking and strategy development; 

Location

Location is flexible however an Asian or European time zone is most practical. The candidate will need to demonstrate their ability to fulfil the demands of the role from their preferred location which can include a home office. 

Start date

As soon as possible.

How to apply

How to apply: Please upload your CV and a short cover letter (both in English) explaining your motivation.