Positiom available: Mekong Director, International Energy Programme

We are looking for an experienced strategist with an excellent track record and outstanding networking skills and with a strong knowledge of campaigning, advocacy and coalition-building. If you want to be involved in working with a diverse array of groups, developing grant-making strategy and advising on grant-making, this is the position for you! 

The European Climate Foundation’s International Energy Programme works globally to support civil society efforts to engage on energy issues in the interests of clean air and a safe climate. In the Mekong Region, we work in Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar to support civil society efforts to transform the electricity system to clean energy sources. We are looking for a Mekong Director to manage our electricity transformation programme. The goal of the program is to support civil society efforts to ensure a rapid transition away from fossil fuels and to renewable energy, with a major focus on Vietnam. 
We are looking for an experienced strategist with an excellent track record and outstanding networking skills and with a strong knowledge of campaigning, advocacy and coalition-building. If you want to be involved in working with a diverse array of groups, developing grant-making strategy and advising on grant-making, this is the position for you! 

CONTRACT: 12 month initial contract, full-time position, possibility of renewal based on funding availability and performance  

SALARY: Competitive salary commensurate with experience.  

LOCATION:  Mekong region, specific location flexible for the right candidate 

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Mekong Director is responsible for developing and implementing our energy transitions programme in the Mekong Region. S/he will also support the Southeast and East Asia Program Director in managing the overall program across Southeast and East Asia (SEEA).  
 Key areas of responsibility include:  
 • Strategy: The Mekong Program Director is responsible for continuously assessing and developing strategy for electricity sector transformation in our key countries in the region, in consultation with key partners. This includes ensuring that a multi-faceted, complex and multi-layered strategy is developed together with local and regional partners and that the strategy is continuously evaluated.  

• Partnerships and Networking: The Mekong Director will be expected to maintain strong relationships with existing grantees in Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar and work to develop the field of available partners in these countries. S/he will work to ensure that grantees coordinate efforts well and are able to work collaboratively to seek the best possible outcome, and will also ensure that grantees have the training and strategic support necessary for success.

• Grantmaking: The Mekong Director will be responsible for developing and managing grants, working with potential grantees to develop proposals and monitoring and evaluating the work of grantees. S/he will also be responsible for managing grantmaking budgets and reporting to foundations and others on the progress being made in the region. 

• Advisory: advise foundations on the key strategies and budget needs of the region and deputise for the SEEA Program Director in managing and implementing the overall regional program. 

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED  

• At least 8 years experience of developing, managing and implementing successful and innovative strategies in campaigns or policy advocacy with visible results in terms of policy and practice change. Experience of effectively managing participation in coalitions. 
 
• Demonstrable ability to develop strong programme plans, including ability to identify ‘winnable’ outcomes with partners, set priorities, plan interventions and evaluate progress 
 
• Knowledge of how policy advocacy and campaigning efforts are built across multiple partners, recognising the skills they bring to an overall effort.  
 
• Understanding of how to build capacity of NGOs to effectively plan and implement complex strategies. Understanding of NGO approaches and motivations. 
 
• Experience of managing and co-ordinating projects; of negotiating and developing mutual co-operation across teams; and of working within teams. Ability to work within budget constraints and manage budgets. 
 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working ability in at least one other regional language a plus. 
 
• Commitment to ECF’s mission, values and approach. In particular commitment to transforming electricity systems in the interests of clean air and a safe climate. 
 
• Ability to travel across the region when required.  
 
 DESIRABLE

• Understanding of the power sector and prior experience in or knowledge of the renewable energy industry in Vietnam or Thailand highly desirable.  

• Understanding of grantmaking practice. 
 
TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter stating why you are interested in the position and detailing your skills and qualifications to international.energy@europeanclimate.org. Please also include a writing sample in English. Position open until filled.  
 www.europeanclimate.org