Summary
This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the world's most influential networks of subnational governments at the forefront of climate action. As Director of the Under2 Coalition and Subnational Governments, you will shape the Coalition's global strategy and influence, working with governors, premiers, ministers and senior officials to accelerate climate ambition and turn political commitments into measurable implementation.
Leading a high-performing international team, you will build trusted partnerships across governments, philanthropies, international organisations and the private sector, mobilise resources to scale impact, and strengthen the Coalition's role in international climate diplomacy. You will drive delivery of a high-impact global programme that supports more than 200 state and regional governments to advance net zero, climate resilience and sustainable economic growth.
As a member of Climate Group's senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's global influence, positioning subnational governments as indispensable partners in delivering the energy transition and global climate goals through 2030.
For deeper insight into the role and our ambitions for Under2, please see the candidate pack.
About the role
The Director - Under2 Coalition and Subnational Governments postholder leads Climate Group's global engagement with state and regional governments, providing strategic leadership for the Under2 Coalition the world's largest network of ambitious subnational governments committed to achieving net zero emissions and building climate resilience.
Reporting to the Executive Director, Governments and Policy, you will shape the Coalition's strategic direction, political influence and long-term impact, working closely with governors, premiers, ministers and senior officials to accelerate climate ambition and translate political commitments into measurable implementation.
Leading a high-performing international team, you will strengthen partnerships across governments, philanthropies, multilateral organisations and the private sector, mobilise resources to support delivery, and position the Under2 Coalition as a trusted global platform for subnational climate leadership. As a member of the Governments and Policy leadership team, you will play a key role in advancing Climate Group's mission by ensuring state and regional governments remain at the forefront of international climate action.
Key responsibilities will include:
Strategy leadership and Coalition direction
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Shape and lead the global strategy, vision and long-term direction of the Under2 Coalition, ensuring alignment with Climate Groups organisational priorities and the evolving international climate landscape
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Translate global climate ambition into a coherent subnational strategy focused on implementation, impact, and systems change across key regions
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Lead annual planning and priority setting, ensuring the Coalition remains responsive to geopolitical, economic, and energy transition dynamics
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Drive continuous refinement of the Coalitions value proposition, positioning it as a leading global platform for subnational climate leadership and implementation
Programme development and delivery
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Oversee the design and delivery of high-impact global and regional programmes that support members in advancing net zero, resilience, and clean energy transitions in partnership with governments and policy management team
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Ensure effective implementation of peer-to-peer initiatives, technical exchanges, and collaborative platforms across member governments through global engagement
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Strengthen the link between knowledge, policy, finance, and implementation through targeted programmes and strategic partnerships
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Ensure all programme activity is results-driven, evidence-based, and aligned with measurable impact outcomes through evidence and insights
Political engagement and global influence
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Lead high-level engagement with governors, premiers, ministers and senior government officials across key global regions
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Represent the Coalition in international climate forums, including COP processes, multilateral platforms and strategic global convenings
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Build and maintain trusted relationships with political leaders and senior officials to advance climate ambition and implementation
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Position the Under2 Coalition as a key actor in international climate diplomacy and subnational leadership in partnership with the policy and advocacy colleagues
Partnerships, fundraising and external relations
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Lead strategic engagement with philanthropic partners, governments, multilaterals to secure financial and political support for the Coalition
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Develop and grow the Coalitions funding base, including new partnership models and long-term resource mobilisation strategies
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Cultivate senior external relationships to expand the Coalitions influence, reach and impact across regions
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Represent the Coalition as a senior spokesperson in high-level external engagements and global convenings
Governance, accountability and financial stewardship
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Oversee governance structures including Steering Group and Co-Chair relationships, ensuring effective decision-making and strategic oversight
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Ensure robust reporting, monitoring and learning systems are in place to track progress, impact and organisational performance
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Manage overall budget oversight, financial planning and forecasting for Coalition activities
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Ensure transparency, accountability and alignment of resources with strategic priorities
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Support board and associated reporting in partnership with the Executive Director of Governments and Policy.
Youll work in a highly collaborative, international environment, where a diversity of perspectives and experiences is valued and encouraged.
About you
We're looking for an experienced international leader who combines strategic thinking with exceptional relationship management and a strong track record of translating ambition into delivery. You will be politically astute, collaborative and comfortable operating at the intersection of governments, philanthropy and international organisations to accelerate climate action.
Essential
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Significant senior leadership experience delivering international strategies, programmes or partnerships within climate, sustainability, energy transition or public policy.
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Demonstrated success building trusted relationships with governors, premiers, ministers, senior government officials and executive leaders across diverse political and cultural contexts.
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Proven ability to lead complex international partnerships, coalitions or multi-stakeholder initiatives, bringing together diverse interests to achieve shared outcomes.
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Strong strategic leadership skills, with experience shaping organisational direction, identifying emerging opportunities and adapting to a rapidly evolving external environment.
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Experience leading and developing high-performing international teams, creating an inclusive, accountable and empowering culture.
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Demonstrated experience securing and managing strategic partnerships and funding from philanthropic, government or institutional donors.
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Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills, with experience representing organisations at senior international forums and with the media where appropriate.
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Strong programme and portfolio leadership experience, including oversight of planning, governance, monitoring, budgets and organisational performance.
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Sound political judgement and the ability to navigate complex policy and institutional environments with diplomacy and credibility.
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A commitment to collaboration, continuous learning and delivering measurable impact in a fast-paced international organisation.
Desirable
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Experience working with subnational governments, international city or regional networks, or multilateral institutions.
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Knowledge of international climate governance, including the UNFCCC process, COP negotiations and the evolving global climate architecture.
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Experience working across emerging and developing economies.
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Understanding of climate finance, implementation, and the role of subnational governments in delivering the energy transition.
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Experience working within membership organisations, international coalitions or network-based organisations.
We value passion, collaboration and a commitment to climate action. If you meet most of the above criteria, we strongly encourage you to apply.
About Climate Group
Climate Group drives climate action. Fast. Our goal is a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all.
We focus on systems with the highest emissions and where our networks have the greatest opportunity to drive change. We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organisations accountable, turning their commitments into action.
We share what we achieve together to show more organisations what they could do. We are an international non-profit organisation, founded in 2004, with offices in London, Amsterdam, Beijing, New Delhi and New York.
Climate Group is an international organisation, and we want to reflect that in our staff. People who work for us, and people who apply, need to feel heard, safe, and included. That is why we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our application process and in our offices. We encourage applications from people of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and ethnicities, as we value a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
Where youll work
Based in our London office, near the iconic Tower Bridge, youll enjoy a flexible hybrid working arrangement of five days in the office over the fortnight.
Our office is designed to support both collaborative work and focused individual time. It includes accessible facilities, a well-equipped gym, secure bike storage, and showers. Plus, were easy to reach by bike and public transport.
The role will require frequent international travel.
What we offer
At Climate Group, our people are at the heart of what we do. Youll join a global community of bold, ambitious doers committed to driving climate action fast.
This is a permanent position. The salary offered is £81,000 to £87,000 per annum, based on experience.
Many of our people work flexibly in different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about your preferred ways of working and if it works for the role and the team, well do our best to accommodate.
To enable sustainable high performance in support of our mission, while prioritising the health and wellbeing of our people, we offer a 9-day fortnight. This is a way of working that encourages smarter planning and effective prioritisation, where each fortnight includes either a scheduled non-working day or a bank holiday. It is a flexible, non-contractual benefit that may adapt around business needs and periods of higher workload.
Beyond working alongside friendly, motivated colleagues who will support and challenge you, we offer a fantastic benefits package:
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Generous holiday allowance: 25 days annually, plus public holidays and 3 extra days for our Christmas to New Year closure
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10% employer pension contribution: Non-contributory scheme available after three months service
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Long-service reward: An additional days holiday after three and six years with us
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Flexible and hybrid working: Supporting your work-life balance
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Comprehensive health benefits: Cash plan and private medical insurance after completing probation
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Family-first policies: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, plus support for fertility treatments
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Wellbeing perks: Monthly wellbeing allowance and Headspace membership
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Additional leave options: Paid leave for volunteering, moving house, and getting married
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Peace of mind: Life assurance from your first day
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Cycling support: E-bike and bike loan scheme up to £1,000
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Travel made easier: Season ticket and e-bike membership loan scheme
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Investing in you: Learning and development opportunities to help you thrive in a global, purpose-driven organisation
Apply now
Ready to make an impact? Apply now with your CV and a one-page cover letter that highlights how your experience and values align with our mission.
If you need further information, would like the job advert in an accessible format, or require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Heather James, HR Director at [email protected].
The closing date for applications is midnight BST on 31 July 2026. Well be holding interviews on a rolling basis, so we encourage early applications.
To be eligible for this position, you must already have the right to work in the UK. Climate Group is unable to sponsor work visas or cover any related costs, including cases where candidates are willing to cover the costs themselves.
To be eligible for this position, you must already have the right to work in the UK. Climate Group is unable to sponsor work visas or cover any related costs, including cases where candidates are willing to cover the costs themselves.
We will not be working with recruitment agencies for this role.
