The Climate and Energy Cooperation Group (CECG) is recruiting a Program Director (Remote) to lead high-impact global climate programming.
This full-time, fixed-term senior management role reports directly to the Chief Programme Officer (CPO). Preference will be given to candidates based in Sub-Saharan Africa, South-East Asia, or East Asia.
🗓 Application Deadline: Monday, 23 March 2026 at 9:00 am CET
💼 Location: Globally remote
💰 Salary: Competitive
About the Climate and Energy Cooperation Group (CECG)
Climate and Energy Cooperation Group is a philanthropic fund established by leading climate philanthropies to advance climate solutions through strengthened international cooperation.
CECG operates as:
- A strategic bridge builder and convener
- A re-granter of high-impact climate partners
- A trusted advisor in international climate diplomacy
The organisation supports ambitious outcomes in multilateral and plurilateral climate processes and provides philanthropic actors with insights into urgent diplomatic opportunities.
About the Program Director Role
The Programme Director (PD) is responsible for shaping and delivering a high-impact programme strategy aligned with CECG’s mission.
The PD will:
- Define a compelling programme vision and theory of change
- Oversee responsible and strategic grantmaking
- Provide thought leadership in climate diplomacy
- Shape global climate discourse
- Build relationships across governments, civil society, philanthropy, academia, and the private sector
- Support fundraising efforts alongside senior leadership
The PD is a member of the Programme Leadership Team (PLT) and plays a central role in shaping organisational priorities.
Key Responsibilities
1️⃣ Programme Strategy Development (10%)
- Develop a clear programme strategy and theory of change
- Define pathways to measurable impact
- Prioritise resource allocation and structured work packages
- Present strategies to governance bodies
- Identify opportunities for programmatic growth
2️⃣ Programme Strategy Execution (65%)
Strategic Implementation
- Develop detailed delivery plans
- Assign responsibilities to Programme Managers
- Monitor budgets and ensure value for money
- Oversee grant-making with Grants and Finance teams
- Present proposals through governance channels
External Representation & Field Leadership
- Build networks across:
- Governments
- International institutions
- Civil society
- Academia
- Private sector
- Philanthropy
- Represent CECG at climate negotiations and strategic convenings
- Provide thought leadership and advocacy engagement
Monitoring, Learning & Compliance
- Oversee monitoring and evaluation
- Ensure adaptive learning informs strategy
- Coordinate donor reporting and compliance
- Provide regular updates to the CPO and governance bodies
Organisational Growth
- Identify new strategic opportunities
- Develop emerging focus areas
- Contribute to scaling long-term impact
3️⃣ Fundraising Support (10%)
- Engage prospective donors
- Build new funding relationships
- Support fundraising aligned with programme goals
- Serve as a brand ambassador
- Oversee relevant funder working groups
4️⃣ People Management (15%)
- Lead and inspire Programme Managers
- Delegate effectively and set performance expectations
- Foster an inclusive and psychologically safe team culture
- Coach staff and support professional development
- Manage resources and workload distribution
CECG values trust-based leadership and distributed decision-making.
Candidate Profile
CECG seeks a senior leader with deep expertise in climate diplomacy and programme strategy.
Required Experience
- Minimum 8 years’ senior management experience
- Background in public policy or public affairs
- Proven experience delivering change through:
- Advocacy
- Campaigning
- Strategic communications
- Strong stakeholder management track record
- Experience in multilateral or UN settings
- Experience in philanthropy and grant management
Desirable: Networks or background in trade or global security.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Climate, Energy, Environment, Economics, International Policy, Political Science, Management, Development Studies, or related field
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking with operational delivery skills
- Strong diplomatic and negotiation capability
- Ability to manage complex multi-stakeholder initiatives
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Comfort in politically sensitive environments
- Strong budget oversight and governance knowledge
Special Requirements
- International travel: 20–30 days per year
- Candidates must already have legal right to work in their country of residence
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- CV/Resume
- Cover letter outlining suitability and motivation
For informal inquiries, candidates may contact Shoshana Grammer at Upsall International. Applications will not be accepted via email to ensure GDPR compliance.
🗓 Deadline: Monday, 23 March 2026 at 9:00 am CET
Upsall International promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
Why This Role Matters
The Programme Director position offers a rare opportunity to shape global climate cooperation at the intersection of philanthropy, diplomacy, and advocacy.
For senior climate leaders — particularly those based in Sub-Saharan Africa or Asia — this is a chance to influence international climate negotiations and drive transformative outcomes through strategic philanthropy.
