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Director, Climate (Policy and Corporate Action), London

Client:

Children's Investment Fund Foundation

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference:

ea9e90a20ca3

Job Views:

5

Posted:

14.07.2025

Expiry Date:

28.08.2025

Job Description:

Main purpose of the role

As a recognized leader in climate change policy and corporate action, this senior role leads the development and implementation of impactful, evidence-based strategies and plans to accelerate the decarbonization of key sectors. This involves collaborating closely with major businesses, financial institutions, governments, and diverse civil society partners and funders to drive impactful change globally and across our priority regions.

The role requires a deep commitment to tackling the climate crisis, creativity, and the drive to identify strategic insights and co-design programs to deliver on them. It involves understanding policy, corporate, and financial dynamics in sectors like aviation, autos, steel, buildings, and oil & gas, and using various levers such as data, advocacy, legal action, corporate accountability, public engagement, technical assistance, and capacity building. The role demands an international mindset to navigate global climate challenges, especially in regions including South-East & East Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

Based in London, the role is a key link across CIFF's Global Sectoral Decarbonisation, Corporate Action & Transition Finance strategy and regional portfolios, working closely with programme leads. It requires exceptional leadership and coaching skills to foster a learning environment, promote curiosity and risk-taking, and ensure excellence across the Climate team and extended grantee network. The role also involves implementing CIFF's ecosystem-building approach within the climate portfolio.

Requirements

Role’s responsibilities

• Responsible for strategy, pipeline development, and programme management under CIFF’s Global Sectoral Decarbonisation, Corporate Action & Transition Finance strategy.
• Provide expertise in climate policy, governance, corporate transformation, and sectoral transitions to support the Climate Leadership Team and senior management.
• Ensure wellbeing and foster a positive team culture, adhering to CIFF’s Code of Respect.
• Adopt a coaching approach to build capability and confidence within the team and ecosystem.
• Lead on corporate, cross-cutting initiatives and deputize for the Global Director, Climate as needed.
• Ensure the strategy and portfolio enable delivery of core Climate strategies, collaborating with various teams and building evidence for investment decisions.
• Develop and implement the team’s annual plan, prioritizing resources and activities.
• Stay informed on societal and political trends affecting climate strategies and reflect these insights internally.
• Introduce innovative thinking to scale work and maximize impact, focusing on business engagement and public affairs.
• Coordinate across teams to ensure coherence within Climate and the wider Foundation.
• Oversee development and implementation of investment proposals and high-impact programs, ensuring quality and strategic alignment.
• Monitor targets for pipeline, investments, and grants, and provide guidance and mentoring to colleagues.
• Analyze team performance data to support decision-making and planning.
• Manage a caseload of live programs aligned with thematic priorities.

Sector knowledge and ecosystem building

• Act as an ambassador for CIFF, working with the Ecosystem Development Team to build capacity and coordination across ecosystems.
• Conduct ecosystem evaluations and invest in strengthening partner ecosystems through convening, training, and mentoring.
• Provide leadership within the philanthropic and donor community on relevant issues.
• Manage relationships with key partners and stakeholders to support Foundation objectives.
• Advise and mentor colleagues and senior leaders, maintaining communication with senior management and external stakeholders.
• Develop external relationships to enhance CIFF’s reputation and profile, representing the Foundation in senior capacities and contributing to thought leadership.

Leadership

• Provide inspiring leadership that models CIFF’s values, empowering staff to excel.
• Use a coaching approach to foster openness, trust, and diversity of thought.

Skills & Experience

• Strong background in private and public sector climate action, with senior-level experience in policy, public affairs, or corporate strategy.
• Innovative, pragmatic, and solution-oriented thinker.
• Entrepreneurial, with project management skills and adaptability.
• Deep commitment to climate transition support.
• Ability to assess organizational management, recruit, influence, and advise management teams.
• Credible in promoting CIFF’s programs and building relationships.
• Skilled in relationship building, influencing, and collaboration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and socio-economic contexts.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Self-starter with resilience and pace in work.

CIFF offers a hybrid work policy and a competitive benefits package including annual leave, discretionary bonus, training allowance, life and medical insurance.

Please submit your application by 31 July. CIFF reserves the right to close the application early if sufficient suitable applications are received.