Deadline for application: 13 February 2023

WBCSD is the premier global, CEO-led community of over 200 of the world’s leading sustainable businesses working collectively to accelerate the system transformations needed for a net zero, nature positive, and more equitable future.

We do this by engaging executives and sustainability leaders from business and elsewhere to share practical insights on the obstacles and opportunities we currently face in tackling the integrated climate, nature and inequality sustainability challenge; by co-developing “how-to” CEO-guides from these insights; by providing science-based target guidance including standards and protocols; and by developing tools and platforms to help leading businesses in sustainability drive integrated actions to tackle climate, nature and inequality challenges across sectors and geographical regions.

Our member companies come from all business sectors and all major economies, representing a combined revenue of more than USD $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees. Our global network of almost 70 national business councils gives our members unparalleled reach across the globe. Since 1995, WBCSD has been uniquely positioned to work with member companies along and across value chains to deliver impactful business solutions to the most challenging sustainability issues. 

Together, we are the leading voice of business for sustainability, united by our vision of creating a world in which 9+ billion people are living well, within planetary boundaries, by mid-century. 

Guided by WBCSD’s Vision 2050, the Energy Pathway work aims to create a sustainable energy system which provides reliable and affordable net-zero carbon energy for all. The speed at which the energy system will be decarbonized will critically influence our ability to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C. Projects in the Energy Pathway bring together forward-thinking companies across value chains to design a net-zero carbon, nature positive and equitable energy transformation as well as scale innovative business models for low-carbon energy solutions.

Job Overview

The Energy Pathway team is hiring a full-time Senior Associate to lead “Tackling Inequality in Energy Value Chains”, which is a designated workstream at the intersection of the Energy Pathway and Equity Imperative in WBCSD.

The Senior Associate will work with internal and external stakeholders to research emerging trends and identify key areas for business action in the context of realizing a more equitable energy value chain. This will involve leveraging insights being developed by WBCSD’s Business Commission to Tackle Inequality and exploring their relevance and implications for the energy sector. A key component of the work over the first 6 months will be the framing and design of the workstream, developing suitable content and proposals for action with and for WBCSD member companies. The topic is broad and multifaceted and as such will require input from various internal and external stakeholders to determine key deliverables, which may include reports, webinars, blogs, workshops, conference events and policy advocacy action.

The Senior Associate will be part of the larger Energy Pathway team as well as the Equity Action team within WBCSD and can expect to, occasionally, also work on other energy or equity related projects.

The benefits of working at the intersection of the Energy and Equity teams include:

• Gaining exposure to an exciting, evolving and crucial societal challenge, namely the just transition to a net-zero energy system
• Helping shape real-world action via high-profile WBCSD member companies
• Learning from experienced professionals in the fields of energy and equity in a global setting
• Developing a wide network of professional contacts in the field of energy, equity and sustainability
• Being part of a dynamic, supportive team with a clear purpose

Responsibilities and duties

• Independently research the topic and strive to become a subject matter expert in due course, with support from other WBCSD staff working on the topic, with the aim of;
  • Defining the scope and deliverables for the workstream “Tackling Inequality in Energy Value Chains” in 2023 (and beyond)
  • Developing a project work plan with clear milestones, deliverables and stakeholder engagements
  • Support the line manager and Director with relevant decision making
• Drive the actions defined in the project work plan with support from WBCSD and member company staff
• Support the development of communication material and social media engagement, as required
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders to drive collaborative action e.g., key NGOs/IGOs in the space
• Plan and host engagement events with WBCSD member companies, partnering organisations and key internal stakeholders
• Develop briefs and write briefings for the Director (or other senior WBCSD staff) for speaking roles in various external events

Qualifications Skills and Experience

• Education: University degree level education, preferably in a relevant discipline (energy, economics, sustainability, human rights )
• General experience:
  • Professional experience or demonstrated interest in the global energy landscape, with a specific focus on inequality topics, such as the just transition or human right due diligence
  • Experienced in researching, critical analysis and writing of reports, blogs, articles and summaries for a variety of audiences
  • Experience of studying, working or volunteering on an international basis (e.g., to deal with different languages, time zones and cultural expectations)
• Organization and coordination skills:
• Capacity to work independently by setting priorities, project planning and managing a variety of ad hoc demands simultaneously, identify and proactively address problems and work to changing deadlines
• Managing a variety of internal and external stakeholders simultaneously
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated skills in communication (communication tools such as PPT and social media); database management (proficient with database management software’s such as Salesforce) and events organization (excellent organisational skills)
• Communication skills:
  • Professional fluency in English (written and spoken) is critical
  • Writes convincingly in an engaging and expressive manner with clear language and in a well-structured and logical way
  • Structures and presents information to meet the needs of the intended audience
  • Proficient user of PowerPoint and able to produce and design professional slide packs
• Characteristics:
• Naturally curious to understand the opportunities and barriers for the just energy transition and passion to convey this message to diverse audiences.
• Team player and ability to work effectively with diverse partners/stakeholders
• Driven to act and deliver
• Persevering and behaving diplomatically in environments where stakeholders may have very different views and preferences

The position is full-time and based in either Amsterdam, London, Singapore or New York, but will also require occasional international travel.

WBCSD is a purpose driven, forward-thinking and action-oriented organization, characterised by diversity of gender, nationalities and work experiences.

The Work Environment

WBCSD offers a competitive, modern, and flexible working arrangement. 

• Geneva-based organization with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, London, New Delhi, Singapore and New York City. 
• Competitive compensation and benefits. 
• State-of-the-art facilities and ICT-enabled working tools. 
• Flex-time and part-time possibilities. 
• Dynamic working atmosphere. 
• Open culture encouraging interaction and sharing of ideas and opinions. 
• Sustainable commuting incentives. 

Please also note that WBCSD will only respond to candidates selected for the interview process.