Programme Manager/ Senior Programme Manager temporary post (full or part time) – Industry and Circular economy 

CISL Europe office 

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is a an impact-led institute within the University of Cambridge that activates leadership globally to transform economies for people, nature and climate. Through our global network and hubs in Cambridge, Cape Town and Brussels, we work with leaders and innovators across business, finance and government to accelerate action for a sustainable future.   

CISL’s European office works at EU, member state and international levels to deliver influential projects that include the European Corporate Leaders Group,  the Materials and Products Taskforce and the EU Green Growth Partnership. We work closely with several partners, including as a founding partner of the We Mean Business Coalition and convener of a European group of national business networks working on climate.  Our mission in Brussels is to bring business leaders and European policy makers together to accelerate action on climate and sustainability issues, by drawing on business experience and thought leadership from the University of Cambridge and other experts to inform the debate and influence the speed and direction of policy. 

We are looking for additional temporary capacity (initially for six months but with the potential to extend).   The ideal candidate would be capable of setting the strategic direction in the team in cooperation with the Director and Programme managers on industrial policy and the circular economy and leading on the implementation of the strategy with support from the Brussels and Cambridge teams. We would be happy to discuss whether this would be full or part time.  

About the role 

• Do you want to work for an organisation that works with leaders across business, academia and civil society to drive the transition to a sustainable and resilient economy?, Do you want to lead the development and implementation of impactful policy projects such as advocacy campaigns, events, publications and convening networks & actors in the policy and business space, around the critical questions of the clean industrial deal, competitive sustainability and the circular economy, and how they can contribute to a climate neutral and nature positive economy?  ?  

The team is looking for temporary additional capacity for a six-month period to lead and support our work with companies and policy makers. As a Programme Manager or Senior Programme Manager, you will provide strategic leadership to projects in your area, oversee delivery and manage the development of new partnerships and funding to expand the work. Key areas of focus for this role are to reinvigorate the Materials and Products Taskforce and support engagement on the EU industrial policy. 

To note this is an atypical role for a University Programme Manager – with a strong emphasis on external engagement, fundraising and business development, communications and impact.  

We are looking for an individual who has knowledge and experience of influencing policy, particularly in the EU industry and circular economy space. The ideal candidate would be looking to work with businesses to help support the transition towards a sustainable, resilient and competitive economy 

Applicants must be committed to the values that underpin CISL’s work and will be expected to demonstrate the following essential skills and experience: 

• Advanced understanding of and practical experience with EU policy and advocacy processes, in particular related to industry and circular economy. 
• Strong strategic skills to identify opportunities on how leading businesses can support the EU’s industrial and circular economy agenda. Experience of delivering effective strategies for change and understanding of how to develop such strategies that bring together policy, advocacy and communications.  
• Experience of managing the development, delivery and evaluation of a portfolio of programmes / platforms to high quality standards, generating real impact on time and within budget 
• Experience of developing recommendations, position papers, responses to consultations 
• Strong relationship management skills and a proven ability to grow and maintain relationships with partners; companies, policy makers and funders. This also implies an ability to drive business development and philanthropic funding engagement.  
• Strong project management and organisational skills, that would enable overseeing a number of complex projects at the same time including event management, financial planning, developing and maintaining budgets 
• Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to make complex content accessible to a wide range of audiences. 
• Experience of working in a fast-paced, pressured environment as part of a team. 
• Ability to work on own initiative, be flexible and manage competing priorities. 
• Highly proficient in spoken and written English 
• Qualified to at least degree level or equivalent 

The following attributes are desirable: 

• Line management experience 
• Additional languages beyond English 
• Good awareness of international policy processes 
• Experience of strategic communications and links to advocacy, for example policy related social media or media campaigns.  
• Experience of working with or in the private sector, business networks or associations.  

This post is located in Brussels. The team has an office in Brussels and we are currently working flexibly with the expectation that team members work in the office a few days a week. Applicants must have the right to work in Belgium, and be based within a commutable distance to Brussels.   

As this is a temporary post, we would be open to offering an employment contract or to assess submissions by a free lance consultant.