Programme Manager / Senior Programme Manager – Industrial Strategy, Decarbonisation and Innovation

Programme Manager/ Senior Programme Manager   Industrial Strategy, Decarbonisation and Innovation

CISL Europe    

CISL Europe is the Brussels-based hub of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), an impact-led institute that activates leadership globally to transform economies for people, nature and climate. We work with leaders and innovators across business, finance and government to accelerate action for a sustainable future.

We are looking for a Programme Manager, based in Brussels, to lead our work in support of the successful implementation of the EU Clean Industrial Deal. This is a funded project, initially for one year with a high likelihood of extension.

CISL Europe works at EU and international levels through a range of projects including the European Corporate Leaders Group, a coalition of leading businesses supported by CISL to drive the EU’s clean economic transition but also thought leadership like the Competitive Sustainability Index.

Working at the highest level with EU policy makers, we help shape the policy landscape in Europe and globally, embed climate and nature ambition into industrial strategy, and accelerate the clean energy transition. Our goal is to create the conditions for business to shape — not just adapt to — the future. 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 and the EU Green Growth Partnership with Climate and Environment Ministers.

About the role   

• Organises efforts to support EU policies that enables the uptake of clean technology and innovation
• Works with leaders across business, finance, academia and civil society to drive the transition to a sustainable, competitive and resilient economy
• Leads the development and implementation of impactful policy projects, including mobilising business through advocacy campaigns, events, publications and convening networks, to drive industrial decarbonisation and innovation

We are looking for an individual who has knowledge and experience of influencing policy, particularly in relation to the Clean Industrial Deal and policies driving EU industrial decarbonisation and innovation. The ideal candidate would be looking to work with businesses and the broader Brussels policy ecosystem to help support the transition towards a sustainable, resilient and competitive economy.

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

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 the EU industry and climate policy frameworks.
• Strong strategic skills to identify opportunities on how leading businesses can support the EU’s industrial decarbonisation 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 projects and campaigns to high quality standards, generating real impact on time and within budget. This implies strong project management, event management, financial planning, and developing and maintaining budgets.
• Experience of developing recommendations, position papers, responses to consultations, etc.
• Strong relationship management skills and a proven ability to grow and maintain relationships with partners, including businesses, policy makers and funders.
• Ability to drive business development and philanthropic funding engagement.
• 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 environment as part of a team, adapting to a changing policy landscape, and managing junior colleagues to deliver in this context.
• 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
• Good awareness of climate, environment, finance, trade and broader policies relevant to industrial decarbonisation.
• 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, working out of our office there. Current working patterns are that team members are expected to work in the office at least two days a week. Applicants must have the right to work in Belgium and be based within a commutable distance to Brussels.  CISL offers a competitive Belgian package.

Please apply by sharing a cover letter and a CV to bxlhuman.resources@cisl.cam.ac.uk. 

The deadline for applications is 25 January 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for two rounds of interviews and a written exercise.

CISL actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.