Director, Under2 Coalition and Subnational Governments

Summary

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the world's most influential networks of subnational governments at the forefront of climate action. As Director of the Under2 Coalition and Subnational Governments, you will shape the Coalition's global strategy and influence, working with governors, premiers, ministers and senior officials to accelerate climate ambition and turn political commitments into measurable implementation.

Leading a high-performing international team, you will build trusted partnerships across governments, philanthropies, international organisations and the private sector, mobilise resources to scale impact, and strengthen the Coalition's role in international climate diplomacy. You will drive delivery of a high-impact global programme that supports more than 200 state and regional governments to advance net zero, climate resilience and sustainable economic growth.

As a member of Climate Group's senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's global influence, positioning subnational governments as indispensable partners in delivering the energy transition and global climate goals through 2030.

For deeper insight into the role and our ambitions for Under2, please see the candidate pack.

About the role

The Director - Under2 Coalition and Subnational Governments postholder leads Climate Group's global engagement with state and regional governments, providing strategic leadership for the Under2 Coalition – the world's largest network of ambitious subnational governments committed to achieving net zero emissions and building climate resilience.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Governments and Policy, you will shape the Coalition's strategic direction, political influence and long-term impact, working closely with governors, premiers, ministers and senior officials to accelerate climate ambition and translate political commitments into measurable implementation.

Leading a high-performing international team, you will strengthen partnerships across governments, philanthropies, multilateral organisations and the private sector, mobilise resources to support delivery, and position the Under2 Coalition as a trusted global platform for subnational climate leadership. As a member of the Governments and Policy leadership team, you will play a key role in advancing Climate Group's mission by ensuring state and regional governments remain at the forefront of international climate action.

The key responsibilities of the role will cover the following areas - please refer to the candidate pack for full details on each:

• Strategy leadership and Coalition direction
• Programme development and delivery
• Political engagement and global influence
• Partnerships, fundraising and external relations
• Governance, accountability and financial stewardship

You’ll work in a highly collaborative, international environment, where a diversity of perspectives and experiences is valued and encouraged.

About you

We're looking for an experienced international leader who combines strategic thinking with exceptional relationship management and a strong track record of translating ambition into delivery. You will be politically astute, collaborative and comfortable operating at the intersection of governments, philanthropy and international organisations to accelerate climate action.

Please refer to the candidate pack for full details.

We value passion, collaboration and a commitment to climate action. If you meet most of the above criteria, we strongly encourage you to apply.

About Climate Group

Climate Group drives climate action. Fast. Our goal is a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all.

We focus on systems with the highest emissions and where our networks have the greatest opportunity to drive change. We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organisations accountable, turning their commitments into action.

We share what we achieve together to show more organisations what they could do. We are an international non-profit organisation, founded in 2004, with offices in London, Amsterdam, Beijing, New Delhi and New York.

Climate Group is an international organisation, and we want to reflect that in our staff. People who work for us, and people who apply, need to feel heard, safe, and included. That is why we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our application process and in our offices. We encourage applications from people of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and ethnicities, as we value a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

Where you’ll work

Based in our London office, near the iconic Tower Bridge, you’ll enjoy a flexible hybrid working arrangement of five days in the office over the fortnight.

Our office is designed to support both collaborative work and focused individual time. It includes accessible facilities, a well-equipped gym, secure bike storage, and showers. Plus, we’re easy to reach by bike and public transport.

The role will require frequent international travel.

What we offer

At Climate Group, our people are at the heart of what we do. You’ll join a global community of bold, ambitious doers committed to driving climate action fast.

This is a permanent position. The salary offered is £81,000 to £87,000 per annum, based on experience.

Many of our people work flexibly in different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about your preferred ways of working and if it works for the role and the team, we’ll do our best to accommodate.

To enable sustainable high performance in support of our mission, while prioritising the health and wellbeing of our people, we offer a 9-day fortnight. This is a way of working that encourages smarter planning and effective prioritisation, where each fortnight includes either a scheduled non-working day or a bank holiday. It is a flexible, non-contractual benefit that may adapt around business needs and periods of higher workload.

Beyond working alongside friendly, motivated colleagues who will support and challenge you, we offer a fantastic benefits package:

• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days annually, plus public holidays and 3 extra days for our Christmas to New Year closure
• 10% employer pension contribution: Non-contributory scheme available after three months’ service
• Long-service reward: An additional day’s holiday after three and six years with us
• Flexible and hybrid working: Supporting your work-life balance
• Comprehensive health benefits: Cash plan and private medical insurance after completing probation
• Family-first policies: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, plus support for fertility treatments
• Wellbeing perks: Monthly wellbeing allowance and Headspace membership
• Additional leave options: Paid leave for volunteering, moving house, and getting married
• Peace of mind: Life assurance from your first day
• Cycling support: E-bike and bike loan scheme up to £1,000
• Travel made easier: Season ticket and e-bike membership loan scheme
• Investing in you: Learning and development opportunities to help you thrive in a global, purpose-driven organisation

Apply now

Ready to make an impact? Apply now with your CV and a one-page cover letter that highlights how your experience and values align with our mission.

If you need further information, would like the job advert in an accessible format, or require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Heather James, HR Director at hjames@climategroup.org.

The closing date for applications is midnight BST on 31 July 2026. We’ll be holding interviews on a rolling basis, so we encourage early applications.

To be eligible for this position, you must already have the right to work in the UK. Climate Group is unable to sponsor work visas or cover any related costs, including cases where candidates are willing to cover the costs themselves.

To be eligible for this position, you must already have the right to work in the UK. Climate Group is unable to sponsor work visas or cover any related costs, including cases where candidates are willing to cover the costs themselves.

We will not be working with recruitment agencies for this role.