Lead Lawyer
Our client is an independent organisation working at the intersection of law, climate action and systems change. They are seeking an experienced Lead Lawyer to lead strategic work focused on methane mitigation during a maternity cover period.
This is a senior, strategy-led role rather than a traditional practising legal position. The post holder will apply legal expertise to shape and support high-impact approaches to reducing methane emissions, working collaboratively with legal experts, funders, researchers and civil society organisations.
The role requires someone comfortable operating in complex and evolving legal and political environments, with a strong ability to align stakeholders, strengthen collaboration and support collective action.
Key responsibilities
Legal and strategic development
- Lead the design and evolution of strategic approaches that support legal action to address methane emissions across sectors such as energy, agriculture and waste
- Work closely with legal practitioners and subject-matter experts to identify opportunities for impactful legal interventions
- Apply legal frameworks strategically to support broader environmental, health and biodiversity objectives
Collaboration and ecosystem strengthening
- Convene and coordinate networks and communities of practice focused on legal approaches to methane mitigation
- Facilitate workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions and cross-sector collaboration
- Support coordination of legal strategy discussions at relevant sector or climate-focused convenings
Research, learning and funding support
- Produce concise research and briefing notes on emerging legal trends, risks and opportunities
- Engage with academic and research organisations to support evidence-based practice
- Support colleagues responsible for funding portfolios to make informed decisions about partners and initiatives
External and philanthropic engagement
- Act as a strategic and legal thought partner to external stakeholders and funders
- Support structured engagement with partners through bilateral meetings and group discussions
- Help identify opportunities for aligned and complementary approaches across organisations
Key outcomes
- A clear strategic overview of legal opportunities to address methane emissions
- Delivery of targeted workshops or convenings bringing together relevant actors
- Ongoing coordination and information-sharing across the legal ecosystem
- Strong, well-managed external relationships
- A supported and active community of practice
About you
Our client welcomes applications from candidates with relevant experience gained through a range of professional, lived or learned pathways. You do not need to meet every criterion to apply.
Essential experience and skills
- Strong understanding of legal frameworks relevant to climate or environmental action
- Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills, with experience working in complex systems
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and build trust
- Understanding of the role and responsibilities of funders and intermediaries
- Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in both approach and delivery
- Professional-level written and spoken English
Desirable
- Legal qualifications in a relevant jurisdiction
- Experience relating to regulation or legal challenge of methane or greenhouse gas emissions
- Experience building or supporting external networks or communities of practice
- Additional language skills