Deputy Director (Director Designate)

An exceptional leadership opportunity

The World Energy & Meteorology Council (WEMC) is seeking a future Director to help shape the next phase of its international growth and impact. This unique succession-planning role combines strategic leadership, partnership development, programme oversight and organisational management, providing a structured pathway to assume the position of Director. Working alongside the current Director, who will transition to the role of Chairman, during a structured succession period, the successful candidate will play a leading role in advancing WEMC’s mission at the intersection of weather, climate, energy and sustainability, before assuming overall leadership of the organisation.

 

Position Summary

WEMC is seeking an outstanding individual to join the organisation as Deputy Director (Director Designate). This role forms part of WEMC’s long-term leadership succession plan. Following a structured transition period of approximately 12 months, the successful candidate is expected to assume the role of Director, subject to satisfactory performance and approval by the Board. At that point the role will report to the Chairman.

The Deputy Director will help shape WEMC’s strategic direction, represent the organisation internationally, build high-level partnerships, secure new opportunities and progressively assume responsibility for organisational leadership.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Co-lead the development and implementation of WEMC’s strategic plan.

· Identify and develop opportunities for organisational growth, international partnerships and new areas of activity.

· Contribute to the long-term positioning of WEMC as a leading international organisation at the weather–climate–energy interface.

External Representation and Partnerships

· Develop and maintain relationships with international organisations, governments, research institutions, funding bodies and industry stakeholders.

· Represent WEMC at international conferences, workshops and high-level meetings.

· Progressively assume responsibility for key strategic relationships and partnerships.

Business Development and Fundraising

· Lead and support the identification, development and negotiation of new funding opportunities.

· Lead on the preparation of proposals, strategic partnerships and service opportunities.

· Play a leading role in securing strategic partnerships, externally funded projects and sponsorship opportunities that contribute to WEMC’s long-term growth.

Programme Leadership

· Provide oversight of WEMC programmes, projects and international activities.

· Ensure high standards of scientific quality, stakeholder engagement and project delivery.

· Support coordination of multidisciplinary teams and international consortia.

Governance and Organisational Management

· Work closely with the Board and Director on governance matters.

· Contribute to organisational planning, budgeting, risk management and performance monitoring.

· Support the development of organisational policies, procedures and staff capability.

Leadership Transition

· Work alongside the Director during a structured succession period.

· Gradually assume increasing responsibility for strategic, operational and external leadership functions.

· Prepare to assume the role of Director following completion of the transition programme.

 

Essential Qualifications and Experience

· A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline with at least 15 years of professional experience.

· Demonstrated experience leading teams, programmes or organisations with international reach.

· Demonstrated leadership experience in international organisations, research institutions, government agencies, consultancies or industry.

· Experience in weather, climate, energy, resilience, sustainability or related sectors.

· Strong track record in partnership development, stakeholder engagement and organisational growth.

· Demonstrated ability to secure funding, sponsorship, contracts or strategic partnerships.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

· Experience of finance, HR and commercial activities.

· Proven ability to operate effectively across scientific, policy and commercial environments.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

· Familiarity with international organisations such as WMO, ECMWF, IEA, IRENA, development banks or United Nations agencies.

· Experience leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Personal Attributes

· Strategic thinker with strong leadership and influencing skills.

· Entrepreneurial mindset with a demonstrated ability to identify and realise opportunities.

· High ethical standards, integrity and sound judgement.

· Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills.

· Ability to build trust across scientific, governmental, industrial and international communities.

 

 

Reporting Line

The Deputy Director reports to the Director and works closely with the WEMC Board. During the transition period, the Deputy Director will progressively assume responsibilities that prepare them to take over the Director role.

Location

Given the strategic nature of the role and the organisation’s UK base, candidates located in the UK are strongly preferred. The position will operate primarily under hybrid working arrangements and will involve occasional international travel. Applications from elsewhere in Europe are also welcome.

Appointment

0.6-1.0 FTE, depending on experience and availability.

Remuneration

Competitive, commensurate with experience and responsibilities.

The Deputy Director is expected to play a significant role in supporting WEMC’s long-term financial sustainability and growth through partnership development, fundraising and business development activities. Remuneration will therefore be reviewed periodically in line with organisational performance, responsibilities assumed during the succession period, and progression toward the Director role.

 

Background

The WEMC is a UK-based international non-profit organisation devoted to promoting and enhancing the interaction between the energy industry and the weather, climate and broader environmental sciences community. Established in 2015 its primary goal is to enable improved sustainability, resilience and efficiency of energy systems under ever changing weather and climate. WEMC works with leading international organisations including WMO, IRENA, GEIDCO, ECMWF and others, and has delivered major international initiatives and projects across Europe, Africa and beyond.

 

Expected Start Date

As soon as possible.

Equal Opportunities

WEMC is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of background.

 

To Apply

Please email your CV along with a cover letter to alberto.troccoli – at -wemcouncil.org preferably by Friday 24 July 2026 for full consideration. Only complete applications (CV and cover letter) submitted via email will be considered. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Informal enquiries about the role are welcome.