China Regional Lead

Job to be based in China or London

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) is the global voice of sustainable hydropower. It is a non-profit membership organisation representing well over 100 members from every continent in the world. China has installed more hydropower in the past two decades than the rest of the world put together, and IHA has several major Chinese members.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic China Regional Lead to spearhead our organisation’s engagement and strategic initiatives across China and the East Asia–Pacific region.

The successful candidate will lead stakeholder engagement, represent the organisation at the highest levels of government and industry, and oversee the design and delivery of regional strategies that strengthen hydropower’s role in sustainable energy systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the organisation’s China Programme, developing and executing strategies to advance sustainable hydropower and water-energy policy objectives.
• Government and Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain high-level relationships with Chinese government agencies, research institutions, investors, and corporate partners to promote policy alignment and project collaboration.
• Representation and Advocacy: Represent the organisation in meetings with ministries, state-owned enterprises, development banks, and at international conferences, promoting the organisation’s priorities and thought leadership.
• Partnership Development: Identify and cultivate opportunities for partnerships, membership growth, and revenue generation within China’s energy and water sectors.
• Programme Management: Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of the organisation’s projects and initiatives in China, ensuring alignment with global goals and timely delivery of outputs.
• Policy and Market Analysis: Monitor and analyse China’s evolving policy and regulatory environment in energy, water, and climate sectors, providing insight and recommendations to inform organisational strategy.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with global team to coordinate activities and deliver coherent regional engagement.
• Event and Partnership Support: Contribute to the planning and delivery of regional events, workshops, and conferences, including the Global Pumped Storage Hydropower Conference and China Mission.
• International Cooperation: Act as the primary liaison between China and the rest of the world, ensuring that China’s perspectives and contributions are well represented in global initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior policy, government relations, or stakeholder engagement role, preferably within the energy, environment, or infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with Chinese government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and/or international organisations.
• Strong leadership skills with a record of managing projects, budgets, and teams.
• Deep understanding of China’s energy transition policies, hydropower development, and water resource management frameworks.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify policy and partnership opportunities and translate them into actionable initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both Mandarin and English.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Experience representing an organisation in high-level meetings or public forums.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.

Desirable Attributes:

• Background in engineering, environmental science, public policy, or international relations.
• Experience in international collaboration or multilateral projects related to energy or water management.
• Understanding of renewable energy finance or sustainability standards.

Remuneration: Subject to experience and location £35k-38k per annum for role located in China or £35k-£45k per annum + benefits for role located in London.

Contract: Permanent, Full time 37.5hrs/ week

Location: China or London (UK) if in UK, hybrid, min 2 days in the office based in Canary Wharf.

Closing date for applications: 9 Feb 2026 (note applications will be considered as we receive them, so early application is recommended).

Start date: ASAP

Application

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining how your skills and attributes align with the role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. These documents should be sent by email to: recruitment@hydropower.org.

Throughout the selection process, we are absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, origin, or disability. We value diversity and lived experience, and we strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where all employees feel respected and supported in reaching their full potential.

We cannot always contact all applicants if there is a large volume of applications. If you do not hear from us within 20 days of the advert closing, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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