Head of Policy and Regional Engagement

Remuneration: Subject to experience, in the range £71k - £100k

Full time, permanent

Location: Ideally based in Canary Wharf, London, but we can consider applications from elsewhere. Flexible working available.

Closing date for applications: 13 August 2023 – we will consider applications as they are made so early application is recommended.

Urgent action is required to deliver clean energy to limit the effects of climate change and meet people’s basic needs for clean water and affordable energy.With the demand for energy expected to nearly double by 2060, the world must look towards a sustainable, renewable mix of energy sources. Hydropower has a vital role to play as a proven dispatchable, flexible renewable technology deployable at scale. Analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA),International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and others suggests that by 2050we need to double the amount of hydropower capacity installed globally in order to meet net zero.

TheInternational Hydropower Association (IHA) is a non-profit international membership organisation, whose mission is to deliver renewable energy systems, freshwater management, and climate change solutions by advancing sustainable hydropower. Our partners include research institutions, non-governmental organisations, governments, financial institutions and development agencies.

We are recruiting a new Head of Policy and Regional Engagement, on a permanent contract, to start as soon as possible.

The Head of Policy and Regional Engagement reports to the CEO and is a key member of the IHA’s senior management team. They will direct IHA’s research, policy and advocacy work across a broad range of topics including climate change, markets & finance, freshwater management and zero carbon electricity systems. They will lead delivery of the annual World Hydropower Outlook and represent IHA at major international events such as COP and G20.

This role provides a tremendous opportunity to engage with international energy companies, NGOs, financiers and policy makers dealing with some of the major issues at play in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Key tasks

• Recruit, develop and lead high performing team of 5-10 including policy and regional managers based across multiple continents with diverse skills, experience and development needs.
• Lead advocacy and outreach with international bodies (energy, finance etc), key national governments and NGOs to make the case of sustainable hydropower.
• Direct IHA's global policy and research; covering themes including market design methane emissions, climate resilience, grid infrastructure, links with other renewables and green hydrogen, environmental impacts and the role of hydropower in providing water services in line with IHA's strategic objectives.
• Develop policy recommendations to support and achieve wider deployment of hydropower flexibility technologies.
• Lead the production of sector leading analysis such as the World Hydropower Outlook.
• Organise conference sessions, webinars and workshops.
• Advise IHA Board on key emerging global trends, risks and mitigations in respect of market, regulatory and political developments and their impact on the sector.
• Contribute articles for IHA’s website and publications.
• Assist in ensuring IHA membership growth and value of membership.

 Essential skills and attributes

• Proven experience in a comparable role with a track record of significant achievements (significantly more experience would be expected for those seeking a salary towards the higher end of the scale).
• Demonstrable experience of electricity markets and / or policy, especially with governments, companies, investors or project financers.
• Have the ability to think and act creatively to identify membership and revenue opportunities.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Proven ability to manage people and lead teams, across different cultures and stakeholder groups.
• Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis.

Desirable skills and attributes

Please note we do not expect applicants to have all of the desirable skills and attributes.

• Previous experience in the hydropower and/ or energy storage sector.
• Experience with international organisations and policy advocacy.
• Previous experience in the international energy/water/climate sectors.
• A general understanding of project finance and electricity markets and systems.
• One or more foreign languages (especially Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish or Portuguese).
• Experience working with events, especially in managing content.
• Project-management training and/ or experience.
• Database management experience.

If you have the appropriate skills and experience for this role, we would like to hear from you. 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.

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

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