What’s the role?
Economics is the study of the distribution of finite resources across our planet. And yet the profession often seems to forget that resources really are finite, and that distribution must be equitable. The number one argument we hear against most climate measures is economic: what about growth? What about jobs? What’s the business case? Opportunity Green’s Senior Director will develop our narrative to ward off these questions but more fundamentally, bring economics systems change – and how to influence policymakers to incorporate this change into their thinking – to the forefront of all our work. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for any economist who believes that the climate movement needs more economic expertise and can bring ideas on how to embed the necessary change in economic thinking to climate policy. You will be OG’s first economist hire (other than the CEO) and you will have the opportunity to shape our economics strategy.
About the candidate:
We are looking for someone who can think strategically about how to gain the support of policymakers in the global north to support the most climate vulnerable across the world.
We are looking for a candidate with:
An inspirational leadership style, who is brave enough to tell the truth about the climate crisis but is also respectful of international policymakers, who can use detailed economic arguments to inspire ambition.
Desirable skills and experience:
We do not expect any candidate to have all the skills listed below but rather we look for transferable skills and potential as well as past experience.
- Economics degree or equivalent working experience;
- Experience working with policymakers to improve and drive ambition;
- Experience of generating ideas to drive economics systems change and crafting an easily understandable narrative that can be communicated to policymakers around that change;
- Ability to get to grips with technological and policy detail around aviation, shipping, buildings, steel and agriculture as necessary and to know when that detail is needed in policymaker meetings;
- Experience of leading a team and working with staff to inspire the greatest possible impact, including remote staff;
- Ability to clearly articulate a theory of change and direct a team to articulate that theory of change;
- Active listening skills, negotiation skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders;
- An engaging public speaker;
- Ability to think critically, independently and creatively;
- Effective at building relationships at all levels of the organisation;
- Experience of philanthropy and fundraising for an NGO