Ashden’s staff are largely based in the UK and across Africa, with headquarters in Victoria, London, UK. We are a circa 70-person organisation that has grown significantly over the past few years, especially through our UK ‘Let’s Go Zero’ schools programme.
With a mission to showcase outstanding climate solutions and to accelerate systemic change that unleashes their transformative potential, we’re looking for someone who can balance the needs of individual components against the priorities of the big picture of social change. An understanding of some of the issues we work on is desirable, though technical knowledge is not essential. Our Director of Programmes should bring a mixed skillset of programmes leadership, executive capabilities, team development and management, and fundraising capabilities. We are open to candidates from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds and encourage fresh perspectives.
Essential Competencies & Attributes
- Senior leadership experience in a setting of social impact, with at least a degree of responsibility for strategy, people and performance.
- Demonstrable success in developing and leading impactful programmes or portfolios aligned with organisational goals.
- A focus on delivery with a pragmatic, ecosystem approach to social change.
- A strong understanding of issues relating to one or more of the following (please note that technical expertise is not essential criteria):
- Local / community renewable energy or climate action in the UK
- UK buildings energy efficiency
- Natural climate solutions
- Climate / energy policy
- Energy access in Global South countries
- Demonstrable understanding of the power of storytelling and campaigns to drive influence and investment.
- Experience of leading or contributing to fundraising efforts.
- An inclusive, strategic and pragmatic approach to executive leadership, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.