Strategic Partnerships Manager, SME Climate Hub

Location: Remote; within EST and CET time zones (including all time zones and regions in between)

Reports to: Director, SME Climate Hub   

Hours Per Week (Average): Full Time

Overtime Status: Exempt

As we move into the next phase of growth for the SME Climate Hub, we are seeking an exceptional Strategic Partnerships Manager to join the team and build on the current success of the Hub, with the goal of accelerating a global movement mobilizing SMEs to take climate action on Net Zero.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be at the forefront of helping SMEs and multi-national supply chains achieve rapid decarbonization globally, while building businesses that will thrive in a net zero carbon economy.

About the SME Climate Hub

The SME Climate Hub provides a one-stop-shop where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can make a climate commitment and access best-in-class tools and resources to measure their emissions, develop a climate strategy and reduce their footprint at a pace required by science. It is the official pathway for SMEs to join the United Nations Race to Zero campaign.

The Hub partners with non-profits, multinational companies, financial institutions and governments to create clear incentives and opportunities for SMEs that commit to halving their emissions before 2030 and achieving net zero before 2050. It is driven as a lean-start-up project with participation and contribution from the founding partners: We Mean Business Coalition, Exponential Roadmap Initiative, Normative and UN Race to Zero.

Responsibilities

• Research and monitor the SME climate action support ecosystem globally to identify opportunities for growth
• Devise a standardised partnership strategy to facilitate the scale-up of SME Climate Hub activities and the uptake of SME Climate Hub tools and commitments
• Conduct research on prospective private, public and philanthropic partners for the Hub
• Draft proposals, initiate discussions and negotiate partnerships in collaboration with the SME Climate Hub Executive Committee and We Mean Business Coalition Development team
• Manage day-to-day relationships with partners, ensuring effective coordination and that mutual expectations are met in a timely and professional manner
• Ensure results-based monitoring and evaluation of SME Climate Hub activities as requested by partners, and provide reporting as required

• Support the Director, SME Climate Hub as needed in the strategy, coordination and execution of the Hub’s programme of activities
• Work across the We Mean Business Coalition to ensure partnership development efforts are aligned and coordinated with the Coalition’s secretariat and key partners
• Present and represent the SME Climate Hub in public fora

Hiring Statement

All positions at We Mean Business Coalition are grant funded and are contingent upon continued funding.

Diversity at WMBC

We Mean Business Coalition is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, colour, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

Requirements

Experience

• Master’s Degree in relevant field or equivalent work experience

• >10 years’ experience with a solid track record in developing cross-sectoral public and private partnerships
• Experience in managing global, complex high-growth programmes and projects successfully
• Preferably experience of working within or closely with global initiatives on sustainability and climate change
• Understanding of the business drivers of SMEs and their role in delivering Net Zero

Skills

• Demonstrated top partnership management and leadership skills necessary to work across various global teams and organizations
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills and ability to present complex information in a structured and accessible manner. Proficiency in other languages is a plus.
• Ability to convene, mediate and facilitate discussions among senior stakeholders in a variety of spheres
• A partnership mindset and service mentality; naturally connects and builds strong relationships with diverse internal and external audiences, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence
• Excellent planner and organizer with the ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, familiarity with online conferencing and collaboration tools, and experience in remote work environments a plus.

Benefits

Benefits and compensation vary per region and are competitive with local prevailing packages. Regardless of location, team members get equipment stipends to ensure they are set up wherever they may be working from, generous time off, and paid parental leave.