Project Manager, Net Zero

Job Purpose

If you are passionate about climate action and want to have a global environmental impact by working at the nexus of private and public sectors - this is the perfect job for you. This is a project manager role focusing half of the time on leading and managing a project team to successfully deliver CDP’s Net Zero project in collaboration with our partner Breakthrough Energy. The remaining time will be allocated to other projects also relating to environmental topics CDP is leading on. The successful candidate will sit within in the Transformation & Projects Department and will be part of a newly established pool of project managers. You also will work very closely with the colleagues from the Environmental Practice team and various other teams across CDP.

For the Net Zero project CDP will work together with Breakthrough Energy (BE) to successfully deliver the following outputs:

• Define a framework that articulates the impact of investing in emerging climate technologies as part of a corporate climate action plan.
• Explore options for embedding the framework developed into the emerging standards, such as the Science-based Targets net-zero framework.
• Build an ecosystem of influential actors, including NGOs and leading corporates, to support the framework developed.
• Support the creation of a mechanism to validate corporate claims for investment into emerging climate technologies and incentivise companies to make investments that align with the framework developed in the project.
• Embed these claims and emerging instruments within CDP’s reporting mechanism.
• Build profile for the framework to increase its scope and reach.
• Support engagement and visibility-raising around COP26.

Key responsibilities include:

• The successful delivery of the assigned projects in time, scope, quality and budget following CDP’s project methodology.
• Build, manage and motivate the project teams.
• Manage project deliverables and contractual obligations to time, cost and quality.
• Build and manage positive relationships with external stakeholders across the projects as well as internally, identify and manage anticipated hurdles, and provide support where necessary to drive successful delivery.
• Deliver effective project communication and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and facilitate key governance forums including project working groups and steering groups; including preparing briefing papers and the agenda, ensuring that business concerns are addressed.
• Safeguard original project scopes and manage subsequent change requests.
• Manage risk registers and work with the teams to mitigate potential issues.
• The precise description and nature of your job may be varied from time to time, and you may be required to carry out other duties as necessary to meet business needs.

Required skills and experience:

• At least 6 years of experience working in climate change, environmental management, sustainability, or related field.
• Desirable: good knowledge of the ESG reporting landscape and / or the Science-based Targets Initiative with an understanding of indicators used in frameworks and standards.
• Demonstrable expertise in the area of climate change, water security or deforestation.
• Sound experience of working with project management methodologies and tools as well as reporting and budgeting.
• Ability to manage project risk; make timely decisions, develop solutions and facilitate mitigating actions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify the complex.
• Flexible and resilient, able to work in ambiguous situations to deliver on time and under pressure.
• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to manage various stakeholders with potentially competing priorities.
• We are looking for a motivated self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced and changing environment that can manage others and lead through change.

Desirables:

• Certificate in PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent
• Experience of using tools like Microsoft Project or similar
• Experience in an environmental related not-for-profit organisation

Salary and benefits: Competitive NGO salary, 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, generous non-contributory pension provision, annual discretionary bonus (depending on company performance), Employee Assistance Programme, life assurance, Training and development, Flexible working opportunities and other benefits.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, start date asap. The role is based in CDP’s London office with remote working and flexible hours to be agreed with the line manager.

Interested applicants must be eligible to work legally in the United Kingdom.

Before you apply

We’ll only use the information you provide to process your application. For more details on how we use your information, see our applicants privacy notice. By emailing us your CV and covering letter, you are permitting CDP to use the information you have provided for recruitment purposes.

How to apply:

Please email your CV and a covering letter setting out how you meet the required skills and experience to [email protected] with ‘Project Manager’ followed by your first name and surname in the subject. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline is 9am GMT on 22 February.