Senior International Project Manager on Climate and Energy

No Dutch job description available as knowledge of English is required.

Join VITO in shaping global climate policies and strategies that impact millions of lives across Africa. As a Senior International Project Manager on Climate and Energy projects, you will lead transformative projects, working directly with governments to fulfill their commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

About VITO

We are a leading independent research and technology organization focused on accelerating the transition to a sustainable world. With a strong reputation for advising decision-makers on energy and climate policies, we are intensifying our efforts to support developing countries—especially in Africa—in developing and implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Strategies (LTS).

Your Role

• Lead our team’s climate activities such as the NDC Support Center, ensuring strategic objectives are met.
• Collaborate with the business development team to secure funding for climate initiatives in Africa.
• Work with internal teams to deliver comprehensive climate solutions.
• Serve as the main liaison with African policymakers, government agencies, and international organizations.
• Guide governments in developing and updating their NDCs and LTS by analyzing GHG emission data and modeling outputs from tools like LEAP, MESSAGE, OSeMOSYS, and TIMES.
• Conduct workshops and training sessions to build local capacity in climate policy development.
• Prepare proposals and grant applications to support project financing.
• Expand our network by building partnerships with organizations like the NDC Partnership, African governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Represent VITO at international events, sharing insights and promoting our work.

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years in climate policy advisory roles with governments in developing countries, particularly in Africa.
• Proven experience leading projects related to NDCs, LTS, and climate mitigation under the Paris Agreement.
• Ability to lead complex international projects with multidisciplinary teams.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Exceptional communication skills in English (C2 level).
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including high-level officials and community organizations.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 10% of the time).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in French or Portuguese (C1/C2 level).
• Experience with climate and energy modeling tools like LEAP, MESSAGE, OSeMOSYS, or TIMES.
• Experience in building and maintaining external networks with organizations like the NDC Partnership.
• High resilience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to engage directly with on-the-ground challenges

What We Offer

• We work 'activity-based': your activities determine your workplace. On average, you are expected at our office in Genk twice a week. Hybrid work arrangements and/or working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Leuven, Ghent, Ostend or Mol is possible.
• An attractive salary package supplemented with extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurances and a modular holiday package.
• A great deal of freedom and flexibility in your job that enables you to achieve an attractive work-life balance.
• Innovation is our core value, we give our employees the opportunity to educate themselves and keep up to date within their field of expertise, moreover, we expect it.