Middle East and North Africa Electricity Transition Lead

Ember is an independent energy & climate think tank, using data to drive down carbon emissions from electricity generation and phase-out coal and gas. We track changes in the global power system – and use our findings to improve energy and climate policy. You’ll be joining us at a period of rapid growth, and be part of an innovative team that’s having a global impact in tackling climate change.

Following the success of our work in Europe and Asia, Ember is setting up a new electricity transition team for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The team will work with key stakeholders such as policy makers, national campaigning organisations and think tanks to help accelerate the transition from gas and oil power to solar and wind power.
We are looking for a well-connected person to lead Ember’s work to run this team. You will need to have a proven record and hunger for making change in the region. This is a remote post, working with a small team of electricity experts.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on Ember’s research and advocacy work on MENA’s gas to solar and wind electricity transition, especially building off the opportunity of COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the UAE.
• Develop and own the strategy for the team’s research and advocacy work on MENA’s electricity transition. This includes identifying priority countries/regions, and developing strategies for promoting electricity transition in those countries/regions, including the theory of change. Oversee the implementation of the team strategy by translating it into specific tasks and activities for each individual team member.
• Recruit and manage a new MENA senior analyst.
• Working with the wider Ember team, using ideas that have already worked in other regions, and to share your experiences that may work in other regions.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders in MENA to leverage the most impact

Must-have

• 5+ years of experience in shaping MENA’s energy sector, with a strong competence in electricity transition research, climate diplomacy or climate campaigning.
• Passionate about renewables and phasing out fossil fuels.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.
• An effective networker with an established network in the energy and climate space.

Nice-to-have

• Fascination with data and data visualisation
• Deep understanding of the electricity transition and related climate issues.

Salary and Hours:

$60-$90k depending on experience
Full-time position; 6-month probation clause
Flexible, remote working
One – year contract with the expectation of extension

Benefits

• Local payroll contract available, dependent on country
• Enhanced leave allowance of 25 days holiday (in addition to UK Bank Holidays). Plus additional time off between Christmas and New Year. For each year that you’re part of the team at Ember you’ll receive an additional 1 day of leave, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.
• Expenses available for travel & accommodation.
• Access to a co-working office space, or support to set up a home office
• Funding and allocated time for your training and development
• Paid Volunteer Day
• Time-off to donate blood
• Free annual eye tests

We are especially keen to encourage applications from people underrepresented in climate change analysis and campaigning. Climate change is a race issue, a class issue, and a gender issue. We welcome applicants with lived experiences of these issues.