Senior Leader – Climate Research, Partnerships & Growth

Reputed Non-Profit Organization

New Delhi Full Time Leadership 15-20 Years Apply by September 13, 2026

Job Description

1. POSITION VACANT: Senior Leader – Climate Research, Partnerships & Growth, Leading Think Tank, New Delhi

2. ORGANISATION BACKGROUND:

Founded and headquartered in India, the organisation is a highly respected research and policy organisation working at the intersection of sustainability, climate change, environment, energy, and development. It undertakes evidence-based research, policy engagement, advisory work, and multi-stakeholder collaborations with national and international partners. The organisation has a long-standing reputation for knowledge leadership and for shaping practical solutions to complex sustainability challenges.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION / RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Leader – Climate Research, Partnerships & Growth will play a key leadership role in building and expanding the organisation’s portfolio of funded work across climate change, sustainability, environment, resilience and sustainable development.

The position requires a senior climate and sustainability professional with a strong track record in business development, resource mobilisation and strategic partnerships, alongside credible domain and research expertise. The incumbent will be responsible for identifying and converting funding opportunities, cultivating senior donor and partner relationships, developing competitive proposals and bids, and building a sustainable pipeline of grants, advisory assignments and strategic collaborations.

Key Responsibilities:

(A) Business Development, Resource Mobilisation & Partnerships:
(1) Lead business development and resource mobilisation for the climate change, earth science, air quality and sustainability portfolio and build a strong pipeline of funded opportunities;
(2) Identify and pursue grants, commissioned research, advisory assignments and strategic collaborations with bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, government, corporates/CSR and other institutional funders;
(3) Lead the development of concept notes, proposals, grant applications, EOIs and competitive bids;
(4) Build and manage senior-level relationships with donors, funders, government, corporate and industry partners and other key stakeholders;
(5) Drive opportunities from relationship development and concept creation through proposal submission, negotiation, and successful closure;
(6) Represent the organisation in donor meetings, partnership discussions, conferences and relevant external forums.

(B) Portfolio Development & Growth:
(1) Shape and grow a financially sustainable portfolio of climate, earth science and sustainability initiatives;
(2) Translate technical expertise and emerging sector priorities into fundable programmes, research initiatives and advisory offerings;
(3) Develop strategic partnerships and consortia to pursue significant funding opportunities;
(4) Contribute to the organisation’s long-term growth strategy and positioning in the climate and sustainability ecosystem.

(C) Research & Thought Leadership
(1) Provide strategic direction to research, advisory and knowledge initiatives across climate and sustainability;
(2) Guide high-quality research, analytical studies and knowledge products;
(3) Ensure that research priorities remain aligned with emerging policy, funding, and partnership opportunities;
(4) Strengthen the organisation’s thought leadership and external positioning.

(D) Programme Oversight & Delivery:
(1) Provide strategic oversight to a portfolio of climate, sustainability, environment, and development programmes, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact;
(2) Guide multidisciplinary teams comprising researchers, technical specialists, policy experts, and programme professionals;
(3) Ensure effective planning, implementation, monitoring, learning, reporting, and dissemination of outcomes and research findings.
(4) Manage a growing portfolio of funded projects, ensuring quality delivery, partner satisfaction, contractual compliance, and achievement of programme outcomes.

(E) Organizational Strategy & Growth:
(1) Contribute to organizational strategy and long-term positioning in climate change, sustainability, environment, and development policy domains;
(2) Track emerging policy, regulatory, technological, and research developments relevant to climate action and sustainable development;
(3) Represent the organisation in policy dialogues, advisory committees, stakeholder consultations, and strategic engagements with government, development partners, academia, and industry.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualifications and Experience:
(1) Advanced degree in Climate Change, Earth Science, Atmospheric Science, Air Quality, Environmental Science, or a related discipline;
(2) Minimum 15 years of relevant experience, including significant responsibility for business development, fundraising/resource mobilisation and strategic partnerships;
(3) Demonstrated track record of securing institutional funding through grants, donor-funded programmes, advisory assignments, competitive bids and/or partnerships;
(4) Strong experience in originating opportunities and developing successful proposals and bids;
(5) Established networks across donors, foundations, multilaterals/bilaterals, government, philanthropy, CSR and/or industry;
(6) Strong climate and sustainability domain credibility combined with the ability to develop fundable propositions and grow portfolios;
(7) Excellent senior stakeholder engagement, negotiation, communication and partnership-building skills.

Skills and Competencies:
(1) Strong business development and resource mobilisation orientation, with demonstrated ability to identify, pursue and convert funding opportunities;
(2) Excellent proposal development, pitching, negotiation and partnership-building capabilities;
(3) Strong existing networks across donors, foundations, multilaterals/bilaterals, government, philanthropy, CSR and/or industry;
(4) Ability to connect technical expertise with funding opportunities and market demand and build compelling propositions;
(5) Strong strategic and commercial orientation combined with credible climate and sustainability expertise;
(6) Excellent senior stakeholder engagement, communication, representation and influencing skills;
(7) Ability to build partnerships, lead multidisciplinary teams and drive organisational growth.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

Gross compensation budgeted for the position is attractive and in alignment with salaries paid by leading I/NGOs for leadership roles. The offer made to the selected candidate shall be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and salary history.

6. LOCATION: New Delhi

7. REFERENCE: SL-CRPG-LTT

8. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS