Director, Shipping and Transport

Energy Transition Overview

The goal of EDF’s Energy Transition Team is to bend the curve on global greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel production and use by 2030, cleanly and equitably. We will achieve this through a defined set of strategies targeted at 1) reducing emissions from fossil fuel production, delivery, and use, and 2) reducing demand for fossil fuels in power generation, transportation, buildings, and industry. To achieve this goal, we seek reforms in law, regulation, and/or business practice through a mix of strategic corporate partnerships, direct engagement with policymakers, and mobilizing investor and public sentiment in favor of change. In formulating and achieving our strategies, we will work in close collaboration with EDF regions, draw on cutting-edge science and rigorous economic and financial analysis, and act on principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to develop durable solutions.

As part of the Energy Transition portfolio, we have a dynamic, active and growing Global Transportation strategy that is working to accelerate the transition to zero-emission fuels, technologies, and modes via two major approaches: 1) A set of global goals and objectives that put in place the standards, rules, and financial commitments that catalyze zero-emission solutions for international goods and people movement - with a focus on shipping, aviation, medium and heavy duty vehicles and buses, and overall global supply chains; 2) A set of complementary regional strategies – in China, Europe, India and the US, as well as key emerging markets – that address local needs and opportunities, while locking in the national policies necessary to support the global transition.

Overall Function

The Director, Shipping and Transport will primarily work on the international maritime sector while also leading EDF’s work on other transportation sectors (such as fuel, sustainable finance shipping etc). The Director works closely within the Shipping team, led by the Director, Global Shipping.

In 2023 the International Maritime Organization (IMO) revised their GHG Strategy and set an ambition to decarbonise by mid-century. Even though the level ambition is unprecedented among hard-to-abate sectors, more work needs to be done to align it with the temperature goals set by the Paris Agreement, and more importantly to ensure the ambition is achieved in practice.

The Director will work with our shipping team to ensure the ambition is matched with polices and measures to deliver the necessary emission savings through various activities such as advocacy, policy design and building partnerships and will support the Executive Director, Europe and AVP, Global Transportation on transport strategy and engagement. They will cooperate with a wide range of stakeholders within IMO (the Secretariat, Member States and other observers) as well as externally (for example ship owners, cargo owners, academia, NGOs) to advance these goals. The Director, Shipping and Transport will report to the AVP, Global Transportation and will work closely with the Director, Global Shipping.

Location:

UK, Belgium or China. Candidates from the US will also be considered. You must have the right to live and work in the country where you are applying.

Duration:

This is a 2-year fixed-term contract position with the possibility of extension

Responsibilities:

• Co-develop and execute EDF’s strategy for IMO engagement, acting as a Head of EDF Delegation at the IMO and other policy forums.
• Direct advocacy for key international transport policy development in cooperation with Global Shipping, with a primary focus on the IMO Member States and industry stakeholders to advance decarbonisation goals.
• Follow relevant committees and working groups in IMO, preparing timely in-depth materials to inform colleagues and external partners.
• Develop and manage EDF’s positions on key policy issues, ensuring relevant colleagues or teams across the organization are involved as appropriate. Draft submissions to IMO.
• Support the Executive Director, Europe and AVP, Global Transportation on transport strategy and engagement.
• Coordinate the production of timely and salient material, both public facing and in-house for medium, key stakeholder and public engagement, EDF executive team and other programmes throughout the organization.
• Manage and expand the programme’s network of key relationships with stakeholders and partners (policy makers, industries, charities, research organisations, etc.).
• Work closely with developmental staff to identify funding opportunities and contribute to funding proposals and interim reports.
• Keep up to date with key climate and energy policy developments, identify opportunities to advance goals, and ensure relevant colleagues are informed.
• Closely follow developments in shipping and produce timely analyses and reports as needed.
• Ensure strategies and workplans are progressing, identifying obstacles and opportunities.
• Respond to relevant emerging organisational priorities.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Manage, mentor, and support the development of junior staff.
• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Educated to at least a master level in environmental science, political science, economics, energy, naval architecture or similar, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven track record of relevant professional experience with focus on policy process and advocacy is essential. Experience in an NGO desirable.
• Experience with the shipping and aviation industry and its key markets, including regulatory issues pertaining to energy, environment, market-based climate policy and trade is essential.
• Established knowledge and preferably a practical experience of work with/at the International Maritime Organization, their processes and functioning. Extensive experience at another UN body could be considered too.
• Familiarity with global institutions and solid understanding of global legislative process, including knowledge of UN climate mitigation efforts and treaties and EU policy forums.
• Proactive and results-oriented with the ability to think strategically and carry out responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.
• Experience identifying funding opportunities and writing fundraising proposals and reports.
• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across multiple time zones.
• Ability to juggle priorities, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to shifting strategies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Contributes to a positive and inclusive professional culture that prioritizes friendly collaboration between the matrix teams and our global workstreams, ensuring open lines of dialogue and collaboration is essential.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to represent EDF in high level meetings.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Proficient in verbal and written English and at least one other official UN language such as Mandarin, French, Spanish, Russian or Arabic would be an advantage.

Compensation

UK: 81,000 – 89,000 GBP

Belgium: 98,000 – 107,000 EUR

China: 530,000 – 560,000 CNY

US: 135,000 – 141,000 USD

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.