The company
Our client is a non-profit climate protection organization that focuses on reducing CO2 emissions in over 25 developing countries, primarily in Africa, Asia, and South America. Their projects contribute to the global energy transition by promoting technology transfer and poverty reduction, and are commonly viewed as some of the highest quality projects. Core technologies include photovoltaics, wind power, energy and hydrogen production from residual biomass, fuel-efficient stoves for millions of households in developing countries, negative emissions technologies (e.g., biochar, direct air capture) and PtX.
The role
Our client is seeking Senior Business Developers for renewable energy projects in developing countries. The focus will be on identifying and establishing renewable energy projects in solar, wind, and biomass/biogas sectors. Ideal candidates will leverage their existing networks to find new projects, build partnerships, and develop a pipeline of renewable energy projects. The role includes overseeing the project development process, securing financing, managing contracts, and regularly traveling to project countries to monitor progress and establish local networks.
Candidates will also be responsible for leading a team of project developers, setting team objectives, providing technical guidance, and ensuring quality control of outcomes. They will report to the Technical Director for Climate Protection Projects and the executive management.
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact team within a respected climate protection organization. We are looking for a candidate who is ready to play a crucial part in expanding their impact in climate protection and the global energy transition.
Key responsibilities
- Project Development:
- Develop renewable energy projects in developing countries, focusing on sectors such as solar, wind, and biomass/biogas.
- Use professional networks to identify new projects, technology suppliers, and partners to build a project pipeline.
- Independently plan, oversee realization, and secure financing for new projects, negotiating with local teams or partners.
- Contract on-site companies for project implementation and manage contract negotiations.
- Regularly visit project countries (1-2 weeks) to monitor progress, build contacts, and expand networks.
- Prepare and actively participate in discussions with corporate clients for project support alongside the sales department.
- Team Leadership:
- Lead a team specializing in climate protection project development, with a focus on biomass/biogas, BECCS, solar, wind, efficient stoves, or negative emissions (e.g., biochar).
- Set and manage team goals, providing technical oversight and ensuring quality control of project outcomes.
- Report directly to the Technical Director for Climate Protection Projects and the executive management team.
Candidate profile
- Educational Background: An excellent academic degree in natural sciences or engineering, ideally with a focus on renewable energy or industrial engineering.
- Experience: A minimum of 4 years of professional experience, ideally including work in developing countries, project management, and demonstrated experience in leading small to medium-sized teams.
- Network: Existing network of technology providers and project developers in renewable energy.
Skills
- Expertise in environmental and/or development policy.
- Background in renewable energies project development and management in the global south.
- Experience in in leading small to medium-sized teams.
- Fluent in English and preferably German; additional languages are an advantage.
- Willingness to travel approximately four times a year for one week to project countries.
Offer
- A meaningful role contributing to climate protection.
- A full-time, two-year contract with the intention to extend to a permanent position.
- Competitive salary in line with public sector top rates.
- 30 days of vacation.
- Option to work 1-2 weeks from the Barcelona office.
- A bright, green office space in central Berlin.
- Access to a network of climate protection experts and internal training programs.
- Engaged colleagues in a non-profit organization with flat hierarchies.
- Additional benefits include canteen discounts, fresh fruit, shower facilities, a workshop for cyclists, access to a yoga room, and the DRV Travel Industry Card.
