Senior Governance and Partnerships Manager

Want to help shape how one of the world’s largest subnational climate coalitions is governed, grows and delivers impact? As Senior Governance & Partnerships Manager, you will work closely with the Director of the Under2 Coalition and an external governance consultancy to implement stronger governance structures, improve decision-making processes and strengthen strategic partnerships that enable the Coalition to act with clarity, credibility and ambition.

You will sit at the intersection of internal coordination and external relationship-building - ensuring that member-led governance functions effectively, that key partners and funders are well engaged, and that the Under2 Coalition continues to expand its influence in global climate action. If you bring experience in governance, partnership management and complex stakeholder environments - and are motivated by real-world climate impact - this is a unique opportunity to shape the next phase of the Coalition’s evolution.

About the role: The Senior Governance & Partnerships Manager is a pivotal role within the Under2 Coalition Secretariat. You will lead delivery of a programme of governance strengthening work, including implementing recommendations from an external governance review, refining leadership forums and decision-making processes and embedding structured ways of working.

Alongside this, you will manage and deepen strategic partnerships with key peer networks, technical partners and funders ensuring partnerships are aligned, purposeful and deliver tangible value for members. Day to day, you will coordinate internal planning, prepare leadership briefings, convene partners and funders, and ensure that governance and partnership activity supports the Coalition’s strategic priorities and political moments on the global stage.

• Governance and organisational coordination: Lead delivery of the Under2 Coalition’s governance strengthening effort, including working with an external consultancy to implement review recommendations. Refine and embed governance structures, leadership forums and decision-making processes that support clear priorities, transparent communication and effective member-led oversight. Prepare high-quality briefings, agendas and communications for leadership bodies, senior stakeholders and member representatives. Monitor progress on governance improvements, identify risks or bottlenecks, and coordinate practical solutions.
• Strategic partnerships and external engagement: Manage strategic relationships with key partner organisations and peer networks to strengthen alignment, collaboration and shared initiatives. Steward relationships with funders and philanthropic partners, ensuring clear communication, coordinated engagement and timely reporting. Identify opportunities for new partnerships that add value to Under2 members and strengthen global subnational climate cooperation. Support political and diplomatic moments (including major events and summits) that elevate the Coalition’s visibility and influence.
• Member and network support: Work with colleagues to ensure members have clear pathways for participation in governance, working groups and collaborative initiatives. In partnership with the global engagement lead, surface insights from member engagement to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement. Promote consistent, transparent communication across the network to build trust and shared purpose.

As a mission-driven organisation, we may ask colleagues to take on temporary assignments or secondments in a different team to support organisational priorities. We see these as opportunities for development and internal mobility, managed transparently and with appropriate support.

About you: You are an experienced governance or partnership professional who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. You are comfortable managing structured change processes, coordinating diverse actors, and translating strategic intent into practical ways of working. You build strong relationships with senior partners, navigate political and institutional contexts with confidence, and communicate clearly across cultures and disciplines. You are motivated by climate action and public impact, and you bring a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to strengthening how organisations and networks operate.

We value strengths and a passion for learning – if you meet most of the criteria below, we encourage you to apply:

• Proven experience in governance, partnership management or stakeholder coordination in climate, public policy, international development or related fields.
• Experience leading or managing organisational improvement or governance-related projects or processes.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with experience engaging senior representatives from governments, institutions, networks or funders.
• Excellent communication skills, including preparing clear briefings, meeting materials and strategic communications for senior audiences.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and deliver to deadlines.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities, including identifying risks, synthesising complex information and proposing practical solutions.
• Understanding of climate governance and global climate architecture, including the role of states and regions in delivering climate action.
• Experience supporting or conducting governance reviews or institutional development processes.
• Familiarity with subnational climate action networks, particularly the Under2 Coalition or similar initiatives.
• Experience working with philanthropic funders or multilateral partners.

About Climate Group: Climate Group drives climate action. Fast. Our goal is a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all. We focus on systems with the highest emissions and where our networks have the greatest opportunity to drive change. We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organisations accountable, turning their commitments into action.

We share what we achieve together to show more organisations what they could do. We are an international non-profit organisation, founded in 2004, with offices in London, Amsterdam, Beijing, New Delhi and New York. Climate Group is an international organisation, and we want to reflect that in our staff. People who work for us, and people who apply, need to feel heard, safe, and included. That is why we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our application process and in our offices. We encourage applications from people of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and ethnicities, as we value a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

Where you’ll work: Based in our London office, near the iconic Tower Bridge, you’ll enjoy a flexible hybrid working arrangement – three days in the office, two days from home each week. Our office is designed to support both collaborative work and focused individual time. It includes accessible facilities, a well-equipped gym, secure bike storage, and showers. Plus, we’re easy to reach by bike and public transport. The role will require occasional international travel.

What we offer: At Climate Group, our people are at the heart of what we do. You’ll join a global community of bold, ambitious doers committed to driving climate action fast. This is a fixed-term 12-month position, with the possibility of renewal. The salary offered is £47,160 to £49,930 per annum, based on experience. Many of our people work flexibly in different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about your preferred ways of working and if it works for the role and the team, we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Beyond working alongside friendly, motivated colleagues who will support and challenge you, we offer a fantastic benefits package:

• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days annually, plus public holidays and 3 extra days for our Christmas to New Year closure.
• 10% employer pension contribution: Non-contributory scheme available after three months’ service.
• Long-service reward: An additional day’s holiday after three and six years with us.
• Flexible and hybrid working: Supporting your work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health benefits: Cash plan and private medical insurance after completing probation.
• Family-first policies: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, plus support for fertility treatments.
• Wellbeing perks: Monthly wellbeing allowance and Headspace membership.
• Additional leave options: Paid leave for volunteering, moving house, and getting married.
• Peace of mind: Life assurance from your first day.
• Cycling support: E-bike and bike loan scheme up to £1,000.
• Travel made easier: Season ticket and e-bike membership loan scheme.
• Investing in you: Learning and development opportunities to help you thrive in a global, purpose-driven organisation.

Apply now: Ready to make an impact? Apply now with your CV and a one-page cover letter that highlights how your experience and values align with our mission. If you need further information, would like the job advert in an accessible format, or require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to Nehmat Kaur, Director of the Under2 Coalition and Subnational Governments, at nkaur@climategroup.org. The closing date for applications is midnight GMT on Sunday, 15 February 2026. We’ll be holding interviews on a rolling basis, so we encourage early applications. To be eligible for this position, you must already have the right to work in the UK. Climate Group is unable to sponsor work visas or cover any related costs, including cases where candidates are willing to cover the costs themselves. We will not be working with recruitment agencies for this role.