At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Secretariat for a global initiative on carbon markets and drive impactful climate action.
- Company: Join a coalition backed by influential partners like the World Bank and UK government.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and the chance to shape international climate diplomacy.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of climate action and make a real difference in carbon markets.
- Qualifications: Experience in international policy and strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on collective progress.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
Boosting finance for ambitious climate action. The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets is a bold intergovernmental initiative at the heart of global climate action, whose goal is to unlock corporate demand for high-integrity carbon credits. Independently co-chaired by the UK, Kenya, and Singapore governments, with eleven members and a Secretariat hosted by the Voluntary Carbon Markets Initiative, the Coalition is backed by influential strategic partners including the World Bank, GFANZ, WBCSD, ICC, IETA and ICVCM, to bring the right balance of ambition, pragmatism, and rigour to international carbon credit markets. Following its launch at London Climate Action Week in June 2025, and with an expanding membership, this is a time for real momentum – and real impact.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Secretariat to build and lead this initiative from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to sit at the centre of international climate diplomacy, shaping how governments, businesses, and financial institutions come together to grow carbon markets with integrity and ambition. You will lead a lean, high-performing Secretariat, coordinate a growing coalition of governments, and steward delivery across multiple workstreams and global moments - from high-level ministerial engagement and flagship announcements at UNFCCC COPs to high impact roundtables and working sessions. Operating with trust, discretion, and credibility, you will make complex collaboration look effortless and ensure the Coalition consistently delivers against its commitments.
The ideal candidate brings a dual leadership profile: relentlessly organised and delivery-driven, yet credible and compelling at the highest diplomatic levels. You will bring a track record of working with governments, fluency in international policy spaces (across OECD and Global South governments) understanding how decisions are made, and how to unlock momentum from inside the system. You will bring proven experience managing complex stakeholder dynamics across cultures, time zones and institutions, and know how to make ambitious collaboration actually work. Above all, you will bring a low-ego, high-impact mindset - comfortable operating behind the scenes, serving the Coalition while sitting within VCMI, and measuring success by collective progress rather than personal visibility.
Candidates do not need to be technical carbon markets experts, but understanding international climate diplomacy and carbon-literacy will be important, as well as a confidence in navigating the space and drawing on the deep expertise of VCMI. If you’re excited by the challenge of scaling carbon markets at this pivotal moment - and motivated by impact over profile - we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Secretariat for the Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets, coordinating a growing coalition of governments and a network of partners.
- Deliver across multiple workstreams and global moments, including ministerial engagement, flagship announcements at major conferences, roundtables and working sessions.
- Operate with trust, discretion, and credibility to support effective collaboration and delivery against commitments.
Qualifications
- Proven experience working with governments and in international policy spaces (OECD and Global South contexts).
- Strong stakeholder management across cultures, time zones, and institutions; ability to move momentum from within complex systems.
- Low-ego, high-impact mindset; comfortable working behind the scenes and serving the Coalition within VCMI.
- Not required to be a technical carbon markets expert, but carbon-literacy and understanding of international climate diplomacy are important.
How to apply
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting reference 8308. The deadline for applications is Monday 2nd March 2026 09:00 GMT. The role is based in London, with flexibility for the ideal profile. For information on salary and package, please contact Perrett Laver.
Selection process and timeline
Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in early March 2026, and the Selection Panel will decide on a final shortlist for the post in mid-March 2026, followed by interviews with VCMI – Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets in late March 2026.
Accessibility and adjustments
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
Contact and accessibility
To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application, please email Ryann.Schutt@perrettlaver.com. For access to documents in alternative formats, please contact Kelly.Harding@perrettlaver.com. If you have comments to improve access to documentation or our application processes, please contact accessibility@perrettlaver.com.
Perrett Laver GDPR and privacy
Perrett Laver’s GDPR policy: Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance. Information provided is held and processed in accordance with applicable data protection law. Data may be stored on a secured database and shared with clients for the purposes of presenting you as a candidate or assessing suitability. Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor; the legal basis for processing your data is Legitimate Interests. You have the right to object to processing. For more information, visit https://perrettlaver.com/privacy-statement/.
Head of Secretariat employer: Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets
Contact Detail:
Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Secretariat
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the climate action space. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential collaborators or mentors. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for climate diplomacy! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the Coalition or related organisations, make sure to express your enthusiasm for scaling carbon markets. Your genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the Coalition’s goals and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you’re not just another applicant; you’re someone who’s truly invested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. So, polish that CV and cover letter, and let’s get you on the path to making a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Secretariat
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Secretariat role. Highlight your experience with governments and international policy, and show how your skills align with the Coalition's mission. We want to see how you can bring that low-ego, high-impact mindset to the table!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to manage complex stakeholder dynamics across different cultures and time zones. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these challenges effortlessly, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Climate Diplomacy: While you don’t need to be a carbon markets expert, it’s crucial to show your understanding of international climate diplomacy. Use your cover letter to express your passion for scaling carbon markets and how you can contribute to the Coalition’s goals.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensure they’re reviewed properly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at this pivotal moment in climate action.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets
✨Know Your Climate Diplomacy
Make sure you brush up on international climate diplomacy and carbon markets. Understand the key players, like the World Bank and GFANZ, and be ready to discuss how you can navigate these complex systems effectively.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing diverse stakeholders across cultures and time zones. Be ready to explain how you've successfully moved momentum within complex systems in the past.
✨Demonstrate a Low-Ego, High-Impact Mindset
During the interview, convey your ability to work behind the scenes and support the Coalition's goals. Share instances where you've prioritised collective progress over personal visibility to show you're the right fit for this role.
✨Be Organised and Delivery-Driven
As the Head of Secretariat, organisation is key. Prepare to discuss how you plan to lead and manage multiple workstreams effectively. Bring examples of how you've delivered results in high-pressure environments to showcase your delivery-driven approach.
