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- 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 for significant career growth in a dynamic, impactful environment.
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 in London employer: in the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. Acutely sensitive to
Contact Detail:
in the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. Acutely sensitive to Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Secretariat in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the climate action space and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend events, webinars, or roundtables related to carbon markets to meet key players and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with governments and international policy during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex stakeholder dynamics and driven collaboration in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on climate diplomacy trends! Follow relevant news and reports to ensure you can speak confidently about current issues and developments in carbon markets. This will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate who’s genuinely passionate about the cause.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your CV and cover letter directly via the link provided. This not only streamlines the process but also shows your commitment to the role and the Coalition's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Secretariat in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the role of Head of Secretariat. Highlight your experience with governments and international policy, and don’t forget to showcase your stakeholder management skills!
Showcase Your Impact Mindset: We want to see that low-ego, high-impact mindset in your application. Share examples of how you've worked behind the scenes to drive collaboration and achieve results, rather than just focusing on personal achievements.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at in the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. Acutely sensitive to
✨Know Your Climate Diplomacy
Make sure you brush up on international climate diplomacy and carbon markets. Understanding the nuances of how decisions are made in both OECD and Global South contexts will give you a solid foundation to discuss your insights during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience managing complex stakeholder dynamics. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated different cultures and time zones, and how you’ve moved momentum within complex systems.
✨Emphasise Your Low-Ego, High-Impact Mindset
This role values a low-ego approach, so be sure to convey your commitment to collective progress over personal visibility. Share instances where you’ve worked behind the scenes to support a team or initiative, showcasing your ability to deliver results without seeking the spotlight.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about potential challenges in coordinating a coalition of governments and how you would address them, demonstrating your strategic thinking and adaptability.
