Policy Programme Director in London

We are looking for a motivated and experienced public policy professional with a climate change background to lead the Policy Programme for a one-year fixed term contract maternity cover. Reporting to the CEO, and as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), you will work closely with the Investor Strategies and Corporate Programme Directors to deliver the policy programme’s strategy for this period. You will be responsible for leading a team of seven staff who cover real economy, sustainable finance and nature policy projects at the UK, EU and global level. We particularly encourage applicants with EU and/or international climate policy expertise.

Your role, which involves direct engagement with policy makers and our investor members, will help to shape the policy and regulatory environment to support companies and investors in implementing their net zero commitments and managing the risks and opportunities associated with the transition. You will also regularly collaborate with our partner organisations in this space, including other investor membership organisations.

This role will involve helping to design, coordinate and implement IIGCC’s plans for the CBD COP and climate COP in 2026, including by creating opportunities for IIGCC and our members where appropriate. There will be opportunities for public speaking throughout the contract period, and you will be required to represent IIGCC at important external fora on various climate topics throughout the year.

Applications

Interested applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant skills, capabilities and experience for the role by completing the application form on our website. If you have any queries, please email.

Recruitment timeline

IIGCC will review applications on a rolling basis, so we would encourage early application. The final deadline for applications is 3 February 2026. We reserve the right to extend the deadline or close this vacancy early depending on the applications we receive. We recommend that you submit your application as early as possible. Please note that we aim for the first round interviews (online, via Teams) to take place in the week of 9 February 2026.

Main responsibilities

• Actively engage and provide strategic input into the implementation of the current policy programme strategy and input into the development of the strategy for the coming three years.
• Lead the Policy team to deliver the strategy and programme of work for the Policy Programme (2026 and up to Q2 2027 as required) to enable investors to positively influence policymaking in relation to climate change, sustainable finance and nature/deforestation.
• Manage a team of seven staff ranging from Manager to Senior Specialist level, providing strategic direction and support to the team, building capability and knowledge sharing, overseeing recruitment (if required), performance, and talent management.
• Work closely with investors to understand their key policy priorities and effectively balance their views when representing positions externally.
• Develop key policy asks at UK, EU and global level and oversee relevant policy engagements with investor members.
• Manage relations with key stakeholders, including UK, EU and global policy makers at political and civil service level.
• Identify fundraising opportunities and engage with existing and potential funders to develop new funding proposals.
• Work with the communications team to ensure the Policy Programme, its initiatives and outputs are effectively communicated to external audiences.
• Represent IIGCC externally in key fora, including public speaking when desirable.
• Manage the team’s budget.
• Support IIGCC’s CEO and Board in their discussions on policy, deputising for the CEO when needed.
• Play a positive role on the Senior Management Team implementing the IIGCC strategy.

Skills and experience

• Experience of working on issues relating to climate change, nature and finance, ideally in a private sector context.
• Significant experience of working on public policy relating to climate change and sustainable finance.
• Successful track record of leading programmes in comparable leadership roles, including people management experience.
• Strong project management skills, coordination and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including interpersonal, verbal and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal, diplomacy and networking skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, self-motivated, flexible and disciplined.
• Fluent in routine IT tools including MS Office (Word, PowerPoint).
• Fluency in English language.
• Willingness to travel occasionally, including internationally.
• Solid understanding and familiarity with policy decision-making processes, particularly at EU and global level.

Why work at IIGCC?

People join IIGCC because they care deeply about making a difference by bringing the investment community together to navigate the risks and opportunities of the transition and support progress towards a net zero and climate resilient future.