Turn evidence into decisions. You will lead the partnerships and global programmes that move whole life carbon from research into policy and markets worldwide. You will grow our cooperation in Asia (India, China) and Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia), connect it to EU policy through the INDICATE network, and support GBDI’s work in CLEAR with RICS and WBCSD. You will turn contacts into funded projects and help build the organisations that carry this work beyond 2028, working directly with the Director and our scientists.
This profile is tentative. We will design the final profile and the extent together with the person we hire, based on their strengths, interests and our project needs. We value initiative: if you see a better way to contribute, tell us.
Read the full advert as a PDF: the role, what you bring, how we work, what we offer, relocation and housing, and how to apply, in one document.
What you will do
- Coordinate GBDI’s cooperation in India and China, including joint projects with CABR, Tsinghua University, CBMF and UNEP GlobalABC: co-creation workshops, webinars and a joint white paper.
- Build fair, long-term partnerships in Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa) with our Senior Scientist for whole life carbon and LCA (RISE-Team-2611-02), in which local partners own their data and results.
- Support EPBD implementation and strategic engagement in European policy, finance and industry fora, and contribute to INDICATE’s business model, governance and fundraising.
- Support GBDI’s role in CLEAR with RICS and WBCSD: coordinate our contributions to the harmonised WLCA framework, the policy playbook and the training packages.
- Help build up the new GBDI non-profit association, manage partner commitments and project plans, and track what our work changes, such as requirements adopted, datasets in use and funding secured beyond 2028.
- Identify and pursue philanthropic, multilateral, EU and private funding, and lead proposals from concept to budget and submission.
What you bring
- Essential: experience building partnerships and coalitions with government, industry, research and philanthropy, ideally across countries and regions.
- Essential: strong writing and presentation skills, and confidence in representing an organisation at high-level policy and industry fora.
- A Master’s degree with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, or a PhD, in the built environment, sustainability, climate policy, international development or a related field.
- A proven fundraising track record, for example successful proposals or grants. Tell us which funds you helped raise and what your role was.
- A good understanding of whole life carbon, life cycle assessment of buildings and the policy landscape for decarbonising buildings and construction, including carbon budgets and sufficiency-first approaches.
- Professional proficiency in English, spoken and written. German is appreciated but not required.
Nice to have
- A network in, or work experience with, one or more of our focus countries (India, China, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia), and a language spoken there.
- Familiarity with initiatives such as UNEP GlobalABC, the Buildings Breakthrough or CLEAR, and with international frameworks for whole life carbon reporting.
- Experience with impact monitoring, evaluation and learning for research and policy programmes.
- Openness to occasional travel for partner meetings and events.
How to apply
Send your application as three PDFs to office@riselabs.at with the subject line RISE-Team-2611-01 - [Your name]. Applications without a Position ID in the subject line may not be considered.
- Motivation letter, at most two pages, including names and contact details of three professional references. They are contacted only after an interview, with your consent.
- CV, including a list of projects and publications.
- Examples of your work relevant to the position. You will know best how to present it: a successful proposal, a partnership concept, a programme you built up.
Applications are open until 4 December 2026. Reviewing and interviewing start on 18 November 2026 and continue until the position is filled, so earlier applications have the advantage of an earlier conversation.
Applying for more than one position? List all Position IDs in the subject line and tell us in your letter which you prefer and why.