Programme Manager (Energy/Climate Think Tank)

Civitas Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Civitas Recruitment are delighted to be supporting an independent climate change think tank with a global outlook, working to accelerate practical policy, political and institutional solutions for a safe climate. The Senior Programme Manager will lead a high‑impact portfolio across climate, policy, politics, finance and systems change, combining strategic oversight with hands‑on delivery.

You will work with senior colleagues and external partners to translate goals into actionable programmes and

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, delivery and development of climate-focused programmes ensuring work is well structured and aligned to strategy.
• Coordinate with senior colleagues, policy specialists and external partners to maintain momentum and ensure high-quality outputs.
• Support funder reporting, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement of programme management systems and processes.

Job description

Contract: 12-month FTC – could become longer term : Full time

Start: ASAP

The Opportunity

Civitas Recruitment are delighted to be supporting an independent climate change think tank with a global outlook, working to accelerate practical policy, political and institutional solutions for a safe climate.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and programme professional to lead a high-impact portfolio of work at the intersection of climate, policy, politics, finance and systems change. The role will suit someone who can combine strategic oversight with hands‑on programme delivery, working across complex stakeholder landscapes to turn ambitious goals into practical action.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Manager will lead the planning, delivery and development of a portfolio of climate-focused programmes and projects, ensuring work is well structured, effectively resourced and aligned to organisational strategy. The postholder will support the development of programme plans, theories of change, delivery frameworks, budgets, reporting processes and risk management approaches.

The role will involve working closely with senior colleagues, policy specialists and external partners to coordinate activity, maintain momentum and ensure outputs are delivered to a high standard. The successful candidate will also support funder reporting, stakeholder engagement, internal coordination and the continuous improvement of programme management systems and processes.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience of managing complex programmes or portfolios, ideally within a think tank, charity, policy, climate, international development, advocacy or mission‑led setting. You will be confident working with senior stakeholders, managing multiple workstreams and translating strategic objectives into clear plans, actions and deliverables.

You will have excellent project and programme management skills, strong communication and influencing ability, and the judgement to manage competing priorities in a fast-moving environment. Experience of climate, energy, sustainable finance, policy advocacy, political economy or systems‑change work would be highly advantageous, though strong programme leadership experience from a relevant mission‑led context will also be considered.

This role would suit someone operating at senior programme manager level, or an experienced programme manager ready to step into a broader strategic role with greater ownership, visibility and influence.