Partnerships Lead Consultant

NRDC; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NRDC is seeking a Consultant to act as Partnerships Lead in Baltimore, Maryland. This role focuses on advancing the International Department’s work in Africa, including leading partnerships, strengthening community resilience, and expanding clean energy solutions.

The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in environmental policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, be fluent in English and French, and possess excellent communication skills. This is a term-limited consultancy for 3 years with travel requirements.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in energy/environmental or policy work in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Experience with renewable energy, energy access, utilities, and climate change.
• Multi-stakeholder engagement experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with partners and cultivate new partnerships.
• Strengthen partnerships strategy in Africa and assess opportunities.
• Represent NRDC in regional engagements and events.

Skills

Fluency in English and French

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills

High proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental studies, public policy, economics

Job description

NRDC is seeking a Consultant to act as Partnerships Lead in advancing the International Department’s work in Africa.

Scope of Work

The Partnerships Lead Consultant will collaborate with partners in Africa and various NRDC teams to execute new projects focused on (i) strengthening communities and ecosystems’ resilience to climate change; (ii) expanding access to clean energy solutions in the context of just energy transitions; and (iii) increasing financial investments in clean energy, nature‑based solutions, adaptation and resilience.

Responsibilities include strengthening relationships with existing partners, identifying and cultivating new strategic partnerships, leveraging partnerships to drive impactful climate and clean energy initiatives, representing NRDC across the region, and providing support in developing and implementing a comprehensive regional strategy that fosters engagement with governmental bodies, local stakeholders, and community organizers.

The role reports to NRDC’s Associate Director, Emerging Solutions and Global Partnership in the India Division of the International Department and works closely with the Senior Vice President International. This is a term‑limited consultancy position for 3 years, with option to extend depending on funding.

Responsibilities

Partnerships and Strategy Development

• Lead engagement with existing partners and support outreach to cultivate new partners across government, civil society, philanthropy, academia, industry, etc.
• Strengthen NRDC’s partnerships strategy in Africa, support the development of a holistic Africa strategy for engagement with partners, funders, states and cities to advance climate and clean energy solutions, identify opportunities for strategic expansion of work areas that align with programmatic activities and fundraising priorities.
• Support stakeholder mapping and landscape analysis in priority countries.
• Initiate exploratory discussions and develop concept notes for potential collaborations.
• Support discussions and formalization of partnership agreements (MoU, strategic collaborations, etc.).
• Advise on regional trends, opportunities, risks, and leverage research and analysis from other colleagues to provide insights on institutional, political, and funding landscapes in Africa.

External Engagement

• Ensure consistent on‑ground engagement in priority or partner countries (approximately 40‑50 % travel), strengthen local relationships and institutional visibility, and collaborate closely with partners and government agencies.
• Represent NRDC in convenings and engagements when staff are unable to attend, serve as the primary liaison for regional partners and stakeholders, and position the organization as a strategic partner in the region.
• Organize convenings and events to strengthen on‑ground partnerships to advance NRDC’s programmatic work in Africa.
• Undertake international travel for meetings, conferences, and partner engagement.

Project Implementation and Coordination

• Work cross‑functionally with partners, project team, and consultants to ensure timely delivery of NRDC’s research, project and advocacy objectives.
• Serve as liaison between project teams and in‑country partners, ensuring effective coordination and communication.
• Collaborate with project and research leads to document outputs and impacts of key initiatives, and support organizational reporting and learning.
• Identify key materials for translation (English‑French or French‑English) and either translate directly or coordinate with external translators as needed.
• Maintain regular domestic and international communication via phone, email, and in‑person meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct research and provide contributions to policy and technical research, analysis, and writing on climate change and environmental health.
• Prepare clear and concise research reports, policy briefs, whitepapers, and presentations summarizing research findings and policy recommendations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental studies, public policy, economics, or equivalent related experience.
• 5‑7 years of previous work experience in energy/environmental or other policy work in Sub‑Saharan Africa, especially West Africa, with on‑the‑ground experience preferred.
• Work experience in energy and environmental topics such as renewable energy, energy access, utilities, energy efficiency, electric mobility, climate change, biodiversity conservation, adaptation, finance, and relevant policy.
• Multi‑stakeholder engagement experience.

Skills, Abilities, Competencies

• Fluency in speaking, writing and reading both English and French (French native speaker preferred).
• Ability to travel internationally, approximately 40‑50 % annually.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships with state‑level government departments on specific work areas, following up with them for completion of agreed actions and timelines.
• Ability to work independently and strategically in a multicultural setting, follow institutional procedures, prioritize and efficiently execute many tasks.
• Excellent outreach and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and knowledge of or ability to learn relevant industry and NRDC‑specific software and platforms.
• Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to be an effective partner with diverse colleagues, leaders, partners, and consultants.
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles.

This position is offered strictly on a contract basis and does not constitute a permanent or full‑time employment relationship. Accordingly, the candidate will not be eligible for company‑sponsored benefits, including but not limited to health, dental, or vision insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, or other employee‑exclusive perks. As a contractor, you will be responsible for providing your own equipment.