Leading One of the Most Ambitious Energy Transitions of Our Time

Around the world, coal-fired power plants remain a cornerstone of electricity systems and one of the largest sources of global greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, even as clean power alternatives can deliver power affordably, reliably and securely. Removing the barriers to accelerating the transition from coal to clean power - while safeguarding energy security, economic development, and a just transition for workers and communities - is one of the defining leadership challenges of this decade.

The Coal to Clean Transition Project Office (working title) is a global initiative designed to meet this challenge head-on, by partnering with the energy and finance sectors to accelerate the early retirement and replacement of coal power assets in emerging and developing economies in a manner that brings benefits to vulnerable local communities.

The mission of the project office is to support end-to-end project development. This includes providing technical and financial advisory services and connecting projects with appropriate sources of capital and partners at key stages of the transition and project development process. To this end, the project office will work in partnership with local and international energy and finance experts, civil society, governments, financial institutions, utilities, asset owners, and philanthropic organizations among others to provide support.

It is designed as a complement to global, regional, and national power sector transition technical assistance programs and funding efforts. It will focus on asset-level coal transition strategic support for individual and multiple asset engagements to develop a pipeline of coal to clean transactions. It willchannel funding to priority projects, coordinate and develop relevant expertise and capacity, and engage with capital providers and decision-makers in priority markets to advance a portfolio of coal-to-clean transition projects through to financial close.​

This is a rare opportunity to shape a first-of-its-kind platform at the intersection of climate finance, energy system transformation, and economic development—turning ambition into transactions, and strategy into measurable impact. We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead this effort.

The Chief Executive Officer will lead a globally respected institution capable of supporting projects that mobilises investment for coal transition projects, while delivering gold standard reliability, affordability, and just transition outcomes. Building a high-performance team across project origination, financial and technical analysis, and engaging with capital providers, including private and concessional capital options, the CEO will lead execution of the strategy to identify and prepare 100 high-impact projects by 2030. The CEO will be responsible for ensuring that the culture will be collaborative, execution-focused, and built for impact at scale, whilst maintaining accountability to all stakeholders including the funders.

The successful Chief Executive Officer will be seen as a respected leader among governments, investors, MDBs, and asset owners, capable of driving technical rigor, institutional excellence, and strategic momentum. You will have a deep interest in the energy and possible experience in the finance sectors and some knowledge of the Coal Retirement Mechanisms space. You will be a brilliant leader, people empowerer, strategist and networker.

The intention is for the Coal to Clean Transition Project Office to be headquartered in Singapore. Whilst an immediate presence in Singapore is not required, an openness to relocate in the future will be expected.

Process & How to Apply

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the Selection Committee in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assisting in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role.

Informal enquiries and questions can be directed to Karina Rinaldi-Doligez karina.rd@perrettlaver.com.

To apply, applications should consist of a covering letter explaining the motivation and qualifications for the position and a full curriculum vitae. Applications can be uploaded at https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/, quoting reference number 8331. The closing date for applications is at 9am CEST on Monday 20th April.

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