Country Head, India

Country Head, India - based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Ocean Energy Pathway
Getting to the energy future, faster.
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (remote)
Salary: Up to $62,500 per annum (dependent on experience)
About Us
Ocean Energy Pathway (OEP) is on a mission to accelerate the global clean energy transition by unlocking the immense potential of offshore wind power. Ocean Energy Pathway fast-tracks the development of a sustainable, high-ambition, global offshore wind sector, as part of a thriving blue economy. We deliver expert, independent technical assistance to governments and CSOs to help accelerate the growth of offshore wind energy, supporting climate and energy ambitions globally . We work with policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders in the blue economy to build strategies to sustainable scale for the sector.
Role Overview
Join a fast-growing, impact-driven organisation playing a pivotal role in the continued growth of offshore wind and the global energy transition.
This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of India’s energy transition efforts by leading projects critical for scaling up the offshore wind sector. As a senior leader at OEP, you will play an essential role at the heart of the organisation, ensuring our strategic approach is well-reflected in a key market for accelerating the energy transition.
The Country Manager (India) is a high-impact role where you will shape our strategy and be the lead team member India with a strong regional focus on the opportunities in the Tamil Nadu region, and subsequently, in Gujarat. The Country Manager will be at the forefront of shaping the strategic direction and vision for OEP in India. It will also represent the hiring of a key role in the scale up of this brand new organisation. You will represent OEP in various settings and contribute to bridging the voice between industry and both regional and national government.
You will hold a comprehensive portfolio encompassing strategy, government and external relations, and project development and management . As part of a multidisciplinary global team, you will take on diverse tasks and responsibilities in projects of varied complexity and scale.
Reports to: You will report to OEP’s Executive Director and work closely with the Strategy team at OEP.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Planning
Lead the design of OEP’s India country strategy, in collaboration with OEP’s strategy team. This includes creating a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and mapping strategy and working within OEP’s strategic framework to assess and prioritise the opportunities, with a focus on the Tamil Nadu region.
Curate an expert understanding of Indian geopolitical, political, regulatory, and industry trends and translate them into relevant insight for growing the offshore wind sector, including at the subnational level with particular emphasis on the states of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
Advise on the key challenges and opportunities related to the intersection between offshore wind and ocean conservation, marine biodiversity, and nature.
2. Government Relations
Build a comprehensive and impactful partner strategy for government , including by leveraging existing networks and building and maintaining relationships with all orders of government, prioritising building relationships at a regional level in Tamil Nadu, for the provision of technical and other support.
As the government is working on measures to scale-up the industry, support government officials by developing and implementing OEP’s suite of technical assistance and advisory services.
Maintain a constant review of the national and local policy landscape related to offshore wind and broader players in the blue economy (such as offshore energy, environment, industrial growth, labour, maritime, etc.), incorporating analysis into OEP’s strategy and identifying emerging issues and opportunities.
3. Stakeholder / external relations
Work closely with our partners and local organisations , and other essential stakeholders in civil society such as nature/biodiversity groups, to inform both strategy and delivery.
Build strategic partnerships and alliances, considering sectors outside of offshore wind.
Represent OEP by contributing to external forums, representing the organisation in conferences and meetings, etc.
4. Technical Assistance Project Management and Delivery
Lead the identification, drafting, design and in-country project management of a programme of Technical Assistance across Political, Nature/Blue Economy, Industrial and Civil Society pillars. This activity will include budgeting, outcomes, outputs, and the measurement and reporting strategy in close consort with the Programme and Strategy Directors and wider OEP Operations team.
Attend regular online programme and project development and reporting meetings with the Programme and Strategy Directors and additional, scheduled in person meetings in Europe at points through the year.
Manage and oversee additional in-country staff and some contractors as required to deliver the Technical Assistance programme across all pillars of work.
Requirements
Must be based in the Tamil Nadu region or happy to regularly commute to the region
Native Tamil speaker
Advanced written and verbal communications skills in English.
Significant travel across India, including to both Delhi, Gujarat, Odisha and to Tamil Nadu, and some travel expected internationally.
10+ years of professional experience, with some familiarity in energy, climate/conservation, international affairs/diplomacy, government, or philanthropy.
Demonstrable experience in advocacy, government affairs, public relations, and project, staff and subcontractor management.
Preferred Skills / Beneficial Attributes
Expertise in offshore wind is not necessarily required and you will be provided opportunities to learn and gain expertise in the sector. However, experience in the energy/climate/infrastructure sphere is strongly welcomed.
Excels at advising and presenting to senior leaders and building rapport.
Exceptional stakeholder management skills.
Demonstrated expertise in report writing and project reporting skills.
An independent, proactive thinker who excels at critical and creative problem-solving.
Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver large-scale, complex projects.
Ability to work independently in a globally spread team.
Benefits
A collaborative and inclusive work environment
Flexible working with a remote-first ethos
Competitive salary
Professional development opportunities with specific budget allocated towards employee skills and career development
Potential for work travel
Application Process
Please send your resume (max 2 pages) to , quoting the job title in the email subject.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Privacy Policy
At OEP, we respect the privacy and confidentiality of the personal data of our clients, associates, and others whom we interact with in the course of providing our services.
We are committed to implementing policies, practices, and processes to safeguard the collection, use, and disclosure of the personal data you provide us, in compliance with the UK GDPR rules.

---