Chief of Strategy

1. Your New Organization

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an intergovernmental organization of 125 Member Countries working to accelerate the deployment of solar energy to achieve universal energy access, energy security, and a sustainable, low-carbon future. Co-founded by India and France under the Paris Agreement, ISA serves as a platform for cooperation among solarrich nations to mobilize investments, build capacity, and promote innovation in solar energy deployment across the Global South. Its mission is to unlock solar investments by 2030, while reducing technology and financing costs. Through initiatives across agriculture, health, transport, and power generation, ISA Member Countries are driving change by shaping policies, sharing best practices, setting standards, and mobilising investments.

2. Your New Role

The Chief of Strategy & New Initiatives will lead ISA's efforts in institutional strategy, programme innovation, and strategic partnerships. The incumbent will guide the development and implementation of ISA's Five-Year Strategy, design new solar programmes and digital initiatives, and position ISA as a thought leader in global energy and climate dialogues. Reporting directly to the Director General, the incumbent will play a central role in shaping ISA's institutional direction, mobilising strategic partnerships, and driving high-impact initiatives that align with global energy transition priorities and the needs of Member Countries.

3. Your Broader Scope of Work
(including but not limited to)

A. Strategic Planning and Thought Leadership

• Lead the formulation and implementation of ISA's Five-Year Strategic Plan, aligning institutional priorities with global energy transition and climate objectives.

• Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging trends, innovative technologies, and evolving financing models relevant to the solar sector.

• Represent ISA in high-level global policy dialogues (COP, G20, AfDB Annual Meetings, World Bank/IMF Spring & Annual Meetings) to strengthen ISA's visibility, partnerships and influence.

• Produce policy briefs, analytical papers to position ISA as a global thought leader in driving solar energy transitions.

B. Incubation of High-Impact Initiatives

• Conceptualise and design flagship solar initiatives focused on areas such as digitalisation, resilience, and energy planning (e.g., digital twins of utilities).

• Establish and operationalise the ISA Innovation Hub, fostering collaboration with private sector partners, research organisations, and entrepreneurs.

• Develop digital platforms and solutions (e.g., an e-marketplace for SIDS).

C. Strategic Partnerships

• Forge strategic partnerships with the intention of advancing ISA's solar initiatives and expanding access to innovative financing solutions.

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with MDBs, DFIs, philanthropies, and corporates, with a strong focus on mobilising resources for the ISA Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).

• Strengthen ISA's engagement with the private sector and impact investors through initiatives such as the CEO Caucus and targeted innovation partnerships.

D. Strategic Outreach and Global Positioning

• Provide strategic direction for ISA's participation in flagship global events to ensure strong political visibility and impact.

• Coordinate global initiatives such as the SIDS Platform, the International Solar Festival, and other outreach activities linked to major international partnerships.

• Oversee ISA's collaboration with COP Presidencies and global alliances to enhance ISA's policy influence and advocacy leadership.

E. Provide Cross-Functional Support

• The incumbent will collaborate across ISA Units to ensure strategic alignment and operational efficiency, including for enabling functions like IT, procurement etc

• Any other task assigned by Director General

4. What You Will Need to Succeed

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Energy, Climate Policy, Economics, International Relations, or a related discipline.

• A first-level university degree in combination with four additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Required Experience

• Minimum 16 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including significant experience in strategic planning, partnerships, and programme development in the energy, climate, or international development sectors.

• Demonstrated track record in mobilising resources and partnerships with MDBs, UN, think-tanks, DFIs, and philanthropies.

• Proven experience in conceptualising and managing innovative programmes in renewable energy, digitalisation, or climate finance.

• Strong understanding of global policy processes (UNFCCC, G20, SDGs, or equivalent) and experience representing institutions in high-level forums.

• Demonstrated success in policy advocacy, inter-agency coordination, and thought leadership.
Desired

• Prior experience working in or with intergovernmental, multilateral, or international organisations.

• Experience in solar energy, sustainable finance, or clean energy innovation ecosystems.

5. Languages and IT Skills

• Excellent command of English (spoken and written) is required.

• Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is desirable.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, ERP systems, and collaborative digital tools is required.

6. Competencies

• Strategic Vision and Leadership: Ability to translate institutional goals into actionable strategies and guide high-level execution.

• Partnership Building: Proven capacity to cultivate and sustain collaborations with governments, MDBs, DFIs, and the private sector.

• Innovation Orientation: Ability to identify, pilot, and scale novel ideas, digital tools, and solutions.
• Results Orientation: Strong focus on measurable impact, accountability, and delivery.

• Communication and Advocacy: Excellent written and oral communication, with experience in representing organizations at senior levels.

• Cultural and Political Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, intergovernmental environment.