ClimateWorks Foundation is hiring a remote Senior Program Associate for its Cement & Building Materials team. This global climate-focused role involves grant management, stakeholder engagement, strategy development, and supporting the decarbonization of one of the world’s highest-emitting industries.

ClimateWorks Foundation Opens Remote Senior Program Associate Opportunity in Climate Action and Industrial Decarbonization

Professionals passionate about climate action and sustainable development now have an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the most critical global challenges of the century. ClimateWorks Foundation is seeking a Senior Program Associate for Cement and Building Materials, a fully remote position that will support efforts to decarbonize one of the world’s largest industrial sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

The role sits within the Global Industry Hub (GIH), a climate-focused initiative dedicated to accelerating the transition of heavy industries toward a net-zero future. Through strategic grantmaking, stakeholder collaboration, research, and policy engagement, the successful candidate will help drive initiatives aimed at transforming the cement and construction sectors into more sustainable industries.

For professionals with experience in climate policy, environmental sustainability, engineering, programme management, or international development, this position presents a unique opportunity to contribute to global climate solutions while working with experts and organizations across multiple continents.

Why Cement and Building Materials Matter in Climate Action

When discussions about climate change arise, attention often focuses on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and reducing fossil fuel consumption. However, the cement industry represents one of the largest sources of industrial carbon emissions globally.

Current estimates indicate that cement production contributes approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making it one of the most significant sectors requiring transformation if the world hopes to achieve climate targets and net-zero commitments.

As urbanization and infrastructure development continue across the globe, demand for cement and construction materials remains strong. This creates an urgent need to develop cleaner production methods, innovative technologies, and supportive policy frameworks that reduce emissions while maintaining economic development.

The Global Industry Hub was established to address these challenges by mobilizing resources, facilitating partnerships, and supporting high-impact initiatives capable of accelerating industrial decarbonization.

About ClimateWorks Foundation

ClimateWorks Foundation is widely recognized as one of the leading organizations working to accelerate climate progress through strategic philanthropy and collaboration.

Since its establishment in 2008, the foundation has awarded more than $2 billion in grants to hundreds of organizations operating across dozens of countries. By connecting funders, governments, businesses, and implementing organizations, ClimateWorks helps scale climate solutions capable of delivering meaningful environmental impact.

The foundation operates across multiple sectors and geographic regions, supporting initiatives that contribute to emissions reductions, sustainable development, and climate resilience.

Its culture emphasizes:

• Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Humility
• Innovation
• Learning
• Strategic risk-taking

These values help foster an environment where diverse perspectives contribute to solving complex global challenges.

The Role of the Global Industry Hub

The Global Industry Hub serves as a catalyst for accelerating the decarbonization of heavy industries, including:

• Cement
• Steel
• Chemicals

The Hub functions as a neutral platform that brings together:

• Governments
• Industry leaders
• Civil society organizations
• Development institutions
• Investors
• Philanthropic organizations

Its mission is to transform complex industrial transitions into practical, scalable, and investable pathways toward a low-carbon future.

Through systems thinking, policy engagement, technical expertise, and financial alignment, the Hub supports initiatives capable of reshaping industrial ecosystems for generations to come.

What the Senior Program Associate Will Do

The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting the Cement and Building Materials Team while helping manage and expand the organization’s grantmaking portfolio.

This position combines programme management, stakeholder engagement, research, strategy development, and communications.

Managing Grantmaking Activities

A significant portion of the role focuses on supporting the administration and oversight of grants.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing grant review processes
• Monitoring grant progress
• Supporting evaluation activities
• Tracking reporting requirements
• Maintaining communication with grantees
• Ensuring compliance with programme timelines

The position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Building Relationships with Partners

The Senior Program Associate will work closely with organizations, experts, and partners involved in cement and building material decarbonization initiatives.

This includes:

• Supporting collaboration among stakeholders
• Facilitating knowledge exchange
• Coordinating communications
• Strengthening relationships with grantees

The role requires someone who can engage effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, professional, and geographic backgrounds.

ALSO READ

• Road Accident Fund Internship Programme 2026: 18-Month Paid Opportunity for Graduates in Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga
• Dis-Chem People & Culture Graduate Programme 2026
• Mercedes-Benz Apprenticeship Programme 2026
• Premier Marketing Graduate Opportunity 2026
• Blueion Support Services Graduate Call Centre Agent Opportunity 2026

Leading Global Convenings and Knowledge Exchange

One of the most exciting aspects of the role involves organizing and facilitating international stakeholder engagement activities.

The successful candidate will support:

• Virtual meetings
• International workshops
• Industry forums
• Knowledge-sharing events
• Global cement decarbonization convenings

These events help bring together policymakers, technical experts, investors, and industry leaders to discuss solutions and accelerate climate action.

The role therefore offers significant exposure to influential stakeholders operating across the climate and sustainability landscape.

Supporting Climate Strategy Development

Beyond operational responsibilities, the Senior Program Associate will contribute to strategic planning and research activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting industry research
• Supporting policy analysis
• Identifying emerging opportunities
• Developing communications materials
• Preparing reports and briefings
• Supporting programme strategy refinement

Over time, the successful candidate will increasingly become a subject matter expert representing the Global Industry Hub within the cement and building materials ecosystem.

Ideal Qualifications and Experience

ClimateWorks is seeking candidates with a strong commitment to addressing climate change and supporting sustainability initiatives.

Applicants should possess:

Educational Background

A bachelor’s degree in fields such as:

• Environmental Science
• Engineering
• Public Policy
• Sustainability
• Related disciplines

A master’s degree in a relevant field is considered advantageous.

Professional Experience

Candidates should have at least:

• Five years of relevant programme or project management experience

Experience working with grants, non-profit organizations, or climate-focused initiatives is highly desirable.

Technical and Professional Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong research capabilities
• Programme management expertise
• Stakeholder engagement experience
• Strategic thinking abilities
• Strong analytical skills

Knowledge of the cement, construction, or building materials sectors would be particularly valuable.

A Truly Global Remote Opportunity

One of the major attractions of this position is its remote working model.

The role is open to professionals located in:

• British Standard Time (BST) zones
• Central European Time (CET) zones
• Regions operating within similar time zones

The position supports collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders across:

• Europe
• Africa
• Asia
• North America

As a result, candidates must be comfortable working across international time zones and participating in global discussions.

International Travel Opportunities

Although remote, the position includes opportunities for international travel.

The successful candidate should be prepared to undertake:

• At least two international trips per year
• Additional travel opportunities when required

This travel may involve attending stakeholder meetings, conferences, workshops, and climate-related events around the world.

Career Growth and Impact

The Senior Program Associate role offers far more than a traditional programme management position.

It provides an opportunity to:

• Influence global climate action
• Support industrial transformation
• Engage with international experts
• Build deep sector expertise
• Contribute to net-zero solutions
• Advance a meaningful sustainability career

Few opportunities allow professionals to directly contribute to reducing emissions in one of the world’s most carbon-intensive sectors while working alongside leading climate organizations.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

ClimateWorks Foundation is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed and supported.

The organization actively promotes equal opportunities and provides reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility throughout the recruitment and employment process.

This commitment reflects ClimateWorks’ belief that diverse perspectives strengthen innovation and improve climate outcomes.

Final Thoughts

The ClimateWorks Foundation Senior Program Associate – Cement & Building Materials opportunity represents an exceptional career path for professionals passionate about climate action, sustainability, and industrial transformation. Through grantmaking, stakeholder engagement, strategic research, and programme leadership, the successful candidate will contribute directly to efforts aimed at reducing emissions from one of the world’s most challenging sectors.

For individuals seeking a meaningful global role that combines climate impact, international collaboration, and professional growth, this fully remote opportunity offers a chance to help shape the future of sustainable industry while advancing one of the most important environmental missions of our time.

APPLY VIA THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Get the latest jobs, internships, bursaries, and remote opportunities delivered instantly.
Follow our channels and never miss an update.

Join WhatsApp Channel