NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.  As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions.   

Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and implement many of the foundational environmental laws in the United States. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago,  Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing, and New Delhi (as a private for profit subsidiary of NRDC, NRDC India Private Limited).  

Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature, and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.org 

Scope of Work 

NRDC is seeking a Consultant to act as Partnerships Lead in advancing the work of the International Department in the African Continent. The Partnership Lead Consultant  will work in close collaboration with partners in Africa and with various NRDC teams for the execution of new projects in Africa focused on  i) Strengthening  communities and ecosystems’ resilience to climate change; ii) Expanding access to clean energy solutions and the benefits of clean energy supply chains in the context of just energy transitions; and iii) Increasing financial investments in clean energy, nature-based solutions, adaptation and resilience more broadly. 

The Partnerships Lead Consultant will be responsible for strengthening relationships with existing partners, identifying and cultivating new strategic partnerships aligned with NRDC’s missions and priorities, leveraging partnerships to drive impactful climate and clean energy initiatives in Africa, and representing NRDC across the region. This role involves providing support in developing and implementing a comprehensive regional strategy that fosters engagement with governmental bodies, local stakeholders, and community organizers.  

The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, strong regional networks, the ability to translate partnerships into tangible collaboration opportunities, an understanding of climate challenges in urban and rural settings, and the ability to advocate for policies that support sustainability and resilience. The role demands a passionate Partnerships Lead, committed to transforming the climate and energy landscape in Africa while ensuring an equitable distribution of resources and opportunities for communities. The position will report to NRDC’s Associate Director, Emerging Solutions and Global Partnership in the India Division of the International Department and also work closely with the Senior Vice President International. This is a term limited consultancy position for 3 years, with the option to extend depending on funding. 

Partnerships and Strategy Development 

• Lead engagement with existing partners, and support outreach to cultivate new partnerships 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, leverage the research and analysis from other colleagues and provide insights on institutional, political, and funding landscapes in Africa

External Engagement 

• Ensure consistent on-the-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-the-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, writing on climate change and environmental health 
• Prepare clear and concise research reports, policy briefs, whitepapers, and presentations summarizing research findings and policy recommendations 

The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under the position’s responsibility. Other duties may be assigned. 

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 including following up with them for completion of agreed actions and timelines.     
• Ability to work independently and strategically in 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), in addition to 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.