Technical Manager, Water Security, Full Time
Are you looking to join the global race to stabilise both the environment and the economy? Are you looking for a role that combines your professional experience with an ethical focus? CDP is where business leaders, financiers and policymakers turn for innovative, systemic solutions. This is an exciting, impact-oriented role working on a globally significant issue – the global water crisis. You will contribute to driving the day-to-day operations of the Water Security Team globally and be involved in the delivery and management of key outputs, analysis and strategic relationships. You will support the production of cutting-edge research, advocacy and innovation to mobilise the world’s largest coalition of non-state actors to tackle the global water crisis. You will be responsible for leading delivery of the Science-Based Targets Freshwater (SBTFW) project. Ultimately, you will be working to put water at the heart of business, financial and policy decision-making.
About CDP
CDP pioneered environmental disclosure in 2003, and today operates the world’s only integrated environmental disclosure system, now covering climate change, water and forests. You will be joining one of the world’s most influential environmental organizations, as our disclosure platform is a touchstone tracking the environmental performance of more than 13,000 companies with over 50% of global market capitalization, supported by our signatory investors who collectively represents US$110 trillion of assets under management. Added to this set of constituents are 1,000 cities, states and regions, making CDP’s disclosure platform one of the most comprehensive sources of data and insights. You will be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and impact are a way of life.
About the Team
Established a decade ago, CDP’s innovative Water Security initiative has driven a step change in the way in which the private sector engages with water issues. As we turn our sights to the future, we are seeking a dynamic individual to join our Water Security Team, support the delivery of CDP’s Water Security Strategy globally and the Science Based Targets for Freshwater project.
About Science Based Targets for Freshwater (SBTFW)
CDP and WWF are co-leads of SBTFW. SBTs will help companies and cities focus on how their activities affect water quality and quantity. It will help companies understand the water basins of highest priority and their role in improving the water systems. The candidate will support the Freshwater (FW) Hub with the public launch of freshwater methodologies including validation processes, alignment with external frameworks, updating methodologies and coordination. The candidate will also provide technical review to groundwater, water quality and biodiversity methodologies developed by the FW hub. The candidate will support socializing SBTFW internally within CDP and externally via external events.
Key responsibilities include:
- Cooperating with teams across the organization, including CDP’s regional offices, to achieve our objectives on water security, as set out in the global water security strategy, with a focus on:
- Supporting effective corporate and investor engagement and action
- Supporting CDP’s engagement on water security with cities, states and regions.
- Supporting the development of the water security questionnaire, scoring methodology and accompanying guidance. This includes building thought leadership knowledge from CDP’s 4 main stakeholders: corporations, investors, policy makers and cities
- Supporting the development and execution of CDP’s water security strategy through carefully planned research, data and insight gathering. This includes leading on annual analysis and production of CDP’s global water security reporting output
- Executing and supporting CDP’s water security work, presenting at selected events and preparing and giving webinars where appropriate
- Collaborating on projects and initiatives both within and outside of CDP, that advance our water security strategy
- Building water-related capacity within companies and investors via webinars, workshops, briefing notes and public speaking.
- Building SBT capacity within CDP and supporting CDP delivery teams via webinars, workshops and briefing notes.
- Providing SBT input into meetings with CDP external stakeholders including companies, investors and policy makers.
- Representing CDP in a range of external SBT working groups on topics such as target validation and accountability.
The precise description and nature of your job may vary from time to time, and you may be required to carry out other duties as necessary to meet business needs.
Required skills and experience:
- A degree level qualification in environmental science, engineering, policy or sustainability related discipline (MSc degree preferred), ideally specializing in water management/corporate sustainability.
- At least 3 years applied professional industry experience, in either the private, finance, science/engineering, or policy sectors with significant experience of advancing water agendas in any of these sectors.
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience of the global water issues and the role of corporations and investors
- Strong quantitative data analysis skills and experience in using and maintaining databases.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a high standard of written English, with previous experience of producing written research outputs (preferably for a corporate audience)
- Detail-oriented and organized thinker who can juggle multiple, competing priorities
- Passion, confidence, and initiative. A self-starter who can work independently and part of cross-functional teams in a matrix organisation.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and efficiently with team members of different technical and cultural backgrounds.
- Excellent and/or advanced experience of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- At least three years demonstrable experience in managing projects.
Desirable criteria
- An ability to quickly process complex information and bring “new perspectives” to solve challenges.
- An understanding of the corporate reporting landscape and investor expectations around water security (e.g., CDP, GRI, CEO Water mandate, TCFD, SBTN).
- Experience of working in a global, non-profit organization.
- Effective influencing skills.
- Experience of managing projects, including budgets, reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
Role details
This is a full time, permanent contract based at CDP’s headquarters in Central London, UK; reporting to the Associate Director – Water Security. Flexible working is fully embraced by the organisation and we encourage you to explore this at interview.
Applicants to be based in the CDP offices of New York or Berlin will also be considered.
Salary and benefits: £37,000 – £40,000 per annum dependent on experience, annual discretionary bonus scheme (dependent on company performance), 30 days’ holiday excluding bank holidays, a generous non-contributory pension provision, life assurance, and others.
Before you apply
Interested applicants must be eligible to work legally in the UK. We cannot sponsor this role.
We’ll only use the information you provide to process your application. For more details on how we use your information, see our applicant’s privacy notice. By uploading your CV and covering letter, you are permitting CDP to use the information you have provided for recruitment purposes.
How to apply:
Please upload your CV (maximum 2 pages) in the application form along with a covering letter (maximum one page) as an additional document setting out how you meet the required skills and experience or key responsibilities..
This role will remain open until a suitable candidate is found, with rolling interviews. The role is to start as soon as possible.
Please note that while all applications are reviewed, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
