Principal, Climate Action, Natural Ecosystems

Company Description

About Us

Minderoo Foundation takes on tough, persistent issues with the potential to drive massive change. We incubate ideas, advocate for systems change and accelerate impact. We push the limits of what is believed possible.

Minderoo Foundation is proudly Australian, independent, forward thinking and seeks effective, scalable solutions. Through bold, collaborative and selfless action, we seek to dismantle the systems that entrench inequality and advocate for a fairer future.

Natural Ecosystems Focus Area drives Minderoo's work in environment and conservation. It is dedicated to restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems, safeguarded for all generations, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region and through our global influence. The 2030 Strategy targets this outcome for Australia and its neighbours, as we strive to act locally and think globally. Our approach emphasises the necessity of applying the Precautionary Principle to protect against serious and irreversible damage to our ecosystems and minimising climate change as a threat multiplier. We will protect and restore our natural ecosystems by fostering legislation, supporting research and development in science and technology, and developing sustainable financial models to balance the needs of our beneficiaries. We will overcome the climate challenge by supporting policy development, public education on climate urgency and demonstrating what a successful transition looks like domestically

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Climate Action, you will actively contribute to a high-performing team and drive impact by working productively and efficiently, collaborating closely with other Focus & Enabler areas as part of our matrix structure and championing our One Minderoo Culture. Focusing on partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries to execute an impactful strategy aligned with Minderoo's strategic objectives. As Principal, Climate Action, you will provide strategic direction and management that turns partner-led initiatives, such as the Lethal Humidity Global Council, into coordinated action that accelerates the global shift to Real Zero. You will amplify partner and Minderoo influence at UNGA, COP and other multilateral forums and secure enduring, strategically aligned climate outcomes.

You will

• Lead the execution of Minderoo's global Climate Action strategy, setting bold priorities and clear milestones to guide international climate engagement.
• Distil complexity into clarity by translating diverse partner insights into compelling positions and narratives, working with Enabler Areas to drive outcome-focused campaigns.
• Build and deepen strategic relationships with global NGOs, institutions, governments and thought leaders, establishing Minderoo as a trusted convener and catalytic partner on climate.
• Empower senior leadership for multilateral influence by delivering briefings and materials that support international collaboration and drive evidence-led Climate Action progress.
• Track global change – scanning geopolitical, scientific and policy shifts to identify emerging risks and opportunities and advising on responsive strategy and investment pivots.

Qualifications

You will bring

• Expertise regarding climate, energy, international relations, public policy, environmental studies or similar.
• Proven track record with over 7 years' experience leading climate initiatives with engagement across the international multilateral system, including interaction with UN processes, global institutions and cross-sector stakeholders from government, industry and the not-for-profit sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge of global climate issues and understanding of the complexity and challenges associated with the clean energy transition, fossil fuel phase-out and growth of green industries.
• Proven ability to problem-solve complex social, economic and / or environmental problems and influence the agents of change for the benefit of our beneficiaries.
• Extensive experience navigating international political, corporate and philanthropic ecosystems, with a nuanced understanding of how these sectors interact to shape climate policy, diplomacy and global investment.
• Success in shaping and delivering multi-stakeholder strategies that translate scientific evidence into actionable advocacy or policy outcomes at global forums such as UNFCCC COPs, UNGA or equivalent.
• Extensive network of trusted relationships across multilateral institutions, governments, civil society and philanthropy, enabling swift coalition building, intelligence sharing and partner-led influence.
• Advanced communication, relationship management and negotiation skills, with the ability to distil complex technical and scientific content into compelling narratives that mobilise partners and guide senior decision makers

Additional Information

Next Steps

Please attach your resume and a cover letter explaining why you interested in this opportunity.

Applications close: Friday 12 September

Benefits

• Flexible working options
• Attractive parental leave
• Career development opportunities

Please note we reserve the right to close applications early should a suitable candidate be identified.

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Minderoo Foundation embraces Equal Opportunity and promotes diversity. We actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.