Director Poland

Transport and Environment - T&E is an independent, non-partisan Think tank and expert group focused on decarbonizing transport in Europe by 2050. We bring a track record of working with all political parties, as well as industry and business. We have shaped some of Europe’s most important clean transport laws through our ability to do efficient evidence based analysis and advocacy and make a persuasive case for change. In Brussels, London and other European capitals this has been critical to our success. We are now setting up an office in Warsaw and are looking for an ambitious individual with excellent communication and networking skills to establish and lead our new office in Warsaw.

As T&E Poland Director you will help establish T&E as a thought leader and expert group in Poland. For this you will need to increase the profile of the organisation in the political sphere and media, develop efficient strategies and translate these strategies into actual influence and lead a team of experts that will help you achieve this.

Purpose of the Role

The overall aim of the role is to set up and lead T&Es National Office in Poland and to develop and deliver T&E Poland's work programme that is focused on accelerating the shift to zero emission transport solutions. T&E Poland's advocacy activities will be strongly evidence based and focused around the measures needed to electrify Poland's transport sector.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Set up and manage the Polish office including operational, financial and HR responsibilities.

• Represent T&E in Poland at the highest political level and in the media.

• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of Polish public policy and the regulatory process, with focus on regulations that deliver sustainable transport solutions.

• Ensure that T&E Poland is a key player and recognized expert group on policies and regulations that leads to a shift to zero carbon solutions.

• Develop and deliver T&E Poland's national strategy and long term vision on transport decarbonisation aligned with T&Es overarching goals.

• Build and maintain good contact with policy-makers, industry, funders, media and other relevant stakeholders; including coalition-building where needed.

• Commission and deliver impactful research (both internally and externally) tailored to the needs of, and contributing to delivering the objectives of, T&E’s advocacy work.

• Draft policy papers (including defining T&E positions), prepare and deliver presentations, organise and participate in public meetings with policy and wider stakeholders, and provide feedback to relevant consultations.

• Build a strong team, with a healthy work culture and attention to the personal development of the staff members.

The successful candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Ten years of relevant experience in either policy, media relations or advocacy - ideal candidates have both or will convince us they can learn the other skill very quickly.

• A deep understanding of the Polish political system and an expert in law and regulations with capacity for political analysis.

• A deep understanding of T&Es focus areas, knowledge about the transport industry and shift to electric vehicles will be a plus.

• A strong network within politics, industry and media.

• The ability to develop short, medium and long term strategies designed to create change in a complex, conservative sector.

• A track record in delivering policy change, ideally in the transport sector

• Proven leadership experience and skills and an effective coaching and management style. Interest in leading and supporting others to excel at work.

• A positive, can-do attitude with high work autonomy levels

• A proven record of cultivating contacts and building lasting alliances

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability to understand and communicate complex issues clearly and with impact.

• Ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Experience managing operations is considered an advantage.

• Fluent in written and spoken Polish and English.

The position will be primarily based in Warsaw, with the opportunity for home working, and would also involve some travel to key EU capitals, mostly Brussels. T&E will offer you a competitive salary in line with your experience and expertise; extensive benefits and exceptional flexibility. Equally importantly, if you join T&E you’ll have the opportunity to devote your professional energy and creativity to the resolution of one of humankind's greatest challenges.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 29/09/2024

What do we offer?

• Position Type: Full-time, long-term position

• Compensation: Competitive salary with a full package of benefits including private health insurance and employee pension contribution

• Location: Warszaw

Application process

To apply, go to jobs.transportenvironment.org and submit your CV and a one-page cover letter, clearly demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria.

The closing date for applications is 13/10/24. First-round interviews are likely to be held the following week by videoconference. A second round of interviews will follow shortly after. The successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible.

About T&E

T&E Polska is Poland's new leading think tank and expert group on decarbonising transport. T&E has a thirty year history of championing innovation with a strong focus on the role of technology in the successful economic and energy transition that is already under way. Our work focuses on producing original, high quality and rigorous research and analysis. We provide practical policy recommendations to address the critical issues facing transport and energy systems in Poland and Europe. We do this to accelerate the green transition in a way that ensures affordability and accessibility to all citizens.

Through scientific and knowledge-based analyses, collaboration with industry and policy makers, the aim is to show how it is possible to create a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society. We believe that Poland can be a major winner from the transition, building a strong industrial base that promotes and protects jobs and improves living standards, but this requires urgent political and industry action.

T&E Polska will convey knowledge and ideas that are thought-provoking and expand the space for political debate, and promote proposals for reforms. We will emphasize an idea-based and principled perspective in the climate debate.

T&E Polska will function as a network of people with different political party affiliations, and from different parts of society (academia, business, media, organizational life and politics).