About Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll) 

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organization working with leaders in government, the private sector and civil society to drive further, faster action toward achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which calls for universal access to sustainable energy by 2030, and the Paris Agreement, which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate warming to well below 2° Celsius.  

Achieving these goals will require a radical rethink of the way we produce, distribute and consume energy. SEforALL is at the heart of this foundational shift to ensure no one is left behind. Drawing on data and evidence, we identify a critical path to success in achieving SDG7.  

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the Sustainable Energy for All initiative in 2011. Now an independent organization, we maintain close links with the UN, including through a relationship agreement, partnerships with UN agencies and with SEforALL's CEO acting as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. These roles include advising the UN Secretary-General and his staff on issues relating to sustainable energy and the implementation of SDG7 and supporting the coordination of sustainable energy issues in the United Nations system.  

The ambitions of SDG7 are extraordinary. Aiming to achieve them in the context of the Paris Agreement on climate change involves transformation at a scale never undertaken before. Swift action must be taken by leaders in governments, private sector companies, institutions, financiers, development banks, unions, communities, entrepreneurs and civil society. As we enter the final decade to achieve SDG7, SEforALL has strategically chosen to strengthen global agenda-setting while expanding its activities to an engagement model that prioritizes data-driven decision-making, partnerships with high-impact countries and implementation on the ground. SEforALL’s current three-year business plan (2020 – 2023) outlines “results offers” that scope out our planned interventions and demonstrate to our funding partners the impact of their support.  

In early 2023, SEforALL will begin development of its next multi-year business plan, covering from 2024 to 2026, with a high-level direction of travel onward to 2030. Building on the achievements of the past three years and in partnership with our Administrative Board, Leadership Council, and other key partners, SEforALL will seek to define a path for the organization to scale tangible progress on-ground in key countries; elevate the energy, climate and development nexus; and shape the international agenda for a just and equitable energy transition – all towards achieving SDG7 by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. 

We envision this approach covering four tracks of work:  

• Building international ambition through energy diplomacy and mobilizing global coalitions to finance and deliver a just and equitable energy transition 

• Driving verified connections and accelerating private sector deployment of clean energy solutions, including through the continued scale-up of the Universal Energy Facility 

• Supporting national action through strategic country-level programmatic support 

• Raising awareness, generating commitments and showcasing success through strategic communications, campaigns and events. 

http://www.seforall.org/ 

Role purpose 

The Deputy CEO will work in close partnership with the CEO/SRSG and be a critical member of the SEforALL Leadership Team to provide leadership across SEforALL and ensure SEforALL achieves its organizational goals and impact. The Deputy CEO will be both internally and externally focused, representing SEforALL’s mission and direction of travel, elevating the reputation and profile of the organization and serving as an inspirational leader internally and externally.  

Duties and Responsibilities 

Leadership and Management 

• Work closely with the CEO/SRSG to implement the organization’s strategic direction and Business Plan. 

• Play a key role in providing advice and strategic direction in the development of the organization’s next multi-year Business Plan (from 2024 onward). 

• Oversee development and implementation of the SEforALL annual work plans and ensure that SEforALL continues to stay aligned with its mission and Business Plan to deliver on KPIs. 

• Provide managerial oversight and guidance across the organization to ensure strategic priorities are reflected in all activities, in written material and in interactions with stakeholders. 

• Lead development and implementation of critical and imperative changes, and strategic initiatives, across the organisation to achieve desired impact.   

• Ensure efficient and effective operations of SEforALL, exemplifying best practices and ensuring execution of deliverables under our business plan, work plan and funding agreements. 

• Lead and manage the allocated team of direct reports. 

• Act as a leader and role model for the rest of the organisation. 

 External Relations 

• Along with the CEO/SRSG serve as leadership representation of SEforALL to global stakeholders, building and strengthening key partnerships across existing, new and innovative sectors to achieve SDG7 and just and equitable energy transitions. 

• Represent SEforALL in high-level external events and as the Head of Delegation in international fora when the CEO/SRSG is not available and ensure accurate representation of the CEO/SRSG position and the organisation's strategic direction and priorities. 

• Communicate in a dynamic, inspiring and effective manner the challenges of achieving SDG7 and a just and equitable energy transition, and the mission of SEforALL and the contribution of our work towards those goals. 

 Resource Mobilization and Governance 

• Proactively develop and nurture relationships and conduct outreach with governments, the private sector and philanthropy to secure resources needed for SEforALL to deliver on its mission. 

• Provide support to the Administrative Board, Funders Council and Leadership Council as needed to advance strategic and informed decision making. 

 Administration 

• Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing in own work area to bring about awareness and understanding, as well as utilise SEforALL systems and process to share the knowledge. e.g. proactive and diligent use of Salesforce. 

• Other tasks and duties as may be required. 

Qualifications and Experience 

 Specific Requirements 

• An established actor at the international level with a proven ability to convene and engage with the highest levels of government, UN, business and other key stakeholders on energy, climate and sustainable development. 

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of successful and progressive experience in an international organization, government or business in the energy access, energy transition, climate, sustainable development and/or international development sector. 

• Minimum of ten (10) years as a seasoned manager, with experience in developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia with large energy access gaps. 

• Experience demonstrated in working in multiple geographic regions, including both developing and developed countries, and capability in leading in culturally diverse settings. 

• Familiarity with the United Nations system and international financial institutions. 

  Education 

• A degree and graduate degree in a related field, including energy, economics, finance, public administration, natural sciences, or international relations. 

  Languages 

• Complete fluency in English with excellent communications skills, including the ability to communicate at multiple levels and across diverse disciplines and cultures. 

• The knowledge and ability to work in multiple languages is highly desirable. 

Required Competencies 

General Profile 

• Demonstrated track record of superior leadership skills. Proven ability to manage a growing and diverse international organization in the public or private sector, implement a strategic vision, effectively prioritize work activities, and allocate scarce resources. 

• Demonstrated and strong commitment to results delivery. 

• Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources and establish strong relations with funders and investors. 

• Superior strategic and analytical skills; ability to quickly grasp information; good business judgment and persuasive skills. 

• Ability to function effectively at the highest level in a multicultural environment, building and sustaining collaboration with partners and colleagues. 

• Ability to facilitate creation of sustainable public-private partnerships, including advising governments and businesses. 

 Personal Leadership Qualities 

• Enthusiastic leader who motivates all levels; personal dedication to the objectives of SEforALL. 

• Impeccable ethics and integrity; puts the interests of the initiative before his/her own interests. 

• Hands-on, self-reliant and action-oriented; calm in the face of stress. 

• Equally at ease in working with the public and private sector, as well as civil society. 

 Managerial Effectiveness 

• Focuses on big picture and overall strategy (“strategic orientation”): Identifies and pursues strategic direction and work plan interventions which provide the greatest impact; communicates clearly and precisely SEforALL’s goals and strategies for achieving them; balances long-term and short-term trade-offs. 

• Inspires trust and passion in the mission (“inclusiveness and integrity”): Balances a responsive and proactive approach to meeting partner needs; establishes straightforward productive relationships; treats all individuals with fairness and respect, demonstrating sensitivity for cultural and gender differences; shows great drive and commitment to the mission; inspires others; maintains high standards of personal integrity. 

• Provides leadership in an open, team-based environment (“team leadership”): Inspires and motivates the immediate team members to relentlessly pursue the objectives of SEforALL; creates an environment conducive to teamwork, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing. 

• Analytical thinking and decisive judgment (“generating insights”): Analyzes issues and problems systematically, gathers broad and balanced input, draws sound conclusions, and translates conclusions into timely decisions and actions. 

• Planning and managing to achieve quality results (“results orientation”): Develops realistic plans with available human resources; establishes high standards of performance and demonstrates a commitment to excellence; empowers staff by removing obstacles to achieving business goals; focuses on results and delivers what is promised, on time and within budget. 

• Selecting, coaching and appraising staff (“organizational capability building”): Attracts and selects highly effective staff, building a team diverse in gender and nationality; gives candid performance feedback, praising accurately their ability and potential; rewards desirable behaviours; provides support for professional development efforts linked to business objectives. 

• Influencing and resolving differences across organizational boundaries (“collaboration and influencing”): Gains support and commitment from others even without formal authority; resolves differences by determining needs and forging solutions that benefit all parties; promotes collaboration and facilitates teamwork across organizational boundaries; builds alliances and promotes open communication and collaboration to achieve joint objectives. 

Duty Station  

USA – NYC, Austria – Vienna 

How to Apply 

If you wish to be considered for this position, please complete the Application Form below.  In addition, we encourage you to please attach a copy of the most recent English version of your CV.  

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.  

If you have an initial query rather than an application, kindly email us at SEforALL-DCEO@sri-executive.com.  

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by SEforALL to undertake this assignment.