Summary

We are looking for a strategic and influential Senior Partnership Development Manager to drive our mission in China!This role will lead on building and nurturing pivotal partnerships with industrial development zones (IDZs) and companies, government entities, and other key stakeholders across China. You will be at the forefront of our energy transition work, directly shaping strategies that promote renewable energy adoption and supportive policies within industrial community in China.

Working in close collaboration with Climate Group’s global and China teams, you will ensure our partnership strategy is aligned, impactful, and effectively executed.

This role is central to unlocking China’s industrial decarbonisation potential via clean energy transition scenarios. You will be fundamental to expanding our network of partners, leveraging your deep understanding of China’s energy and industrial policy landscape to create tangible, on-the-ground impact.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of China’s energy market policies, particularly in renewables and trading practices, and its industrial landscape, and apply this knowledge through exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. A willingness to travel both domestically and internationally is required.

The role requires fluency in both Mandarin and English.

About the role

This is a pivotal role within our Energy team, focused on developing partnerships that drive both policy engagement and project implementation anchored to RE100 rationale. You will serve as a key ambassador for Climate Group, leveraging your expertise to influence and collaborate with a network of partners.

​Key responsibilities will include:

​Develop and Execute a Strategic Partnership Framework for the IDZ Project

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive partnership strategy for the Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) project, and landing global RE100 in China, specifically targeting IDZs, companies, government entities, and corporate stakeholders to drive the energy transition goals of these stakeholders.
• Analyse China’s evolving policy landscape in the energy (and industrial) sectors, with a focus on renewable energy policies, electricity procurement mechanisms, and market trading practices, to identify strategic opportunities for collaborative action.

Cultivate and Deepen Strategic Relationships to Drive Influence and Action

• Identify and target high-potential stakeholders and their key decision-makers for engagement.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key decision-makers within partner organisations, acting as the trusted and knowledgeable primary point of contact for Climate Group’s IDZ initiative.
• Clearly articulate and present the organisation’s value proposition, mission, and specific project objectives to diverse audiences, tailoring the message to resonate with different stakeholders.

Lead Partnership Development and Resource Mobilisation

• Drive participation, overseeing the entire process from initial conversation to participation, and ensuring alignment with Climate Group’s strategic and operational requirements.
• Expertly present and explain all participation models, including  benefits, impacts, and pathways to collaboration, to secure commitment and resources.
• Lead the end-to-end engagement  process, work closely with the team to identify collaborative opportunities, and contribute to the development of the annual partner engagement and resource mobilisation plan.

Ensure Effective Coordination, Implementation, and Impact Measurement

• Coordinate efforts across partnership development and internal/external collaboration to maximise impact.
• Conduct regular travel to key partner locations across China to strengthen on-the-ground relationships, understand operational contexts, and facilitate project development.
• Work closely with internal technical and programme teams to ensure partnerships are effectively integrated into project deliverables and contribute to the overall strategy.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on partnership outcomes and impact, providing regular analysis to inform strategic decision-making and demonstrate value to stakeholders.

​As a mission-driven organisation, we may, with colleagues’ agreement, ask them to take on temporary assignments or secondments in a different team to support organisational priorities. We see these as opportunities for development and internal mobility, managed transparently and with appropriate support.

​You’ll work in a highly collaborative, international environment, where a diversity of perspectives and experiences is valued and encouraged.

About you

Joining a compact and ambitious team, you will be a proactive, persuasive, and strategically aware professional. An adaptable self-starter, you are not only comfortable engaging with high-level strategy but also driven to translate it into tangible partnerships and impact on the ground. You thrive on building networks, navigating complex policy environments, and finding innovative ways to foster collaborative action towards industrial decarbonisation. You will be a champion for sustainable energy, bringing an entrepreneurial spirit and fresh ideas to evolve our partnership models and maximise our influence.

We value strengths and the desire to learn. If you meet the majority of the criteria listed below, please apply.

Essential

• ​A demonstrable and practical understanding of China’s industrial and energy policy landscape, specifically concerning IDZs, the renewable energy power market, and government operational mechanisms, enabling you to identify actionable opportunities for impact.
• ​Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in both English and Mandarin. You will be able to prepare professional materials, conduct high-level meetings, and engage and convince  senior-level stakeholders.
• ​Willingness to travel within China. You will be comfortable and proactive in a dynamic environment, anticipating challenges and opportunities.

​Experience:

• ​Track record in partnership development, strategic account management, business development, or external affairs. This should include direct experience in presenting partnership/engagement models and negotiating agreements. Experience within the energy and industrial sectors is preferred.
• ​Experience working in or with international organisations is a strong advantage.

​Technical Skills:

• ​Strong analytical skills in monitoring and interpreting policies related to China’s energy market (with a focus on renewables) and industrial decarbonisation.
• ​Expertise in stakeholders mapping and in building, nurturing, and managing productive, long-term relationshipswith key partners and decision-makers.
• ​Credible representation of the organisation, tailoring complex messages for diverse audiencesand acting as a compelling spokesperson.
• ​A strategic focus on co-creating long-term value, with demonstrated skill in designing and proposing innovative, sustainable collaboration models.

​Soft Skills:

• ​A skilled consensus-builder driving action through influence, adept at finding common ground among diverse agendas.
• ​Comfortable operating autonomously in dynamic and ambiguous environments. You proactively anticipate challenges and opportunities, adjusting tactics flexibly based on changing situation  or updated feedback.
• ​Adaptable and professional, thrives in complex, diverse environments, working effectively with cultural sensitivity while consistently handling confidential or sensitive matters with discretion.
• ​A creative and pragmatic problem-solver who navigates complex policy and operational landscapes to develop practical solutions.

​Desirable

• ​A genuine passion for and understanding of, climate change mitigation, sustainable development, and the just transition within an industrial context.
• ​An existing professional network within relevant Chinese Industrial Development Zones (IDZs), the energy sector, or climate policy circles, combined with formal qualifications in stakeholder management, negotiation, or partnership facilitation.
• ​Direct prior experience within an international non-profit organisation , alongside proficiency in an additional language relevant to international stakeholders and funders.

​

​​About Climate Group

​Climate Group drives climate action. Fast. Our goal is a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all.

We focus on systems with the highest emissions and where our networks have the greatest opportunity to drive change. We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organisations accountable, turning their commitments into action.

We share what we achieve together to show more organisations what they could do. We are an international non-profit organisation, founded in 2004, with offices in London, Amsterdam, Beijing, New Delhi and New York.

Climate Group is an international organisation, and we want to reflect that in our staff. People who work for us, and people who apply, need to feel heard, safe, and included. That is why we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our application process and in our offices. We encourage applications from people of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and ethnicities, as we value a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

Our location

​This is a full-time position, based in Climate Group’s China office in Beijing.

The role will require occasional international travel.

What we offer

​Our people are at the heart of what we do. You’ll be joining a global community of bold, ambitious doers who are committed to driving climate action fast.

This is an initial 2-year fixed term contract, which can be renewed subject to assessment and organisation needs.

We offer a competitive remuneration package commensurate with level of experience and a generous company paid vacation allowance.

In addition to the rewards you’ll find from working with friendly, passionate people who’ll challenge and help you grow, we offer a fantastic benefits package:

• ​36 days’ paid vacation per year including public holidays, available from date of employment
• ​Supplementary medical insurance
• ​Annual health check-ups
• ​Employee wellbeing programme
• ​Paid leave for volunteering and moving house
• ​Hybrid and flexible working
• ​Learning and development initiatives to help you reach your full potential

​​We are committed to our mission and to our team's wellbeing. As part of this, we operate a working pattern that provides our people with periodic non-working days (separate from, and in addition to, standard public holidays) to support sustainable performance and work life balance. This flexible wellbeing benefit is our standard practice, and any rare, temporary adaptation for business-critical needs will be managed with clear communication and consideration for the team. Candidates can learn more about how this works day to day during the interview process.

Apply now

​Ready to make an impact? Submit your application now to recruitment@climategroup.org.cn with your English-language CV and a one-page cover letter that highlights how your experience and values align with our mission.

Please note: We are only able to accept applications submitted via this email address. We will not consider any applications sent via our Applicant Tracking System.

When submitting your CV and cover letter, please also share your answers to the following questions:

• ​​Do you have the right to work in China? If on a visa provide details of the type and expiry date.
• ​What is your annual salary expectation in CNY?
• ​What is your notice period?
• Are you fluent in English?
• ​Are you fluent in Mandarin?

​​If you need any further information, would like the job advert in an accessible format, or require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to recruitment@climategroup.org.cn.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday, 3 April 2026 (UK time). We’ll be holding interviews on a rolling basis, therefore welcome and encourage early applications.

To be eligible for this position, you must already have the right to work in China. Climate Group is unable to sponsor work visas or cover any related costs, including cases where candidates are willing to cover the costs themselves.

Please note that your data will be processed in the UK so will be subject to GDPR in addition to China’s data protection laws. Please see a link to our Privacy Policy here https://www.theclimategroup.org/privacy-policy.