Regional Diplomacy Lead

REGIONAL DIPLOMACY LEADTara Climate Foundation APAC (Remote)About Tara Climate FoundationTara Climate Foundation is an Asia-based philanthropic organisation committed to building a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region. At the heart of our mission lies Asia’s just energy transition – recognising that with half the world’s population and the fastest-growing energy demand, the region’s progress will shape the world’s collective future.Established in 2021 and headquartered in Singapore, Tara Climate Foundation works with over 355 partners across 12 Asian geographies, including think tanks, research institutes, advisory groups, and associations. Tara provides grants, convenes stakeholders, and facilitates knowledge-sharing to accelerate clean energy development, drive a just transition, and enable clean industrialisation. Underpinning these efforts is a strong commitment to unlocking sustainable finance, supporting climate goals, and aligning business action with a people-centred energy transition. Our team of over 50 experts is spread across the Asia-Pacific region, working to accelerate climate action in this decisive decade.For more on Tara Climate Foundation, visit https://taraclimate.org/.About the RoleTara’s Regional Diplomacy Lead reports to the Regional Diplomacy Director and works closely with the country leads and the regional team of Tara to lead the design and delivery of specific initiatives under Tara’s diplomacy program.The role demands a seasoned current or former diplomat/civil servant from Asia with an excellent understanding of - and practice in - climate, energy and/or trade diplomacy, and a strong network with key diplomatic players across Asia.The Regional Diplomacy Lead will develop and deliver a multi-faceted strategy to mobilise in diplomacy spaces (bilateral, regional, multilateral) with the goal to accelerate climate action and just energy transition in Asia.Strategy* Proactively monitor and interpret developments in climate/energy/trade diplomacy with direct or indirect impact on climate action or just energy transition in Asia; and develop strategic briefings and recommendations to ensure Tara’s regional and country-level diplomacy strategies remain relevant and effective. * Identify catalytic interventions and partnership models (e.g. coalitions, platforms, dialogues, agreements) to leverage diplomatic platforms for climate action and just energy transition in Asia. * Contribute insights and strategic analysis from Asia to an active international network of partners and philanthropic funders active on climate/energy/trade diplomacy.Partnerships* Build and nurture high trust and productive relationships with key senior stakeholders active in the climate, energy and/or trade diplomacy forums; including diplomats and senior Government officials from Asian Governments, intergovernmental organisations, civil society organizations, foundations, businesses and more, * Coordinate efforts to establish and grow a strong partnership ecosystem across Asia to leverage climate/energy/trade diplomatic opportunities and mitigate diplomatic threats to climate action.Grants and program management* Manage a regional grantmaking budget and work with grantees to develop robust proposals and monitor deliverables. * Provide guidance to grantees, partners and prospective partners in the field to ensure activities achieve their intended objectives and results. * Advise programme directors and senior management team on any potential risks and recommend mitigation measures proactively. * Support annual planning, workplan development, knowledge capture and dissemination, and funding proposals for funders as and when required.Miscellaneous* Promote a culture of excellence, service orientation, high performance, and continuous improvement * Demonstrate Tara Values in every action * Actively participate in Program Team activities * Abide by Tara’s policies, procedures and practicesAs and when required, other responsibilities and projects will be allocated by line management in consultation with the post holder.Person SpecificationExcited by the prospect of working for a dynamic and fast-growing Asia-based organisation with a mission to build a more prosperous, thriving and sustainable future for Asia, the ideal candidate will have:* At least 10 years of experience in leading or directly contributing to policy formulation, diplomatic engagement and/or strategic advisory on climate, energy or trade diplomacy in Asia, ideally for an Asian governmental or an Asia-focused intergovernmental organisation. * Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering multi-faceted strategies, with strong ability to see the bigger picture, translate strategy into implementation, and adapt priorities to an evolving landscape. * Demonstrated hands-on experience in understanding and managing the barriers and enablers to successful climate, energy and/or trade diplomacy in the Asian context. * Experience working with philanthropic funders, bilateral or multilateral donors and an understanding of how to build and sustain a successful partner network a plus * Demonstrated understanding of the role that civil society organizations play, especially in Asia.Skills* Outstanding relationship building and networking skills including demonstrable ability to maintain trusting professional relationships across different sectors and a diverse group of partners. * Strong analytical skills including both quantitative and qualitative evidence-based analysis of diplomatic issues. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English essential, with the ability to crystallize complex issues into effective strategy and briefing documents; the ability to communicate in another Asian language will be a bonus. * Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills, including in a remote-working environment. * Excellent organisational and time management skills, with a proven ability to take direction and initiative, prioritise well under pressure, and be a creative problem- solver.Personal* Deep commitment to solving the climate crisis and enabling systemic change; * Intrinsic motivation, excellent organisational and self-management skills; * Flexibility over working hours to accommodate global time zones; * Willingness to travel both regionally and internationally; * Impeccable ethics, and experience working confidentially and operating with high security.Education* Advanced degree in a relevant field such as international relations, strategic studies, Asian studies, international economics.Location* The candidate must be based in the Tara region and must have long-term residency status with legal permit to reside and work in the country.What Tara Foundation can offer* The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international team who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work * A flexible work environment * Opportunities for career develop * Competitive compensation and benefits * A collaborative, fun and thriving team, driven by our mission and live our valuesHOW TO APPLYTo applyPlease submit an A4 covering letter outlining your skills and achievements against the role responsibilities, why you would like to join us and your salary expectations, along with your up-to-date CV at [email protected]. Please use the job title: Regional Diplomacy Lead as the subject in your email. Applications without a cover letter will not be assessed.Tara is committed to building leadership capacity within Asia. This position is based in any of the following locations/geographies: Singapore, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan.Applicants must have the right to work in the country.We appreciate everyone's application, but only have the resources to respond to shortlisted applicants. If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful for this role. If this is you, we appreciate your support and consideration and hope you will continue to consider roles with Tara in the future!