Principal Consultant - Climate Change Adaptation

One of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, Mott MacDonald is a multisector consultancy providing engineering, management, and development services on projects in 150 countries. With over 16,000 of the best people working on a diverse range of challenges, we’re helping our clients deliver sustainable infrastructure and development solutions. We have a collegiate and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity, and we take proactive steps to create an inclusive workplace.  

Mott MacDonald demonstrates global leadership on climate change through both the projects that we deliver and the way we manage our business. We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions for our global business by 2040. Our targets to support our long-term net-zero ambition have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in line with their Corporate Net-Zero Standard. 

We have also begun an ambitious programme to assess climate risks on all our projects and are working towards full implementation of the Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) recommendations.  We are working with external partners and organisations to increase ambition and action on climate change and shape the direction of our industry.  See here for more information on our company commitments.   

Mott MacDonald’s Climate Sector team in the International Development Unit delivers projects and programmes for governments, development banks and other international institutions as well as supporting our global business to embed climate change into everything we do. Our team is looking for a senior hire to lead our climate change adaptation projects in the team.   The role will be both internally and externally facing, supporting the growth of our climate service offering for both public and private clients. 

The role entails the following tasks for which you must be fully qualified: 

• Take a proactive role in business development identifying opportunities, pitching to clients, proposal writing, management of the delivery of winning bids and other related activities.  
• Potential Team Leader for major international projects. 
• External engagement with international initiatives.
• Thought leadership and support to external campaigns.
• Technical leadership within our global climate change practice.
• Mentor junior team members and technically assuring their work. 

You’d be part of a truly multidisciplinary team; working across the breadth of Mott MacDonald’s sectors, regions, and practices. 

To be considered for this position you must fulfil the following essential criteria:  

• Extensive experience of designing and/or delivering resilient infrastructure projects.
• Experience in Mott MacDonald’s sectors especially energy, transport and water.
• Experience in delivering climate change adaptation in South Asia, South-East Asia and/or Africa. 
• Strong international network across clients, partner organisations and industry groups. 
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of climate change adaptation frameworks and standards for infrastructure systems.
• Experience developing industry best practice and guidance on adaptation of infrastructure systems.
• Experience working with governments, international finance institutions, development banks and/or the private sector. 
• Detailed understanding of climate science and climate models.
• Experience working in an international, multicultural and diverse environment, with collaborative approach and working across sectoral and regional boundaries.
• Excellent analytical skills.  
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.  
• Fluency in English (written and verbal).  
• Ability to travel internationally.  

Desirable skills and experience:  

• Experience working with the Asian Development Bank.
• Proven track record and expertise in the design of climate adaptation projects and programmes for funding under climate funds, e.g., Green Climate Fund. 
• Fluency (written and verbal) in another language (Spanish, Indonesian, Arabic, French and/or Portuguese are preferred). 

Recruiter contact: Janet Thatcher
Location/s: London or Cambridge 
 

Our values, culture, and benefits

We have a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity, and we take proactive steps to create an inclusive workplace. We value the diversity of our staff and are committed to creating an inclusive work culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work. 

We offer a range of competitive benefits and facilities to make this a great place to be, including:

- State of the art office and end of trip facilities

- Agile working environment

- Competitive salary and group bonus incentive scheme

- Life, personal accident, and salary continuance insurance

- Options to purchase additional annual leave

You’ve got this!

This is a great opportunity to join a growing consultancy that is pushing ahead in the local market. If you are looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-growing business with an organisation that is shaping the communities in which we live, then join our world class consultancy.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.