Executive Director

About the Solar Stewardship Initiative:

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is a pioneering supply chain sustainability assurance scheme focused on the solar PV sector. Designed as a multi-stakeholder initiative, the SSI is uniting a diverse coalition of companies across the solar value chain with non-industry stakeholders including civil society, academia, international finance institutions and independent experts. With around 50 member organisations, the SSI represents a substantial share of both global demand and supply for solar modules. Through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the SSI champions responsible production, ethical sourcing, and comprehensive stewardship of solar materials.

The SSI mission is to ensure that the energy transition is just, inclusive, and rooted in human rights. The organisation works to establish robust mechanisms for supply-chain transparency and integrity across the solar sector, advancing the industry’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. The SSI is dedicated to preparing the sector for new regulations on transparency and responsible supply chains, while building confidence among regulators, customers, and business partners in the sustainability of the solar value chain.

About the job opportunity:

SSI is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to take the organisation into its next chapter of impact. The Executive Director will steer the SSI mission by providing strategic leadership and operational oversight, driving the development and implementation of SSI Standards and other critical outputs, broadening SSI’s membership and network of stakeholders, and representing SSI at key industry events and international forums. Additionally, this role involves leading the SSI Secretariat, serving as the main point of contact for the SSI Board of Directors, and ensuring the organisation’s financial stability and growth.

This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven professional passionate about sustainability and solar energy, eager to shape the future of the solar industry and its role in achieving a sustainable global energy transition.

Reporting to Chair of the SSI Board of Directors, the Executive Director’s responsibilities will include the following:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the SSI strategic vision in alignment with its mission, promote global adoption of responsible solar practices, and champion supply chain sustainability.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with solar industry, civil society, regulatory bodies, ESG advocates, and financial institutions to advance SSI’s mission and drive sector-wide engagement.
• Representation: Represent the SSI in media and at high-profile international events, engaging with various organisations including the EU, governments, international organisations, civil society.
• Team Development: Lead and inspire the SSI Secretariat, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Standards & Program Management: Guide the development and implementation of SSI standards, initiatives, and other deliverables, ensuring adherence to quality and industry relevance.
• Membership & Revenue Growth: Drive member recruitment and retention, cultivating a strong, engaged community while expanding funding streams through partnerships and strategic grants.
• Board & Communication Management: Facilitate clear and timely communication with the SSI Board of Directors, members, and key stakeholders on the organization’s objectives, progress, and strategic direction.
• Financial & Operational Oversight: Oversee SSI’s budget, resources, and operations to ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and operational efficiency.
• And other related tasks as needed.

Profile:

The ideal candidate has the following professional profile:

• Experience: 10+ years in renewable energy, ESG assurance, supply chain sustainability, standard-setting organisations, multi-stakeholder initiatives or another relevant field.
• Leadership: experience in managing teams, ideally within a non-profit or sustainability-focused organisation.
• Network: Extensive network in industry as well as civil society, international institutions, governments, financial institutions.
• Standard-setting and assurance: Good understanding of ESG and traceability standards development and assurance processes. Familiarity with the ISEAL framework is an asset.
• Policy and regulation: Good understanding of reporting standards and EU regulatory framework around corporate sustainability due diligence, ESG reporting and sustainability.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to convey complex sustainability concepts to diverse audiences, acting as a trusted and credible spokesperson for SSI.
• Educational Background: Advanced degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required; additional language skills are advantageous.

Our offer:

• An exciting and meaningful position at the intersection of global solar development and sustainability.
• A unique opportunity to shape the SSI vision and contribute to the responsible growth of the solar industry.
• A permanent Belgian contract with a competitive remuneration package;
• Remote work options and a mission-driven, collaborative culture.
• Employee benefits make this offer even more attractive: public transportation allowance, work from home allowance, dental and hospitalisation insurance, and lunch vouchers.

Solar for All

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the heart of our mission to ensure that solar is at the core of a smart, sustainable and inclusive energy system. The more diverse our team, the more unique perspectives and ideas we can share to move this mission forward. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and experiences to help make this a reality.

Application:

A CV (maximum 2 pages) and a one-page motivation letter should be sent to [email protected] before COB December 1st, 2024 quoting “SSI Executive Director” in the subject line.

Note that while we recognise the role of generative AI tools within the workplace, we would like your cover letter to share and demonstrate your unique perspective and approach to the role.  For this reason, we discourage over reliance on such tools in your application.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.