Plan International has opened applications for the position of Climate & Economic Empowerment Lead, offering experienced professionals an opportunity to shape global strategies that advance climate justice, gender equality, and youth economic empowerment.
The permanent leadership position is globally flexible, allowing successful candidates to work from one of Plan International’s eligible offices worldwide, with a preference for locations in the Asia-Pacific region. Applications close on 12 July 2026.
Global Leadership Role Focuses on Climate Justice and Economic Empowerment
The new position sits at the centre of Plan International’s global ambition to build climate-resilient communities while strengthening economic opportunities for girls, young people, and marginalized populations.
The successful candidate will lead the organisation’s global Climate & Economic Empowerment agenda, ensuring programmes are evidence-based, gender-transformative, youth-led, and responsive to the growing impacts of climate change.
The role combines strategic leadership, policy influence, technical expertise, and partnership development to drive long-term impact across more than 80 countries where Plan International operates.
Key Responsibilities
The Climate & Economic Empowerment Lead will guide the organisation’s global vision and strengthen integrated programming across humanitarian and development contexts.
Core responsibilities include:
- Developing and leading Plan International’s global climate and economic empowerment strategy
- Strengthening climate resilience and sustainable livelihood programmes
- Promoting youth economic empowerment and gender equality initiatives
- Building partnerships with donors, governments, and climate finance institutions
- Identifying resource mobilisation and funding opportunities
- Providing technical leadership on climate change, resilience, and livelihoods
- Representing Plan International in global policy and sector discussions
- Supporting integrated programming across education, protection, livelihoods, and climate resilience
- Translating research and field evidence into advocacy, programme design, and strategic priorities
- Promoting knowledge sharing, innovation, and continuous organisational learning
The role requires collaboration across global, regional, and country teams to ensure consistent implementation of climate-responsive programming.
Driving Climate Action for Girls and Young People
Plan International emphasises that climate change disproportionately affects girls, young women, and vulnerable communities.
The successful candidate will help ensure that programmes address:
- Climate resilience
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Youth employment
- Gender equality
- Disability inclusion
- Migration challenges
- Indigenous rights
- Poverty reduction
By integrating these priorities, the organisation aims to strengthen community resilience while creating economic opportunities for young people facing increasing climate-related risks.
Candidate Profile
Plan International is seeking a strategic leader with extensive experience in climate policy, development programming, and partnership building.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong expertise in climate change and resilience
- Experience designing or leading economic empowerment programmes
- Knowledge of gender-transformative and youth-led approaches
- Experience working in fragile, climate-affected, or resource-constrained environments
- Proven ability to engage with climate finance mechanisms and international donors
- Strong track record in external representation and partnership development
- Experience working within complex international organisations
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and strategic leadership skills
Candidates should also have the ability to translate research and evidence into practical programmes, advocacy initiatives, and funding opportunities.
Flexible Global Location
The position is open to candidates who already have the legal right to live and work in countries where Plan International maintains an employing office.
Eligible locations include offices across:
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- Europe
- North America
- Latin America
Plan International has indicated that candidates based in the Asia-Pacific region will be given preference.
Permanent International Opportunity
The organisation is offering:
- Permanent full-time employment, or
- A fixed-term contract based on local employment arrangements
The globally flexible structure allows experienced professionals to contribute to international climate and development work without relocating to a single headquarters.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding
Plan International states that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain central to its mission and workplace culture.
The organisation welcomes applications from individuals regardless of:
- Gender
- Race
- Disability
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Other protected characteristics
As an international child rights organisation, Plan International also maintains rigorous safeguarding standards.
Successful candidates will undergo comprehensive pre-employment checks, including safeguarding verification and participation in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to help protect children and vulnerable communities.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date:
- Application Deadline: 12 July 2026
Opportunity to Shape Global Climate and Development Policy
The Climate & Economic Empowerment Lead role represents a significant opportunity for experienced professionals seeking to influence international development policy and climate action.
By leading programmes that integrate climate resilience, gender equality, and youth economic empowerment, the successful candidate will help shape Plan International’s global response to some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
Professionals with expertise in climate change, international development, humanitarian programming, and strategic partnerships are encouraged to apply before applications close on 12 July 2026.
