Director of External Affairs

Closing date: Noon on Sunday 18th January 2026. Early applications are encouraged.

Interviews expected: 2nd - 6th February 2026, central London.

We’re looking for a Director of External Affairs at Centre for Net Zero (CNZ), a non-profit, open research institute, established by the Octopus Energy Group.

This role will lead and shape CNZ’s external interface with policymakers, regulators, industry, grid players and innovators to maximise influence, elevate institutional profile and accelerate the adoption of evidence-based energy transition policy and practice. The director is responsible for CNZ’s reputation as a trusted, global authority on flexible energy systems, innovation-driven energy systems change, and accelerated decarbonisation pathways.

You’ll be based in London and report into the Chief Executive. Applicants must be able to work from CNZ’s central London office, with occasional travel to other locations in the UK and internationally. Due to the nature of this role, remote working is not offered.

- Drive an integrated external affairs strategy that aligns with CNZ’s mission to eliminate fossil fuels from energy systems by reshaping demand.

- Provide strategic counsel to the executive team on macro policy shifts, political opportunity and risk, and stakeholder priorities, to inform organisational agenda.

- Lead cross-institution planning on campaigns and engagement to drive electrification and decarbonisation.

- Hold senior relationships across government departments, regulators and policy teams.

- Leverage CNZ’s evidence and insights to drive the development of progressive energy and tech policy.

- Brief Ministers and parliamentary stakeholders on CNZ research implications for energy demand, flexibility and system decarbonisation.

- Strengthen relationships with policy-leaders, think tanks, industry coalitions, NGOs and academic partners to amplify shared objectives.

-Build strategic alliances that open channels to new policy debates, markets, and funding.

- Represent CNZ at expert roundtables, conferences and public forums.

- Shape an authoritative external narrative reflecting CNZ’s rigorous evidence base, ensuring clarity and impact across key audiences.

- Curate content for owned, earned and paid channels that help advance energy transitions (e.g. speeches, opinion pieces, reports, events).

- Elevate visibility through curated participation in high profile stakeholder gatherings.

- Oversee media engagement to maintain a proactive voice on key issues.

- Anticipate and manage reputational risks with rapid responses and aligned communications.

- Lead, mentor and build functional capabilities within the external affairs team.

- Ensure effective collaboration with different CNZ teams to translate technical insight into high-impact outcomes.