Scientific Programme Manager - Clean Energy and Climate Challenges

The Vice-Presidency for Support to Strategic Initiatives (VPS) focuses on ambitious programmes in AI, Health and Sustainability (the strategic initiatives). We are looking for a programme lead, able to drive the planning and coordination of cross-cutting initiatives in energy transition, climate science and sustainability.

In 2024, EPFL together with ETHZ and PSI launched the CGES association (coalition for green energy and storage) to promote collaborative and impactful efforts across academia, industry, and government with the vision of accelerating the large-scale demonstration of green energy solutions.

The successful candidate will lead efforts in planning and coordinating strategic actions to advance the clean energy transition and deployment and will serve as a co-Director of the CGES association (50%), supporting the development of its project portfolio.

As Co-director of the CGES Association (50% FTE):

• Contribute to the strategic direction and institutional positioning of the Association;
• Support governance processes, agenda-setting, documentation, follow-up;
• Represent the association at meetings, conferences and events;
• Help define evaluation metrics and performance indicators;
• Monitor progress, manage risks, and report on milestones and impact;
• Act as liaison between academia, industry, government, and civil society actors involved in the association;
• Coordinate the research partners from EPFL, ETHZ, Empa, and PSI;
• Identify and support opportunities for new members and philanthropy;
• Support and develop the CGES catapult projects (industrial demonstrators);
• Develop the CGES governance structure and partnership model;
• Plan and participate in communication and outreach activities;
• Manage CGES Association activities.

As Programme Manager (50% FTE):

• Coordinate and structure inputs from internal EPFL members to ensure that initiatives reflect institutional needs and priorities;
• Develop and maintain a roadmap for short-, medium-, and long-term goals for the energy transition portfolio;
• Foster internal and external partnerships to support the implementation of energy initiatives;
• Prepare reports, briefs and strategic documents for institutional leadership, partners and funders;
• Work with the EPFL central services to facilitate the implementation of strategic initiatives;
• Manage risks, issues, and opportunities related to strategic initiatives.

• Good knowledge of Switzerland's industrial and ETH-domain landscape in the field of P2X technologies;
• Knowledge of national and international energy and climate strategies ( net-zero, Horizon Europe, Swiss Energy Strategy, etc);
• Ability to effectively break down complex problems and communicate findings in compelling presentations to management;
• Leadership qualities with a collaborative attitude;
• Excellent communication and diplomacy skills. Experience with working with high-level academics;
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines;
• Clear and systematic thinking demonstrating good judgment, problem-solving, and analytical competencies;
• Fluent written and spoken English and French as well as basic knowledge in German.

Education

Bachelor, Master, PhD or equivalent experience preferred; fields of Energy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Sustainability, Smart materials, or related.

Professional experience

5 years of experience in project or program management in

• clean energy systems
• climate change policy
• sustainability or innovation platforms
• public-private partnerships or interdisciplinary initiative

Experience in large and complex project and programme management including

• managing complex timelines and deliverables
• managing multi-stakeholder projects
• working at the interface of research, industry and implementation

• Stimulating, dynamic and multicultural work environment;
• Strong interactions with partner institutions of the ETH-Domain and with key stakeholders of the Swiss energy and industry sectors;
• Excellent working conditions and remuneration according to the EPFL salary scale;
• An inclusive workspace and equal opportunities for all;
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Job Location: EPFL, Lausanne

Start date: The position is available as soon as possible.

Terms of employment: Fixed term (CDD).

Work rate: 80% to 100%.

Duration: 1 year (renewable)

Contact: For further information please contact Christian Fauteux, Deputy to the Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives ().