Equality
Inclusion
Respect

Adviser and Head – Energy and Natural Resources Section (ENR)

Salary £97,512
Location Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HX, UK
Mergefield Title {Mergefield Value}
Mergefield Title {Mergefield Value}

This is a {Advertised Permanent / Temporary}, {Advertised Full Time / Part Time} vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.

The vacancy

The Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking an accomplished leader to head its Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Section—a high‑impact role shaping policy, technical assistance, and strategic engagement across the Commonwealth. Operating within the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan, you will guide a portfolio of programmes that support member countries in managing energy transitions, strengthening extractive industries governance, and advancing sustainable natural resource development.

The Role

As Adviser and Head of ENR, you will set the strategic direction for the Section, ensuring programmes are aligned with CHOGM mandates and deliver tangible value to governments across the Commonwealth. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, oversee advisory services, and manage a diverse project portfolio spanning energy_transition, extractive_industries, renewable_energy, and natural_resource_governance.

You will work closely with senior officials in member states, coordinate ENR inputs into Commonwealth fora, and represent the Secretariat in international discussions. The role requires strong programme leadership—shaping operational frameworks, mobilising resources, ensuring high‑quality delivery, and embedding monitoring, evaluation and learning across all ENR projects. Frequent overseas travel is expected.

About You

You are an experienced economist, lawyer, or policy specialist with deep expertise in the energy and extractive sectors. You bring at least 10 years of senior‑level experience and a proven record of leading technical assistance programmes, shaping policy and regulatory frameworks, and advising governments on complex ENR issues.

You excel at managing multidisciplinary teams, engaging senior stakeholders, and navigating international development environments. You combine strategic insight with strong project management, communication, and partnership‑building skills. Experience in energy sector reform, resource taxation, or green financing will strengthen your profile, as will experience working with small states or developing countries

About us

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries.

It is home to 2.5 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations.

Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.

The Commonwealth's roots go back to the British Empire. But today any country can join the modern Commonwealth. The last two countries to join the Commonwealth were Gabon and Togo in 2022.

Vision & mission

The Commonwealth Secretariat is the intergovernmental organisation that supports member countries to achieve the Commonwealth's aims of development, democracy and peace.

We:

  • are a voice for small and vulnerable states
  • champion young people
  • promote justice and human rights
  • address threats like climate change, debt and inequality
  • help grow economies and boost trade
  • support decision-makers to make good laws and deliver policies
  • help strengthen governance and build inclusive public institutions
  • provide technical help and training
  • send experts and observers to countries to give impartial advice and help solve national problems
  • provide systems, software and research for managing resources.

Our vision

To help create and sustain a Commonwealth that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous and that cherishes equality, diversity and shared values. 

Our mission

We support member governments, and partner with the broader Commonwealth family and others, to improve the well-being of all Commonwealth citizens and to advance their shared interests globally.

Alternatively, please sign in with...

Published

Not Published

Closing

in X days

{Expiry}