Role purpose

The Lead for Chemical Sector, Technology Acceleration, and Innovation is a senior, cross-cutting role that integrates technology strategy, sector expertise, innovation ecosystems, AI/data infrastructures, and catalytic grantmaking to unlock large-scale industrial transformation for decarbonization.

Sitting at the nexus of technology, policy, and systems change, you will ensure that the Hub’s catalytic interventions (knowledge, networks, and capital) are deployed where they can generate maximum impact across the chemicals and materials value chains and lead to decarbonization.

You will lead the development of global, regional, and national strategies, technology pathways, and sectoral agendas that accelerate the shift to low-carbon feedstocks, circular materials, electrified and hydrogen-based processes, and first-of-a-kind industrial projects. This includes building innovation architectures, identifying high-impact technologies and business models, and collaborating with governments, industry, R&D institutions, and accelerators.

As both strategist and practitioner, you will manage grant portfolios, build cross-sector partnerships, and guide the Hub’s engagement in priority geographies. You will support ecosystem building, technology deployment, regional clusters, early-stage project preparation, and data-driven insights.

The role requires a rare blend of deep technical knowledge and intuition, systems thinking, creativity, and diplomatic leadership, moving fluidly between technology assessments and strategic dialogue, between R&D ecosystems and policy levers, and between philanthropic engagement and implementation in the sector and beyond. Ultimately,  you will help make industrial innovation technically viable,  financially scalable, and socially grounded through intelligent activities by the Hub.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Chemical Sector Leadership
  • Develop and implement the Hub’s global chemicals sector strategy, aligned with the Hub’s overall vision and timelines.
  • Update both the Hub strategy and the chemicals strategy through learning loops, feedback cycles, and continuous optimization.
  • Steward and grow a grant and partnership portfolio focused on chemicals transformation across new feedstocks, innovative processes and supply chains, circularity, infrastructure, and demand-side levers.
  • Build and maintain a global network of trusted industry experts across chemicals, materials, innovation, and adjacent sectors steel and cement.
  • Anchor the Hub in the philanthropic and industrial ecosystem through engagement with CSOs, NGOs, multilaterals, think tanks, and public-sector partners.
  • Manage and mentor team members; develop capabilities as the portfolio expands.
  • Design and execute an annual work plan aligned with strategy, budget, and organizational priorities.

• Technology Acceleration, Innovation, Industry Clusters, New Materials & AI
  • Prioritize and lead strategies for technology acceleration, new materials, AI-enabled insights, and innovation ecosystems across steel, cement, and chemicals – in collaboration with Hub colleagues.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and identify those with the greatest potential for cost, decarbonization, and system-level impact.
  • Build cross-sector networks with industry, academia, research labs, accelerators, investors, and governments.
  • Lead partnerships with key organizations (e.g., RMI, ITA, WEF, OECD, national labs) to shape global innovation agendas.
  • Drive a portfolio of first-of-a-kind (FOAK), demonstration, and replication-ready projects, and steward learning loops across global “network of accelerators.”
  • Develop AI/data-driven tools for tracking innovations, technology readiness, clusters, carbon intensity, and performance indicators.
  • Build and lead a team as the cross-cutting portfolio grows.

• Grant Strategy and Partnership Development
  • Lead grant design to ensure programs are outcome-driven, measurable, and catalytic. Ensure Hub-funded efforts complement existing government, donor, and market initiatives.
  • Manage a portfolio of grants supporting innovation ecosystems, technology readiness, data transparency, and regional capacity building.
  • Identify strong CSOs, research institutions, and accelerators capable of advancing industrial transformation. In this context, facilitate multi-stakeholder platforms linking technology, policy, and finance.
  • Co-develop funding proposals, pipelines, and innovation programs with public and private partners.

• Partnerships and Ecosystem Development
  • Cultivate relationships with industrial, philanthropic, academic, and financial partners.
  • Represent the Hub in global dialogues, sectoral platforms, and innovation forums.
  • Drive cross-sector collaboration to link industry clusters, FOAK projects, R&D ecosystems, and policy frameworks.
  • Promote the visibility and impact of Hub-supported work through knowledge products, storytelling, and shared learning.

• Program Operations and Organizational Building
  • Contribute operational expertise to strengthen the Hub’s internal systems during rapid growth.
  • Support facilitation for internal and external meetings, the Annual Meeting and other high-level events, and learning convenings.
  • Define right-sized management structures, workflows, and review processes for the programs team.
  • Support KPI development and performance tracking for GIH’s sectoral and cross-sectoral work.

Profile

• Master’s degree in chemical engineering, material science, environmental science, public policy, or equivalent experience at the interface of technology and policy.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in industrial decarbonization, technology acceleration, chemicals, materials, or innovation ecosystems (private sector, research institutes, multilaterals, or non-profit).

• Strong understanding of technology pathways for chemicals and heavy industry (e.g., clean feedstocks, electrification, hydrogen, CCU/CCS, circularity).

• Demonstrated experience building innovation ecosystems, R&D partnerships, or FOAK project pipelines.

• Familiarity with industrial policy, innovation policy, and the enabling conditions for technology deployment.

• Experience developing and managing multi-partner grant portfolios or innovation programs.

• Excellent relationship management, facilitation, and communication skills.

• Fluency in English; additional languages are an asset.

• Ability to work across time zones, cultures, and institutional contexts with high autonomy.

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently (both virtually and in-person) with minimal supervision.

• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Shapes sectoral and innovation strategies aligned with global and national priorities.

• Technical Leadership: Provides deep insight into chemicals decarbonization, innovation pathways, and technology scaling.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Builds trusted relationships across industry, academia, governments, and philanthropy.

• Grant and Partnership Design: Ensures catalytic and systemic impact.

• Systems Thinking and Collaboration: Ensures coherence across multiple levers – technology, policy, finance, and data.

• Communication: Navigates complex environments with clarity, diplomacy, and influence.

• Learning and Adaptation: Maintains learning loops to iterate strategies and inform partners.

• Integrity and Accountability: Acts with transparency, fairness, and alignment to mission.

Terms of Appointment

The remuneration package is competitive and commensurate with experience. The contract will be a fixed-term appointment, subject to local hiring conditions, and will be renewable.

Role Location

Global/Remote

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 09 February 2026 (23:59 hrs, GMT +1). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by Global Industry Hub (GIH) to undertake this assignment.