Net Zero Cities – Pilot City Programme Lead

Dark Matter Labs is on a mission to drive societal transition in the face of climate breakdown and technological disruption. With a focus on collective care, shared agency, long-termism, and interconnectedness, they operate across various domains, including policy, regulation, finance, data, governance, and democratic participation.

The NZC Pilot City Programme Lead will play a crucial role in advancing the NetZeroCities Pilot City Programme, aligned with the EU 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 Mission. The role involves overseeing around 60 European cities experimenting with original approaches to systems change for climate neutrality. The Lead will facilitate ‘Emergent Learning Loops,’ gathering insights from city initiatives to inform decision-making, policy directions, and new actions.

Key responsibilities include project execution and administration, strategic program management, stakeholder engagement, facilitation of learning and adaptation, and capacity building and knowledge sharing. The role requires skills in navigating complex programs, building collaborative relationships, precision in program management, adaptability, facilitation, and forward-thinking.

The organization operates as a multidisciplinary and distributed team, valuing remote work, flexibility, and dynamic hierarchies. They use digital tools for coordination and collaboration and organize in working groups to foster idea growth and align with core values and mission.

The NZC Pilot Programme Lead is expected to have a background in strategic program management, event organization, relationship building, learning sessions and workshop facilitation, synthesis and decision-making skills, adaptability, and innovative thinking. While specific experience in systemic change and a commitment to learning are beneficial, the organization values diverse lived experiences and promotes a safe and accepting working environment.

Pay is designed to cover living costs rather than reward specific tasks, with a unique formula based on years of experience. The organization also offers benefits such as coaching, learning funds, sabbatical and secondment support, and a minimum of 28 days of annual leave. The recruitment process aims to be accessible and supportive, especially for those who have experienced exclusion, disadvantage, or discrimination.