Position: Energy and Climate Advisor
Type of Employment: Full-time, 2-year local contract (with potential extension)
Location: 299 California Ave, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Expected Start Date: March 1, 2027, or as soon as possible
Application Deadline: November 20, 2026
Are you passionate about energy and climate policy? Do you enjoy building partnerships and turning ideas into action? Would you like to work at the intersection of international cooperation, energy policy, and the green transition in one of the world's most dynamic regions?
Then you might be our new Energy and Climate Advisor at the Consulate General of Denmark in Silicon Valley.
Based in Palo Alto, in the heart of Silicon Valley, you will play a key role in strengthening cooperation between Denmark and California on energy and climate. You will work closely with government authorities and other key stakeholders to exchange knowledge, develop partnerships, and advance the green energy transition.
Denmark has decades of experience developing ambitious energy policies and innovative solutions in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart energy systems. Through our government-to-government cooperation, we share this experience with U.S. partners while gaining valuable insights into American energy policies, technologies, and market developments.
As part of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' network in the United States, you will work closely with the Danish Energy Agency and colleagues across North America to strengthen international cooperation and create opportunities for Danish green solutions.
About your role
You will help drive the established government-to-government cooperation between Denmark and California, working with key partners such as the California Energy Commission (CEC), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The cooperation covers a range of energy and climate policy topics, with current areas of interest including energy efficiency in buildings and industry, growing electricity demand, and the challenges of grid development associated with new large electricity consumers, such as data centers. The focus areas may evolve in response to policy developments and shared priorities.
The role combines policy dialogue, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and strategic relationship-building. You will work with public authorities and engage with utilities, grid operators, industry organizations, research institutions, and businesses where relevant to the cooperation.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Support the Danish Energy Agency in developing and maintaining relationships with U.S. authorities and other key stakeholders, facilitating policy dialogue and collaboration on energy and climate issues.
- Plan and manage activities arising from the cooperation, including workshops, seminars, expert meetings, delegation visits, and follow-up initiatives.
- Connect Danish and U.S. experts and decision-makers, identify common interests, and support the development of collaborative initiatives.
- Follow developments in U.S. energy and climate policy, identify relevant trends and opportunities, and share insights with Danish partners and colleagues.
Required Qualifications
- A relevant academic degree, for example in engineering, energy, environmental studies, political science, economics, or a related field.
- A broad understanding of energy and climate issues and an interest in energy policy and the green transition.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and develop professional relationships.
- Good organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage several activities and priorities simultaneously.
- An independent, proactive, and solution-oriented approach, combined with the ability to collaborate effectively in a geographically dispersed team.
- Excellent command of English and Danish or another Scandinavian language, both oral and written.
Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge of Danish energy and climate policy, regulatory frameworks, or the Danish energy model.
- Experience working with energy authorities, utilities, or other organizations within the energy sector.
- Familiarity with energy efficiency in buildings and industry, sector coupling, or other relevant areas of the green energy transition.
You do not need to meet every preferred qualification. We value motivation, curiosity, and the ability to build relationships and navigate new challenges.
Employment Conditions
- Your standard working hours will be 37 hours per week. Overtime work is to be expected during peaks and will be compensated for.
- You will be entitled to 5 weeks (25 working days) of paid vacation per year.
- As part of your salary, you will be covered by a workplace pension scheme.
- You will be offered health coverage, which includes your spouse/partner as well as children under the age of 26, if applicable.
- Housing and relocation benefits are not provided as part of the employment, and your spouse/partner, if applicable, is not eligible for a work permit.
How to Apply
To apply for the position, please send your application (cover letter, CV, and 2–3 references) in English to [email protected], with the subject line "Energy and Climate Advisor", no later than November 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) PT.
We attach great importance to equal opportunities for all and therefore welcome applications from all qualified persons regardless of race, sex, religion, age, or disability.
Selected candidates will be invited for interviews, which are expected to take place by the end of November. The chosen candidate must present a "No Criminal Record" certificate and pass security clearance by the Danish authorities prior to appointment.
Questions
For any questions regarding the position, please contact Mette Høj Ravnborg at [email protected].
For questions regarding terms of employment, please contact Head of Finance & Administration, Peter Victor Kabell, at [email protected].
