Carbon Gap was created to accelerate the development of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) in Europe. To meet commitments to net zero and a stable climate, Europe will need to both reduce emissions and permanently remove gigatonnes of carbon. Europe needs carbon removal and carbon removal needs Europe. Europe has played and continues to play an important global leadership role on climate and now has the opportunity to play a critical role on responsible carbon removal.

Carbon Gap has a compelling vision for CDR in Europe, integrated within climate, economic and industrial strategy, as a tool for climate restoration, and economic and social development. Carbon Gap’s mission is to support policymakers across geographic Europe, in developing the foundation policy support which will accelerate the development and deployment of scientifically proven effective CDR methods and the ecosystem that will be needed to support them. Carbon Gap is independent, positioning itself as a trusted, expert voice to policymakers and the lead advocate for accelerating the development of carbon removal in Europe, working with a network of mission aligned climate NGOs and CDR thought leaders to inform and educate key stakeholder groups, accelerate CDR development and increase ambition.

Carbon Gap was launched at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021. It is a registered UK charity, operating in three policy jurisdictions: Belgium (Brussels), United Kingdom and France, with plans to build policy engagement capacity in other major political capitals in Europe over the next three years. This geographic expansion will be achieved through an ecosystem-based approach, which combines growth of Carbon Gap policy engagement capacity with that in partner local expert NGOs, requiring Carbon Gap to evolve its operating model to become an effective ecosystem orchestrator.

Carbon Gap governance has evolved from a Launch Committee of globally-recognised CDR thought leaders and advocates to a Trustee Board which blends CDR expertise and ambition with experience of building purpose driven organisations. Additional Trustee Board members are now being sought to underwrite an ambitious impact driven mission. Carbon Gap would like to build strength and depth through the addition of experienced next generation non-profit board members with multi-jurisdiction European policy development, UK charity / EU NGO board leadership, finance or ecosystem-based operating model development experience.

This is a unique opportunity for experienced purpose driven professionals to have a personal impact on climate and work with a strong group of Trustees and executives to deliver a vision for CDR in Europe and create the possibility of a stable climate for future generations. The Board is responsible for:

• Co-developing the mission strategy and impact delivery plan with the CEO and Advisory Board, as well as overseeing its delivery and Carbon Gap’s impact ROI
• Building, developing and coaching a high performance executive leadership team
• Ensuring that the necessary policies, processes, systems and controls are in place to maintain independence and meet operating jurisdiction and funder requirements
• Applying lived experience to Carbon Gap mission to underwite ambition and de-risk delivery
• Bringing an independent perspective to CDR development challenges in Europe and Carbon Gap’s role as an advocate
• Drawing on networks, as appropriate, to support CarbonGap's mission – expertise, access and fundraising

European Policy Development & Government / Public Affairs: Applicants will have an in-depth understanding of European policymaking at EU and member level, whether gained from having operated at the highest levels within and across major European policymaking institutions, from engagement with the most senior policymakers, or from acting as a leader of, or trusted advisor to, organisations advocating for policy change. The successful candidate will be able to provide an insider perspective and will have an active presence within the European policymaking system, which can be used to develop Carbon Gap’s European policy network and inform policy engagement strategy.

UK Charity or European Multi-Jurisdiction Next Generation Non-Profit Leadership: Applicants will have led non-profits during growth, with the ability to combine for- and non-profit practice to maximise impact ROI and reduce risk. Carbon Gap is seeking breadth and depth of disruptive, high impact non-profit experience, with established networks and credibility with climate actors across Europe.

Finance, NGO Fundraising & Grant-Making: With the search for an inaugural CFO underway, and the need to demonstrate impact and return on investment to its committed funding partners, applicants will be able to bring effective financial oversight and ensure that there is robust reporting / processes in place. With launch funding of £2.5m and an aim to quintuple this alongside developing partnerships, potential mainland Europe entities, and grant-making capabilities, the successful candidate will have experience of dealing with growing organisations as well as an appreciation of Carbon Gap's charitable status.

Above all, candidates will be absolutely committed to the achievement of a stable climate, through emissions reduction and the development of responsible carbon removal, and will be excited by the leading role which Europe, CDR and Carbon Gap can play in addressing climate change.

Susan Hooper, Acting Chair
Tim Kruger, Co-Founder & Chair of the Advisory Board
Remi Bouteille, Co-Founder
Bejamin Tincq, Co-Founder
Cressida Pollock
Irena Spazzapan

This role is unremunerated. Reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed within expense policy.

The Trustee Board currently meets monthly for 2-3 hours. The frequency will change to longer less frequent meetings from later this year. Trustee Board meetings are virtual. There will be two full-day physical meetings each year. Trustees are also expected to contribute time in their area of their expertise. This is limited to no more than half a day each month. The appointment is for a two-year term, reviewed annually, with the option to renew at the discretion of the Trustee Board.

Carbon Gap operates a hybrid model, with physical locations in Brussels and London. Normal Trustee Board meetings will take place virtually. Physical meeting take place in one of Carbon Gap’s operating locations, or are chosen to reduce travel / impact. Candidates will be likely to be based in or near European cities, but can be based anywhere with time zone compatibility.