Lead Specialist – Membership and Coalition Governance

About CDRI

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is a global partnership of national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, private sector, and academic institutions. It aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems against climate and disaster risks to ensure sustainable development.

Strategic Context

CDRI’s Strategic Work Plan 2023–2026, CDRI focuses on:

• Building a strong coalition with global leadership.
• Advancing research and peer learning to promote risk-informed policies.
• Enhancing the capacity of governments, private enterprises and communities to implement resilient infrastructure and recovery programmes at scale.

The CDRI Secretariat, based in New Delhi, coordinates and implements the Coalition’s strategic priorities and activities.

Role Purpose

The Lead Specialist – Membership and Coalition Governance will be responsible for managing and strengthening relationships with CDRI’s growing portfolio of members and strategic partners. Currently comprising 46 members, this coalition is expected to grow by at least 25% by 2026. The role involves facilitating engagement, enhancing governance systems, and supporting high-level representation of CDRI globally.

The Lead Specialist will act as a strategic liaison between member entities and the CDRI Secretariat, ensuring that members’ voices are reflected in governance, programme development, and implementation aligned with CDRI’s Strategic Work Plan 2023–2026.

Reporting Line

Reports to the Director – Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilization.

• Lead relationship management with current and prospective Coalition members.
• Represent CDRI in engagements with diplomatic missions, ministries, and partner organizations.
• Develop and maintain MoUs, agreements, and partnership frameworks with members.
• Design and manage the membership CRM and contact databases.
• Serve as a liaison between members and internal programme teams to advance national and regional interventions.
• Support senior leadership in organizing and documenting engagements with heads of state, international organizations, and donors.
• Identify strategic opportunities to expand membership and build funding partnerships.
• Coordinate the preparation of board-level documentation including agenda notes and circulars.
• Develop and oversee implementation of partnership engagement and relationship management strategies.
• Represent CDRI at global events and forums to foster new collaborations.
• Track and report on the activities of member countries and institutions to identify collaboration opportunities.
• Organize high-level meetings, summits, and member-focused events in support of CDRI’s mission.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in international relations, public policy, communications, development cooperation, political science, or a related field.
• International education or exposure is desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, with at least 4 years in a leadership role at the national or international level.
• Experience in international partnership development, coalition management, or resource mobilization.
• Minimum 3 years working in or with international organizations.
• Experience with disaster risk reduction or infrastructure development initiatives is an advantage.
• International project experience across at least 5 countries and 2 UN geographic regions is required for international hire eligibility.

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic leadership, relationship management, and coordination skills.
• Deep understanding of multilateral governance, development cooperation, and donor engagement.
• Ability to develop partnership frameworks and implement engagement strategies.
• Strong writing and presentation skills; able to produce high-quality reports, briefing notes, and policy documents.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in cross-cultural contexts.
• Ability to synthesize multidisciplinary inputs and manage complex stakeholder portfolios.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Familiarity with international frameworks: SDGs, Sendai Framework, and the Paris Agreement.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and lead cross-functional teams.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is essential.
• Proficiency in any of the UN’s official languages is an asset.

Apply For This Job

Name*

Email*

Phone*

A valid phone number is required.

Cover Letter*

Attach Resume*

Submit

By applying with us, you agree to Oxford HR’s Privacy Policy

Open Modal Open Modal Open Modal