Job Description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of global energy distribution?

Do you thrive in complex, high-impact environments where strategic thinking meets hands-on delivery? Are you highly organised and able to manage multiple work streams?

Could you be the next General Secretary of CIRED?

CIRED General Secretary

Up to 50,000

Permanent / Full Time

Home-based UK

At the IET, making our world a better place starts by creating a better place for our people. At the IET you'll have more than just a job. Our work is exciting and challenging, connecting the people who solve the problems that matter. It means working with us has real meaning and impact, and you'll grow - professionally and personally - in ways you never thought possible.

What is CIRED

CIRED is the leading global forum for the electricity distribution community. It provides a unique platform for professionals, researchers, and decision-makers from around the world to exchange knowledge, share innovations, and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of electricity distribution. With a strong European foundation and growing international reach, CIRED supports technical advancement and collaboration through its biennial main conference, regional workshops, working groups, and strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders.

What you'll be doing

You'll work closely with CIRED's Board of Directors to steer and deliver their organisational strategy, acting as the central point of coordination across all of CIRED's governing bodies, taskforces, and working groups.

You'll lead the development and execution of new activities to support international expansion beyond Europe, building strategic partnerships with technical organisations, policymakers, and standards bodies. You'll also be responsible for enhancing the quality and reach of CIRED's technical content, events, and publications; from the main CIRED conference and workshops through to training initiatives and digital communities.

Operationally, you'll ensure the smooth running of the CIRED association (everything from governance and compliance to financial oversight, stakeholder communication, and content development). You'll also be the go-to contact for website and social media channels, playing a key role in strengthening CIRED's visibility in the global energy conversation.

This is a strategic, international-facing role, with plenty of variety, and a real opportunity to make your mark.

What we hope you can bring to the role

You'll be an experienced professional with a background in association or event management, ideally within a technical or scientific setting. You're comfortable navigating international stakeholder networks and confident juggling multiple projects with precision and diplomacy.

You'll bring excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage at all levels, from senior board members and working group chairs to external partners and policymakers. A structured, strategic mindset is key, alongside the flexibility and independence to drive initiatives forward day-to-day.

Familiarity with the electricity distribution sector and its ecosystem is highly desirable, and language skills (particularly in French, Dutch, or German) would be a great asset.

We'd love to get to know you

Is Imposter syndrome creeping in? Don't worry - we'd rather hear from you this time than not hear from you at all! Read on for a little more information about the role; but also, keep in mind that we're open to discussing flexible ways of working, including reduced hours and working in an agile way, supported by a hybrid working framework that allows you to find the best place to do your best work.

A little more about the role

Support the CIRED Board of Directors with the delivery of CIRED's strategic plan and taskforces Coordinate and support CIRED's governing bodies, committees, and international working groups Lead the development of new activities and event formats to support CIRED's global growth Strengthen strategic relationships with key technical bodies, policymakers, and standards organisations Oversee publication and dissemination strategies, including working group outputs and training initiatives Ensure regulatory and financial compliance across the association's operations Manage day-to-day communications, including the CIRED website, enquiries, and social media channels Actively contribute to the delivery of CIRED's main conference, workshops, and future events

A little more about what we're looking for

Proven experience in association management, technical event delivery, or international stakeholder coordination Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain strong governance across diverse teams Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trust and drive collaboration Self-starter with a strategic mindset and a structured, methodical approach to planning and delivery Familiarity with the electricity distribution sector and its stakeholders is desirable Language skills (especially in French, Dutch, or German) would be a strong advantage Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with the confidence to manage digital platforms, websites, and databases

What if you could be you?

The IET is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To find out more, head over to our 'Work for the IET' site.

By submitting an application for this role, you hereby consent to the processing of your personal information by iRecruit, our Applicant Tracking System tool, in accordance with applicable data protection laws and our privacy policy. Full information on our Recruitment Privacy Statement can be here: Recruitment Privacy Statement (theiet.org). Full information on our Privacy Statement can be found here: Privacy (theiet.org).

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 50,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Yearly bonus
Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Company pension Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Life insurance Paid volunteer time Private medical insurance Referral programme Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: Remote

Reference ID: OPS045