The global shift to clean energy is hindered by insufficient political will and resistance, despite the urgent imperative of addressing climate change. To achieve a just energy transition that inspires and counters resistance effectively, it is crucial to cultivate diverse, politically influential communities capable of building innovative and ambitious national strategies. Cultivating new talent and strategic leadership in organizing efforts is essential to accelerate clean energy adoption and navigate persistent challenges.

The Clean Energy Incubator will address this need by identifying, nurturing, and supporting talented leaders across key geographies—Colombia, Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, Spain, and Turkey. This dynamic 6-month program will empower participants to develop crucial skills, shape innovative ideas, and access critical support, while connecting new projects to national needs and realities.

Participants will be supported in launching initiatives that address local challenges, driving transformative change. The program's emphasis on national impact and cross-border learning will foster collaboration among like-minded individuals, providing a global community of support.

We are now calling for applications for this transformative program. If you are a leader passionate about driving change in clean energy and eager to make a significant impact, we are looking for you; apply by August 25th.

Timeline 

• Applications Open: August 1st
• Applications Close: August 25th
• Interviews: Early September (TBD)
• Participants Announced: First week of October
• Program Onboarding: October
• In-Person Kick-Off: First week of November (travel required)
• Active Program: Mid-November to Mid-March
• Closing Pitch Opportunity: Early April (travel required)

What the program offers

• 4-Month Curriculum: including topics such as Leadership Development, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Power Mapping and Organizing Approaches, and Clean Energy Training.
• Mentorship: One-on-one support from subject matter experts and national advisors.
• Networking: Invitations to events, connections with national clean energy networks, and a global community of like-minded individuals.
• Stipend: Up to $10,000 USD.
• Funding Opportunity: Chance to pitch your project in front of funders to obtain catalytic capital to scale your work.

Who the program is for

Are you a passionate builder, convener, and connector eager to scale clean energy? If you have a minimum of five years of experience building community power to leverage change and are a dynamic individual committed to innovating and building new initiatives in the clean energy sector, we are looking for you.

We are looking for individuals who believe deeply in bringing about transformative change that shifts hearts and minds to influence those in power. Previous roles could include – but are not limited to, campaigns director, community leader/organizer, social impact founder, political advisor, marketing director, communications leader, and organizing director.

Candidates should also have:

• A strong connection to the national context of their country
• Interest in being part of an international cohort
• Willingness to engage intensively in a part-time experience over six months
• Commitment to further developing their ideas beyond the program's duration

We also encourage diverse and alternative backgrounds that demonstrate a commitment and ability to create change, along with the following skills: 

• Ability to build impactful strategies to influence power 
• Experience in Organizing and Convening Diverse Groups for Impact 
• Deep Listening
• Emotional Intelligence

How to apply 

Follow this link to apply and click here to get a preview of all the questions. 

You will need to fill out three sections. 

Program Fit/Eligibility

• Answer quick questions to ensure this program is right for you and that you meet the minimum requirements.
• Citizen or long-term resident of one of our key geographies, with strong understanding of the public and political context.
• Fluent / native speaker of local language and comfortable communicating in English. Writing proficiency is not required. 
• Available for interviews during the first half of September.
• Available for required in-person kick-off and closing retreats in early November 2024 & April 2025.
• Able to dedicate at least 8 hours a week to the program. 
• If joining this program as part of a larger organization, buy-in from senior executives is required. 
• You and your ideas are at the stage where the program will be transformational for your journey

Idea Section (video)

Briefly introduce yourself and explain your idea to activate local communities with the goal of shifting power for the clean energy transition in your country. Your idea will be judged based on:

• Alignment with national challenges and opportunities 
• Untapped community activation
• Innovative approach
• Scaling potential

The video should be a maximum of 3 minutes. If you would like to include details in your local language, that is okay, but please spend at least half of the video introducing yourself and summarizing your idea in English.

The videos need not be high-quality; we primarily want to get to know you. Instructions on how to share the video are provided on the application form. 

Background Section

Upload your CV and share your LinkedIn profile (optional). 

FAQs

• If you aren't from one of the listed geographies, should you apply? Unfortunately, not at this time, but please follow the IREX website to learn about future opportunities.
• Can you participate if you have a full-time job? Yes, this program is designed to be a part-time opportunity to launch new ideas, projects and organizations and will require at least 8 hours a week from November to April 2025.
• Is the program suitable if you have a background in climate change but not clean energy? Yes, basic knowledge of the players and opportunities in your country is expected. Technical knowledge will be gained throughout the program. If interested, you should apply.
• How long will the application take? It shouldn't take longer than an hour, depending on how long it takes you to record the video and adapt and update your CV, if needed. 
• Can you still apply if you cannot travel for the kick-off in November and the closing convening in April, 2025? Unfortunately, no. The program requires in-person participation for building community, so only candidates available for travel can be selected.

We look forward to receiving your applications and learning about your innovative ideas for accelerating clean energy adoption!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sara Wolfe at swolfe@irex.org.