Project Manager or Project Lead on Power Grid Modernisation (f/m/d)

Job Description

Are you passionate about making power grids an enabler of the energy transition? Do you bring expertise in the technical, economic, and regulatory aspects of grid transformation? Are you excited to work in a diverse, multi-disciplinary and international team? Then, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

The rapid growth of renewable energy, battery storage, and electrified end-use applications is reshaping power systems around the world. This shift calls for new approaches to grid planning and operations, greater flexibility in electrification, and robust standards for digital metering and device interoperability. At the same time, maintaining system stability with high shares of inverter-based resources presents new technical challenges, and growing infrastructure complexity demands innovative solutions for data security and resilience.

Meeting these challenges requires ambitious technical and regulatory innovation, and this is where we come in. As an independent evidence-based think tank with around 180 employees across four global locations, Agora Think Tanks provides expert analyses that accurately describe the challenges and solutions (technical, economic, regulatory, and political) of the energy transition. We combine research, dialogue, and public relations in our daily work, collaborating closely with partners in numerous countries. Importantly, we operate independently, free from economic or party-political interests.

To strengthen our Power System Transformation Team, we are looking for a: Project Manager or Project Lead on Power Grid Modernisation and Electrification (f/m/d), full-time or part time (min. 32 hours per week) based in Berlin, Brussels or Bangkok.

Your responsibilities include

• Contribute to the development and implementation of EU and international projects focused on power grid modernisation, with an emphasis on grid planning, development, and operation at both transmission and distribution levels;
• Conduct and coordinate projects and author policy papers on grid modernisation topics, including technical connection standards, tariff design, the impact of end-use electrification on distribution networks, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, stability, and security of power systems with high shares of renewable energy;
• Analyse policy and regulatory gaps that hinder grid transformation in various countries - primarily in Asia and Europe - with a focus on economic, regulatory, and governance frameworks;
• Build, consolidate, and disseminate knowledge on power grid modernisation within Agora Think Tanks and among its partners through training sessions, lectures, and workshops;
• Respond to stakeholder enquiries on global power system transformation, offering insights into lessons learned, policy debates, regulatory frameworks, and technical challenges and solutions;
• Support the establishment and coordination of an international network of experts in the field of grid modernisation;
• Advise decision-makers in Agora's target countries on strategies and best practices for grid modernisation;
• Support the development of Agora's long-term strategy for power grid modernisation and its implementation processes;
• Management of subcontractors including preparing agreements and work plans, supervising and guiding project progress, and managing the quality of deliverables;
• In the role as Project Lead, additional requirements would include taking full responsibility for projects from start to finish ensuring quality and timely delivery, managing project budgets, strategically developing the subject area, mentoring colleagues and guiding their analysis, leading stakeholder management, public speaking and networking, potential coordination of global working groups, and potentially fundraising;
• As Project Manager, the focus is on technical management and responsibility for specific projects with smaller budgets, independent comprehensive research, conceptualisation and development of complex topics, technical supervision of students and interns, and project-related reporting and communication.

What we offer

• The opportunity to work in a strategically important and cutting-edge field, within a mission-driven, highly motivated, and professional team;
• A diverse and international working environment with a collaborative atmosphere and flat communication and decision-making hierarchies;
• A hybrid work environment, with access to an attractive office space in Berlin, Brussels or Bangkok and a good setup to work from home;
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement; including access to a mental well-being platform;
• Paid leave entitlements, significantly above statutory requirements (exact number depends on the country of employment);
• Support with visa and work permit applications, if required;
• A full-time or part-time contract, initially limited to two years.

We are looking for

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in energy policy, regulation, economics, or engineering;
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience (Project Manager) or at least 8 years (Project Lead) in the field of power system transformation - focusing on grids and/or end-use electrification - with an emphasis on economics, regulation, and technical solutions. Experience may come from roles in consulting, government, regulatory agencies, think tanks, energy utilities, or grid operators;
• Extensive expertise in power grid modernisation, with a particular focus on some of the following topics: grid planning and operation at both transmission and distribution levels, technical connection standards, tariff design, the impact of end-use electrification on distribution networks, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and ensuring stability and security in systems with high shares of renewable energy;
• Good quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights;
• Proven ability to lead complex analytical research and produce high-quality written outputs;
• Strong intercultural and multistakeholder communication skills;
• Broad understanding of energy transition policies and policy cycles, with the capacity to deep dive into specific policy and regulatory instruments related to grid modernisation;
• Creative and strategic thinker, capable of developing impactful ideas and contributing to research projects from concept to completion (for Project Manager roles), or leading and steering such projects end-to-end (for Project Lead roles);
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a track record of producing clear, concise, and compelling documents;
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; proficiency in German or other languages is an asset.

How to apply

Does our job advertisement appeal to you?

Then we look forward to receiving your application by 7 December 2025 via our website.

The first round of online interviews is planned during the weeks 8 - 12 and 15 - 19 December 2025.

For reasons of objectivity, we ask that you refrain from submitting an application photo.

We want an energy transition for everyone from everyone. Therefore, we are particularly pleased to receive applications from people from groups that have been underrepresented in energy policy. We welcome applications regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability and age, and sexual orientation. Unfortunately, our offices in Berlin are not completely barrier-free, but we intend to work on solutions.

As part of this, we are soliciting anonymous information on a voluntary basis regarding our applicant's backgrounds. This information will be used only to inform future recruitment strategies and will not impact hiring decisions in any form. Your input will not be forwarded to third parties and will not be used in connection with your application.

Please follow this link to participate in the survey - https://limes.sefep.eu/index.php/833735?lang=en.