How to apply for Call for Experts: Climatebase Fellowship

About Climatebase

Climatebase is the leading platform for climate careers, dedicated to accelerating climate solutions by building products, programs, and a vibrant community. Joining Climatebase means being at the forefront of the climate movement, connecting with thousands of passionate professionals and experts worldwide.

About the role

As an expert guest speaker for the Climatebase Fellowship, you'll lead a live virtual session on a topic within your expertise, followed by a moderated Q&A with a global cohort of climate professionals. This role offers a unique opportunity to share your knowledge, shape the next generation of climate leaders, and expand your influence within the climate ecosystem.

A typical day

A typical day for a Climatebase Fellowship expert speaker might involve reviewing the speaker brief, preparing slides and talking points, and coordinating with the Climatebase team on logistics. On the day of your session, you'll log into the virtual platform, deliver your talk, and engage with fellows during the Q&A, leaving you with a sense of impact and connection to a global community.

Who Climatebase is looking for

• A subject-matter expert with deep knowledge in a specific climate-related field (e.g., renewable energy, climate policy, carbon markets, climate tech, etc.)
• Experienced in public speaking or presenting to diverse audiences, with the ability to engage and inspire professionals from various backgrounds
• Passionate about climate action and committed to accelerating solutions through education and community building
• Able to commit to a live virtual session during the fellowship period (Sept 8 - Dec 4) and prepare with the provided speaker brief

Tips for this application

• Tailor your application to highlight your specific expertise and how it aligns with the fellowship's mission of deepening understanding of climate solutions.
• Include links to previous talks, presentations, or webinars you've given to demonstrate your speaking experience.
• Clearly articulate how your session topic will benefit fellows and contribute to their career transition in climate.
• Mention any experience you have with interactive sessions or Q&A formats to show your ability to engage audiences.
• Emphasize your global perspective or experience working with diverse communities, as the fellowship attracts fellows from 85+ countries.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Highlight your unique expertise and why it is critical to the climate field.', 'Showcase your public speaking experience and ability to communicate complex topics to a non-specialist audience.', 'Express your passion for mentoring and supporting professionals transitioning into climate careers.', "Demonstrate your understanding of the fellowship's goals and how you can help achieve them."]

Research before applying

• Visit the Climatebase Fellowship page (climatebase.org/fellowship) to understand the program structure and past cohorts.
• Read Forbes' article on the Climatebase Fellowship to see why it's recognized as a top professional development program.
• Explore Climatebase's other products and community initiatives to understand their broader mission.
• Look up past speaker sessions or alumni testimonials to get a sense of the expected quality and impact.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• What specific topic would you propose for your session, and why is it important for climate professionals?
• How would you structure a 60-90 minute session to be engaging and interactive?
• Can you share an example of a time you adapted your presentation style to a diverse audience?
• How do you stay updated with the latest developments in your field?
• How would you handle a challenging question from a fellow during the Q&A?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't submit a generic application that doesn't reference the specific fellowship or its goals.
• Avoid proposing a topic that is too broad or not directly relevant to climate solutions.
• Don't underestimate the importance of engaging delivery – this is a speaking role, not just a lecture.