How to apply for Market Development Lead, Asia at Energy Tech Nonprofit (Fully Remote | Asia | English)

About Openenergytransition

Open Energy Transition (OET) is a remote-first, mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to advancing the global energy transition through open-source modeling and data. With a team of ~50 skilled professionals worldwide, OET offers a unique blend of technical innovation and social impact, fostering a culture of trust, autonomy, and collaborative professionalism.

About the role

As Market Development Lead for Asia, you will spearhead OET's expansion across the region, building relationships with stakeholders like system operators, ministries, and research organizations. Your work will directly influence the adoption of open energy models, accelerating the transition to sustainable energy systems in Asia.

A typical day

A typical day might involve a morning video call with a partner organization in Southeast Asia, followed by analyzing market data to identify new opportunities, then drafting a proposal for a workshop. Afternoon could be spent preparing a presentation for an upcoming ministry meeting, with breaks to coordinate with the global marketing team on outreach strategies.

Who Openenergytransition is looking for

• Has 8+ years in market development or consulting, ideally intersecting with energy systems, policy, or regulation.
• Possesses deep knowledge of Asian energy markets, including key players, policy landscapes, and regional nuances.
• Demonstrates ability to build and nurture partnerships with diverse stakeholders, from government bodies to academic institutions.
• Thrives in a remote, autonomous environment with excellent communication and project management skills.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your CV to highlight specific achievements in market development within the energy sector, quantifying results where possible.
• In your cover letter, mention familiarity with open-source energy modeling tools (e.g., PyPSA, oemof) and their potential impact.
• Demonstrate your understanding of OET's mission by referencing their published reports or open-source projects.
• Showcase your experience working across different Asian countries, including cultural and regulatory considerations.
• Since travel is required, indicate your willingness and ability to travel regularly within Asia.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your passion for the energy transition and alignment with OET's nonprofit mission.", 'Specific examples of market development successes in Asia, especially in energy-related sectors.', 'Your ability to work autonomously in a remote environment while collaborating effectively with a distributed team.', "Any experience with open-source initiatives or tools that relate to OET's work."]

Research before applying

• Explore OET's website, especially their projects and publications, to understand their focus areas and achievements.
• Familiarize yourself with their open-source tools like PyPSA and their role in energy system modeling.
• Research recent energy transition initiatives in Asia, particularly those involving international cooperation or open data.
• Check OET's social media and blog for recent updates and insights into their culture and priorities.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach building relationships with a government ministry in a country where you have no existing contacts?
• Describe a time you successfully entered a new market in Asia. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?
• How do you stay updated on energy policy changes across multiple Asian countries?
• Given OET's remote-first culture, how do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with colleagues in different time zones?
• What is your experience with open-source energy modeling, and how do you think it can be leveraged to influence policy?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application without referencing OET's specific mission or projects.
• Underestimating the importance of travel; failing to express flexibility for regular regional travel.
• Not demonstrating an understanding of the unique challenges in Asian energy markets, such as regulatory diversity and infrastructure gaps.