SteelWatch Stichting

Campaign Database Manager

SteelWatch Stichting

Remote

Opportunity

Are you an experienced database manager looking for a new challenge and scope to innovate? Keen to work with campaigners to build a database to drive transformation of the steel sector? Come and drive a coal-free future. Apply your proven data skills to reduce the steel sector’s emissions, which currently account for over 7% of annual GHG emissions.

Background

Decarbonising the steel sector requires us to go beyond averages and aggregated data points to provide detailed, real-time data on transforming steel plant assets. Currently, there is a lack of access to continually updated datasets that allow for timely responses and comprehensive campaign-relevant benchmarks, such as CO₂ emissions, relining announcements, and local air pollution data. This role aims to fill this gap by creating and managing an asset-level steel campaigning database.

The role is based with Steelwatch, a new international civil society organisation driving corporate accountability and urgent climate action. SteelWatch’s initial focus is to push the steel sector on track with a 1.5 C warming trajectory this side of 2030, particularly to campaign against any relining or new investment into blast furnaces and other elements of coal-based steel production.

The Campaign Database Manager will work closely with the European Fossil-Free Steel Network (EFFSN), a coalition of environmental groups and think tanks committed to transitioning the European steel industry from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Convened by E3G and Beyond Fossil Fuels (BFF), EFFSN hosts various campaign infrastructures, including regular network meetings and working groups.

About the role of Campaign Database Manager

The Campaign Database Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and operating a database of steel production facilities (primary and secondary), with a focus on blast furnaces. The database analysis will support effective campaigns to decarbonise steel, initially covering Europe (broadly defined) and two Asian countries. It underpins the work of the EFFSN and serves as the basis for a future global database.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape data collection strategies, refine methodologies and develop data partnerships;
• Engage closely with allies and provide facts and analysis from the database for campaign prioritisation and delivery, both proactively and reactively, to turn data into action and ensure campaigns are timely, targeted, and well-evidenced;
• Publish regular reports (e.g. annual) based on database analysis, working closely with the EFFSN coordinators/campaigners;
• Design and set up a European steel campaigning database to accommodate global expansion based on an existing database prototype and conversations with EFFSN members;
• Operationalise the database, developing and testing processes for incorporating new information and aligning other with existing databases;
• Test and troubleshoot the global application of the database, including two test countries: Japan and South Korea;
• Analyse and utilise database data with allies for reactive and proactive campaign purposes, ensuring continual responsiveness and adaptation to campaigners’ needs;
• Support the development of campaign publications based on the database;
• Actively manage relationships with allies.

The role is hosted and managed by SteelWatch. As part of the EFFSN Secretariat, the Campaign Database Manager will work closely with EFFSN convenors and members, with a ‘dotted line’ to the EFFSN Coordinator to ensure alignment of work priorities.

Key Competencies

ESSENTIAL

• Proven track record of successful data projects, including database design, dataset matching and database operation and maintenance;
• Strong skills in fact-checking and verifying information, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to compare and align methodologies;
• An aptitude for and inclination towards solving problems;
• A team player and a natural collaborator, ability to work with a diverse set of European and global actors;
• Ability to work independently and remotely;
• Being fluent in English as the working language of the network, along with additional relevant languages, is also desirable;
• A commitment to using data to drive action and tackle climate change;
• Ability to travel at least within Europe to attend face-to-face meetings.

DESIRABLE

• Experience with benchmarking climate change mitigation, including experience with emissions accounting and basic knowledge of industrial decarbonisation;
• Familiarity with the EU Emission Trading System and the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register;
• Curiosity and initiative to investigate potential new data sources, such as national and subnational emissions registries, data from different geographical regions (including beyond Europe), local air pollution records, energy consumption, or corporate mandatory or voluntary reporting documents;
• Communicative and accessible;
• A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to climate and energy issues;
• Ability, or willingness to learn, to work with APIs, perform scraping, and handle geodata;
• Familiarity with the needs and approaches of campaigners and the role of data in driving campaign impact.

What we offer

• This is a fantastic opportunity to turn data into action and to shed light on a hidden corner of climate pollution: steel production;
• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international network of partners who combine their dedication to make a difference. This is one of a few new roles in the Europe Beyond Fossil Free Steel Network and will be integral to developing the network’s activities. Your home will be in SteelWatch, a growing team working in start-up mode across Europe and Asia;
• A flexible work environment and the space to shape and continuously develop your role;
• Fixed, one-year, full-time consultancy contract with potential for renewal.

This role is planned as a one-year consultancy, offering circa 210 – 230 days of work annually. The daily rate ranges from €200-300 per day for junior consultants and €300-400 for senior consultants, depending on experience and local market rates. Funded by donors for one year, the position aims to establish a valuable database to support ongoing campaign efforts.

Location

This is a remote working role with no office base. The team collaborates daily using applications like Slack and Google. Occasional face-to-face meetings and events, especially within Europe, are essential, so some travel is required. You must have the right to work in your location, which should be a 3-hour time zone of Central European Time.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and a concise cover letter addressed to opportunities@steelwatch.org with the email subject line “Campaign Database Manager” by 26^th June, midnight GMT. Please include your location, availability, and how you heard about the role.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Those who apply by mid-June may receive initial follow-up calls and interview invitations. We aim to complete the recruitment process before the summer holidays. Once the candidate is selected, the position is available for an immediate start.

Equal opportunities

We understand the power of diversity in driving better results. Every new addition to our team represents an opportunity for SteelWatch to embrace fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. We aim to make SteelWatch an inclusive, nurturing, and imaginative workplace, committed to equal opportunities for all. We invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to differences in gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and cultural identity, especially from those underrepresented in the climate movement. Please let us know if you need accommodations or support during the application process.

Discover More

Visit our website at www.steelwatch.org, see our landmark reports Sunsetting Coal in Steel Production and ArcelorMittal Corporate Climate Assessment 2024, and follow us on LinkedIn and X @SteelWatch2030 and @SteelWatchJP for updates.

Code of Ethics

All SteelWatch team members, consultants and supervisory board members are required to adhere to SteelWatch’s Code of Ethics.