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Job Opening - Senior Cooling Project Manager

The IIR is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Cooling Project Manager to lead and coordinate international development projects focused on sustainable cooling and refrigeration, emissions reduction, and energy efficiency. This role will be central to the implementation of high-impact initiatives, including technical assistance, policy support, and innovation deployment in developing and emerging economies.

Location: Paris, France (hybrid work possible)
Starting Date: October 15, 2025
Contract Type: 3 months consultancy, could be extended to a 5 year contract.

 

About Us

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is an intergovernmental organisation representing 59 member countries, dedicated to advancing refrigeration and heat pumping technologies worldwide. Based in Paris, our team collaborates with over 400 global experts to promote sustainable development, innovation, and technical excellence across the sector.

 

Job Summary

The IIR is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Cooling Project Manager to lead and coordinate international development projects focused on sustainable cooling and refrigeration, emissions reduction, and energy efficiency. This role will be central to the implementation of high-impact initiatives, including technical assistance, policy support, and innovation deployment in developing and emerging economies.

 

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in refrigeration and cooling systems, strong project leadership skills, and a proven track record of managing multi-stakeholder international projects.

 

Key Responsibilities (in bold are those expected to be delivered during the 3 months consultancy phase for a specific project recently secured by IIR to support Cold Chain infrastructure development in two IIR member countries)

 

Project Leadership & Strategy

  • Lead the full lifecycle of complex cooling-related projects, from conceptualisation to implementation and closure.
  • Identify the relevant IIR experts for the project and coordinate their activities to ensure its successful delivery.
  • Develop strategic work plans, detailed budgets, and performance indicators aligned with IIR’s mission and global climate and energy objectives.
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and with measurable impact, while managing risks and adapting to evolving priorities.
  • Contribute to the strategic direction of IIR’s initiatives, identifying opportunities for innovation and scaling.

 

Technical Oversight

  • Provide expert input on refrigeration and air-conditioning technologies, including refrigerants, energy-efficient systems, and emerging innovations.
  • Supervise the development and execution of technical studies, pilot demonstrations, and feasibility assessments.
  • Ensure scientific integrity and technical excellence by coordinating with IIR commissions, external experts, and research institutions.
  • Translate complex technical concepts into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

 

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Leverage the outputs of IIR Technical Projects to:
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with national governments, international organisations, industry leaders, NGOs, and academic institutions.
    • Inform stakeholders in high-level meetings, technical working groups, and global forums on sustainable refrigeration and climate action.
    • Facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration and dialogue to advance shared goals and secure co-funding or strategic partnerships.
    • Advocate for the adoption of sustainable cooling solutions through evidence-based communication and diplomacy.

 

Fundraising, Monitoring & Reporting

  • Identify potential funding sources, develop proposals and grant applications, cultivate relationships with donors, and secure financial support to ensure the successful implementation of projects.
  • Design and implement robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track project progress, outcomes, and impact.
  • Prepare high-quality reports, policy briefs, technical documentation, and knowledge products for diverse audiences.
  • Ensure timely and transparent reporting to donors and partners, including financial tracking and results-based communication.
  • Contribute to internal learning and continuous improvement through data analysis and feedback integration.

 

Qualifications

 

Education

Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Energy Systems, or a related field.

 

Experience

Minimum 8–10 years of experience in project management within the HVAC&R sector.

Successful experience with fundraising.

Proven leadership in international development or climate-related projects.

Experience working with refrigerants, energy-efficient systems, and policy frameworks.

 

Skills

Strong strategic planning and team coordination abilities.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Fluent in English; French is optional but advantageous and other languages are a plus.

Proficiency in project management tools and data analysis platforms.

 

Personal Attributes

Visionary, proactive, and results-driven.

Strong intercultural competence and diplomacy.

Committed to sustainability and innovation in refrigeration technologies.

 

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter to IIR Director General Dr. Yosr Allouche: y.allouche@iifiir.org, with the subject: “Application – Senior Cooling Project Manager”