Robert Kirchner

Sustainability Entrepreneur / Thought Leader / International Cooperation Supporter

Brussels Region, Belgium

About

I am an enthusiastic, creative and flexible professional with 10 years of experience in sustainable energy and climate change. Throughout my professional career in public and private organisations, I acquired excellent skills with regards to public affairs, project management, and communications. I have developed portfolio of infrastructure projects, secured funding from international donors and established partnerships with financiers.

Experience

  • Senior International Project Manager at VITO
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

  • Founder at Apricus Europe LLC
    Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 6 mos

    Founder of a company that rolls out truffle farming projects in Dalmatia, Croatia - Leading the preparation of truffle farming projects from concept development to ensuring funding to implementation; - Exchanging with leading international truffle farming experts on the feasibility of truffle farming in Dalmatia; - Completing truffle workshops to acquire truffle farming skills. Achievement: Pilot project covering 5,5 hectars in place

  • Product Lead at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
    Apr 2015 - Mar 2025 · 10 yrs

    - Leading a product that realizes rooftop solar projects on larger scale public infrastructure (e.g. hospitals, markets) in Sub-Saharan Africa - Advising the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development on international processes (SDGs, COP) and launching of international initiatives (green hydrogen initative) - Development of a climate action plan with a city in Northern Cameroun - Establishment of Partnership between GIZ and EIB on sustainable infrastructure investment Achievements: Development of a rooftop solar portfolio comprising 70 sites with an investment volume of 20 Million Euro covering 4 countries; receiving public funding from European governments for the realisation of international projects.

  • Programme Analyst at Global Commission on the Economy and Climate
    Jan 2014 - Oct 2014 · 10 mos

    • Managing and coordinating the macroeconomics/finance workstream with partner institutions across the network; carrying out specific analytical tasks and research activities for the workstreams with regards to topics such as financial impact of a low-carbon transition, or co-benefits of climate action; assisting the research director with specific tasks for the overall strategic direction of the Commission (e.g.: engagement plan with external stakeholder, public debates) Achievements: Produced key findings and exhibits for the report of the Global Commission; successfully managed the workstream and publication process towards delivering a high quality report

  • Junior Consultant at African Development Bank
    Jan 2013 - Jul 2013 · 7 mos

    • Assisted the project management of financing activities of the Bank in the field of clean energy; contributed to the drafting, editing and research of the African Development Report 2012 (“Towards Green Growth in Africa“); organized various high level seminars (e.g.: Annual Meetings, Board of Governors Meeting) Achievements: Contributed to the integration of environmental evaluation techniques and activities into the financing strategy of the Bank; ensured the timely delivery of a high quality flagship publication