About the European Climate Foundation

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to help tackle the climate crisis by fostering the development of a net-zero emission society at the national, European and global level.

We support over 1000 partner organisations to carry out activities that drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement, contribute to the public debate on climate action and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

The ECF brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best innovative solutions to tackle climate change. We take a broad approach to the types of interventions we fund – from advocacy and activism to research and media engagement. If you share our values of respect, innovation, and collaboration, join us.

About the role

This role sits within ECF’s UK programme, which aims to broaden and deepen the political mandate for decarbonisation, as well as supporting the development of policy that puts the UK on track for a successful delivery of net zero. We also seek to strengthen and improve the diversity of the public debate to ensure a fair transition that continues to enjoy strong public support.

The post-holder would report to the UK Programme Manager and lead our work on the transport and buildings sectors, as well as other emerging work areas such as hydrogen. This would involve working closely with ECF’s programmes in those areas to ensure a joined-up, strategic approach across the organisation.

The ECF's transport work is focused on supporting the fastest possible transition to zero emission vehicles, and our buildings work on securing a well-managed and socially just transition of Europe’s built environment.

We are looking for a collaborative individual to become part of our close-knit UK team, with a strong preference for someone who has already made an impact on climate policy. This is likely to have been through working in civil society, business or government.

Key responsibilities

The Senior Associate will be responsible for:

· Strategic implementation of ECF’s transport and buildings work in the UK context and iterating it over time; as well as contributing to the broader work of ECF in the UK.

· Grant-making: scoping out potential projects; soliciting proposals from potential UK partners and commissioning studies from consultants; and monitoring, evaluating and reporting on progress and impact of initiatives and grants.

· Policy insight and prospecting: keeping abreast of local and national climate politics; following relevant policy developments; and identifying potential new projects and grantees.

· Networking: building partnerships with key individuals across the policymaking and civil society communities in the UK and across Europe; convening meetings; representing ECF at meetings and organising follow-up.

· Internal coordination and contribution: leading the UK team’s relationship with the ECF’s transport and buildings programmes and liaising with other programmes where appropriate, including the operations and communications teams; and contributing to the wider organisational culture and impact.

Experience and competencies

- Strong interest in climate and the environment

- Desirable to have expertise or experience in either or both transport and buildings sectors – and essential to have the interest and capability to engage with the policy detail in these sectors

- A deep understanding of the UK’s policy-making processes

- A campaign mindset and political acumen, focused on how to navigate the political system to make change happen

- Strong network in the UK climate community, and good collaboration and influencing skills

- A team player with strong interpersonal skills and a positive, can-do attitude

- Structured, driven and able to manage many processes simultaneously

- Microsoft Office skills

- Excellent written and spoken English

What we offer:

- A permanent contract.

- Salary between £45,000 and £70,000, with band and position within the band dependent on experience and equity across the organisation.

- The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work.

- A flexible work environment and a supportive space to develop and challenge yourself.

Location:

The role will be based in ECF’s London office, with flexibility to work from home some of the time.

Start date:

As soon as possible.

How to apply:

Please upload your

- CV

- cover letter, no more than two sides of A4.

The deadline for application is 10:00 GMT on Monday 29 January.

All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.

Candidates need to have permission to work in the UK.

Diversity statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds to apply.