Communications Associate - Chinese Overseas Finance

European Climate Foundation Bruxelles Belgium Corporate Communications
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Company Description

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to help tackle climate change by fostering the development of a low-carbon society at the national, European and global level.

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

As towns, cities and countries around the world declare climate emergencies, seas rise, forests burn, glaciers melt, increasing numbers of people take to the streets demanding urgent action and our societies begin to wake up to what the science has been saying for many years, there has never been a more important time to be working on climate change.

Position

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of a green BRI (Belt & Road Initiative) narrative based outside China. You will work closely with a global network of communications specialists to conceive, plan and execute exciting communications work to examine and reduce the climate impact of China’s BRI projects overseas. The position will be ideally based in locations outside China.

Key responsibilities

Monitor and identify key stories/narratives in key countries in relation to the sustainability of China-financed/China-built projects;

  • Set the media strategy (traditional and new media) for the narrative on energy transition in Asia and the role of overseas Chinese financing;
  • Support partners in key BRI countries in amplifying stories that have the potential of influencing the sustainability of China-financed/China-built projects;
  • Build local capabilities in better understanding and engaging Chinese investments in such countries through strategic communications;
  • Analyse the trend and flow of China’s outbound investment in the energy sector to come up with solid evidence for communications work;
  • Work with international stakeholders, including from policy, research and financial sectors to promote a greener BRI investment and advise how to influence Chinese investment stakeholders;
  • Partner with civil society internationally to create the synergy of voices;
  • Manage external consultants and advisers when applicable.

Requirements

Experience and competencies

  • Previous significant work experience, notably in environmental/energy journalism, energy research, or climate advocacy);
  • Knowledge and understanding of China’s policy landscape, especially with regards to overseas investments;
  • Knowledge and understanding of South-South relations
  • Knowledge and understanding of the interplay between Chinese/international media and the policy making when it comes to China’s global environmental impact;
  • Strong grasp of international media landscape on climate and green BRI topics, with a good understanding of at least on major BRI recipient country’s media market, such as in the South East Asian or African region, a plus. Proactive media outreach for new contacts will be required;
  • Strong project management and problem solving skills;
  • Excellent command of English and Mandarin language skills;
  • Strong team player working with colleagues in different countries on a project basis;
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision;
  • The disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high-trust global community of peers;
  • The versatile and adaptable skills necessary to flourish in a fast-paced and wide-ranging work environment and work across phone/video conferencing, time zones, Slack, email, Trello, etc.;
  • A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to facing climate change.

Other information

What we offer

  • 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 space to develop and challenge yourself;
  • A full-time position with a consultant or employment contract (subject to location) for 12 months, with a possible renewal after one year.

Location

Asia location preferred

Some international travel will be required. We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations.

Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload below:

  1. CV
  2. short cover letter expressing your motivation for this role
  3. both in English!

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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

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