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 an sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

The ECF brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best, most innovative solutions to tackle climate change. We are focusing on engaging and hiring great people from a wide diversity of backgrounds to strengthen the cause. If you share our values of respect, innovation, and collaboration, join us.

About this role

The European Climate Foundation is looking for an experienced and motivated group leader for the role of Director for European Climate Diplomacy and Partnerships.

The ECF is expanding its work around “Europe in the World” working with governments, business, civil society, think thanks. The 2024-2025 cycle of global ambition cycle that is vital to close the gap for the 1.5C temperature goal and we need to sustain international cooperation more than ever before. In an increasingly challenging international context, Europe has an important role to play, reimagining its climate diplomacy and partnership offer to support the global green transition.

We work to build political will for more ambitious action on climate change at the European and global level – through bilateral cooperation and through cooperation on decarbonization pathways (sectoral or via trade policy). For this line of work, key geographies include, some key G20 players such as US, China, Indonesia and Brazil as well as other parts in Africa and Latin America, such as Kenya and Chile.

A joined-up approach that links the international and domestic agendas, and brings in the full range of constituencies, is crucial to the success of European Climate Diplomacy and Partnerships. The role will therefore involve close collaboration with other ECF programmes in the ECF International Porfolio (International Climate Politics Hub, 2050 Pathway Platform, Trade) and other parts of ECF including finance and the international energy. The role also calls for close collaboration with the Green Industrialization team and other ECF activities in Europe (organized by country, sector) and Strategic Communications.

The Director for European Climate Diplomacy & Partnerships reports to the Executive Director for International Affairs, and participates in the ECF’s Strategic Council, a quarterly meeting of directors across the organization. The Director is expected to join internal Task Forces (on new topics) as needed.

Key responsibilities

The Director’s responsibilities include:

• Strategy delivery: work closely with the Executive Director in keeping the strategy up to date and delivering on its goals around
  
• European climate diplomacy and partnerships.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the broader international climate strategy of the ECF and those of its country and sectoral programmes; ensure learning is shared across programmes; Also work closely with the CEO Office – which is actively engaged in international affairs and in the work around COP30
• Funder engagement: work with the ECF Strategic Partnerships team to ensure visibility of the programmes in ECF’s fundraising, including

close engagement with ECF’s core funders and other members of the philanthropic funding community;

• People management: manage a dynamic team to advance ECF granting activities; ensure adequacy of staff competencies to conduct the programme’s strategic objectives; create an inspiring team environment and proactively supporting professional development and growth of team members;
• Grantee and other external stakeholders: animate and nurture a network of grantees and high-level experts (EU institutions, national

governments, thought leaders).

The job might require public speaking and drafting and/or supervising documents for key stakeholders (e.g. dockets for the Board)

Experience and competencies

We are looking for a candidate with at least 12 years of professional experience in philanthropy, government, business, civil society and a proven track-record in international climate policy and politics – preferably with some prior experience in climate diplomacy, and/or campaign management. Previous experience in engaging with international networks is a plus.

Important skills and mindset include:

• Genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation, and in supporting a global effort to manage climate policy interactions towards a better alignment of diplomacy policy with the Paris Agreement;
• A deep understanding of the European and international political and policy context, particularly as it relates to climate change, as well

as a solid understanding of European affairs;

• An interest in geopolitical discussions and in the developments outside Europe, including Asia, Africa and Latin America
• Several years of experience of managing and/or coordinating diverse teams in an international environment;
• Demonstrated political savvy and ability to develop advocacy strategies to meet specific objectives;
• Excellent strategic thinker, with the ability to follow through with smart and adaptive implementation plans;
• Strong networking skills that enable effective collaboration with a diverse group of partners;
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to synthesize complex issues into effective strategy documents;
• Proven track record of working in an environment that demands professionalism, discretion and confidentiality;
• Enthusiastic personality, with a positive, can-do attitude;
• Excellent command of the English language (both spoken and written).

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 ambition and a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• An open-ended employment contract

Location

Brussels, Paris or Berlin are the preferred locations.

The role includes travel as required.

Candidates must own a work permit for the work location in case applicable.

Start date

As soon as possible, ideally no later than May 2024.

How to apply

Please upload a maximum 2-page CV in English and a short cover letter.

All applications will be treated confidentially.