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, 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 the role

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

The ECF is expanding its work on EU Green Deal diplomacy with a wide range of

partners in civil society, think tanks, politics, business and governments. The

European Green Deal has the potential to be a key driver for global climate action,

especially in the context of the 2023-2025 global ambition cycle that is vital to close

the gap for the 1.5C temperature goal.

We work to build political will for more ambitious action on climate change at the

European and global level – through bilateral cooperation (i.e. with the US, China,

Africa and other allies) and through cooperation on decarbonisation pathways

(sectoral or via trade policy). For European Green Deal Diplomacy, key geographies include: the US, China, India, Africa and the Mercosur region.

The role will involve interaction with other ECF international platforms (International Climate Politics Hub, 2050 Pathway Platform, International Energy, Trade) and global campaigns (Fossil Free Energy, Target True Zero), as well as ECF activities in Europe (organized by country, sector) and the Strategic Communications department.

The Director for European Green Deal Diplomacy reports to the Executive Director for International Affairs, and participates in the ECF’s Strategic Council, a quarterly meeting of directors across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

The Director’s responsibilities include:

• Strategy development: define the ECF Green Deal Diplomacy strategies, in line with the broader international climate strategy of the ECF and those of its country and sectoral programmes; ensure learning is shared across programmes;
• Funder stakeholder management: working closely with the ECF Strategic Partnerships team to ensure appropriate 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).

Experience and competencies

We are looking for a candidate with at least 10 years of professional experience in civil society organisations, philanthropy, government or business; and a proven track-record in climate policy and politics – preferably with some prior experience in climate diplomacy, and/or campaign management.

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;
• 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 a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself
• A permanent full-time position

Location

Brussels, Paris or Berlin would be preferred locations, but other office locations are also possible. The role includes travel as required.

Candidates need to be in the possession of a work permit for the work location in case applicable.

Start date

As soon as possible, ideally before February 2023

How to apply

Please download your CV and cover letter (both in English) through our Cezanne recruitment platform