Director, Zero Emission Cars

European Climate Foundation Brussels Belgium Programme Management
Warning! Vacancy expired

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 280 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.

Position

About the role

The ECF Transport Programme aims to reduce the climate impact of transport in Europe by supporting initiatives to support the transition to a cleaner, more efficient mobility system, powered by zero-carbon energy sources. The ECF Transport Programme focuses on:

  • Policies that accelerate the deployment of zero emissions cars, vans and trucks;

  • Policies to incentivize greater use of clean energy in transport, such as electricity, hydrogen and sustainable low-carbon fuels;

  • Initiatives to ease the transition to an ultra-low-emissions mobility system.

The Director of the Zero Emissions Cars Project is responsible for implementing a project to ensure an effective and socially-just transition to zero emissions passenger cars. This project will be delivered in consultation with the Executive Director, EU Policy, and ECF grantees, with a view to ensuring the pathway is technologically feasible, economically viable, and robust to the realpolitik of Europe.

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, EU Policy, the Director of the Zero Emissions Cars Project will be responsible for:

  • Leadership of the Zero Emissions Cars Project, including strategy adjustment; alignment with wider ECF objectives; oversight of budget; and development and implementation of effective grant- making strategy and convening of stakeholders;
  • Managing a team of around 4 people;
  • Creating and entertaining strong relationships with external stakeholders and opinion formers;
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with grantees and other strategic partners to develop a strong advocacy strategy in support of the project goals;
  • Engaging closely with the project funders and other members of the philanthropic community;
  • Creating an inspiring team environment and proactively supporting professional development and growth of team members;
  • Overseeing dissemination of the findings and policy positions that result from ECF-led projects, including via media outreach, government relations and public events.

Requirements

  • A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organization;
  • 15 years of professional experience in politics, industry or civil society;
  • A proven track record in project management, and ideally incubation of new initiatives;
  • 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, including many working outside the region in different cultural contexts;
  • A demonstrated ability to lead a team and show a genuine interest in the professional development of its members;
  • Excellent written and verbal communications in English, the ability to speak other European languages is welcome. 

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 3-year position (with the option for a permanent contract).

Location

Preferably Brussels (Belgium) but other ECF office locations (London, Paris, The Hague) are possible.

How to apply

Please upload your CV and cover letter (in English).