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.

About the role

As Finance Assistant, Strategic Communications you will be an essential part of the Finance and Operations team and will report to the Finance Manager, Strategic Communications. You will have exposure to a wide range of financial tasks, gaining hands-on experience in financial management of a multi-million-euro programme. This is an exciting opportunity for a career starter with a strong affinity for numbers, financial analysis and teamwork, keen to work in a growing international team and a non-profit context.

The ECF’s strategic communications team is the outreach unit of the foundation. Its role is to act as a centre of expertise for communication on climate change and to play an active role in helping create more political, media and public endorsement for action on climate change at an international, national and sectoral level. Team members deliver strategic advice, communications and outreach support to ECF’s programmes and its grantees, and work as part of an international network of communications experts to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions more broadly.

Key responsibilities

As part of a small operations unit, you will support an international team of colleagues on a variety of tasks:

• Day-to-day finance administrative tasks including collecting, monitoring, analysing and presenting financial data as well as invoice and expense processing;
• Preparing, monitoring and managing various internal team and project budgets;
• Supporting the Finance Manager in maintaining a comprehensive overview of programme income and expenditure including reporting;
• Being a point of contact between the programme and the ECF finance and accounting department;
• Leading new joiners’ induction meetings on processes such as reimbursements and acting as a finance contact point for the team;
• Supporting the Finance Manager in developing and implementing robust systems and procedures;
• Performing other finance administrative tasks as needed.

Experience and competencies

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation;
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience and relevant academic background or professional training (finance, accounting, business or similar) with strong affinity for numbers and data analysis;
• Strong administrative and IT skills: experienced user of Microsoft Office in particular Excel, familiar with cloud-based collaboration tools (e.g. SharePoint, GoogleDrive), some experience of financial software or ERPs a benefit;
• Keen eye for detail and an analytical mind;
• Discretion, and the ability to work with sensitive, confidential information;
• Ability to take ownership of tasks and work independently, managing deadlines and prioritizing between multiple tasks;
• Fast learner with a can-do attitude, solutions oriented and comfortable to work in a dynamic international environment;
• An impeccable work ethic, an enthusiastic personality and a sense of humour;
• Superior written and verbal communication skills in English, other languages a plus;
• The disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high-trust 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.

What we offer

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a dynamic, international group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with ambition and a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;
• On-the-job mentoring and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• Introductions to the ECF’s vast network of stakeholders in the climate- and energy field;
• A full-time position with a 12-months fixed term contract (with possibility to extend).

Location

The Hague/Brussels, with occasional travel to Brussels/The Hague, with some other international travel. Occasional remote working can be an option for the right candidate.

Start date

March 2020, negotiable

How to apply

Please upload below 

• CV
• Cover Letter (Both in English)