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 500 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.

The ECF brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best 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!

As Finance Intern, Strategic Communications you will be an essential part of the Finance and Operations team and will report to the Finance Assistant, 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;

• Supporting the Finance Manager in maintaining a comprehensive overview of programme income and expenditure, including reporting;

• Acting as a point of contact between the programme and the ECF finance and accounting department;

• Performing other finance administrative tasks as needed.

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation;

• Relevant academic background or professional training (finance, accounting, business or similar) with strong affinity for numbers and data analysis;

• Keen eye for detail and an analytical mind;

• 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 highly dynamic, international team who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work.

• A flexible work environment and the space to shape and continuously develop your role

• Fixed term six-months internship contract (with a view to extend, subject to funding)

Location

Brussels. Shared co-working space is available.

We will not provide support for relocation. You must have the right to work in Belgium.

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 in English:

• CV

• short cover letter expressing your motivation for this role

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.