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 Manager, you will be supporting the Strategic Communications Team and report to the Operations Director, Strategic Communications. You will be responsible for ensuring proper financial management of a multi-million-euro programme. You will manage one junior team member and liaise closely with the ECF finance and accounting department as well as stakeholders across the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly driven professional who wants to lead financial management 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 Finance Manager, Strategic Communications, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the programme fundraising efforts on all matters financial;
• Preparing and overseeing budgets (annual, ad hoc, team, project, etc.);
• Preparing periodic and ad hoc financial reports for internal and external stakeholders;
• Managing cash-flow and ensuring income allocation is in line with funding contracts;
• Working with the ECF finance and accounting department to align financials including for audits and year-end-close;
• Overseeing day-to-day finance administrative tasks, such as invoice and expense approvals;
• Supervising and line managing one Finance Assistant;
• Developing, maintaining and documenting robust systems and procedures

Experience and competencies

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation;
• At least 8 years of relevant work experience and an education / professional training in financial management,
• Proven ability to manage complex budgets and multiple income streams, deliver accurate financial reporting to deadlines;
• A proactive, solutions-oriented team player able to take responsibility and work dependably with minimal oversight;
• Strong administrative and IT skills: advanced user of Microsoft Office in particular Excel, familiar with cloud-based collaboration tools (e.g. SharePoint, GoogleDrive), and financial software / ERPs;
• Discretion, and the ability to work with sensitive, confidential information;
• Keen eye for detail, an analytical mind, and sound judgement;
• An impeccable work ethic, an enthusiastic personality and a sense of humour;
• Experience working in an international, multicultural team environment;
• Superior written and verbal communication skills in English, other languages a plus;
• Understanding of international accounting standards, tax and VAT rules an added benefit;
• 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;
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• A full-time permanent contract.

Location

The Hague/Brussels, with regular travel to Brussels/The Hague and occasional 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)