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.

As towns, cities and countries around the world declare climate emergencies, seas rise, forests burn, glaciers melt, increasing numbers of people take to the streets demanding urgent action and our societies begin to wake up to what the science has been saying for many years, there has never been a more important time to be working on climate change.

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 a global network of communications experts to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions.

As Financial Controller, Strategic Communications you will join a vibrant and growing international team preparing to transition to a new operating structure. While the primary focus of the role will be to support the existing operational structure to ensure accurate and smooth financial management, for the right candidate there might be opportunities to be involved in setting up financial function in the new structure.

This is a new role that will be evolving as preparation for transition gains momentum and even more so once the process is complete. In the beginning, you will be working with large data sets to produce funder reports, assist teams in managing their budgets and support the operations team with any financial questions that arise in the course of our work. You will collaborate closely with the existing operations team and multiple stakeholders, including the wider Strategic Communications team and the ECF Finance Team.

The Financial Controller, Strategic Communications will report to the Finance Manager, Strategic Communications. This role will suit a finance professional who enjoys working in dynamic and collaborative environments, interfacing with both finance and business roles.

Key responsibilities

• Reviewing accounting records to ensure accuracy and quality of the inputs in the system in coordination with the accounting team;
• Maintaining internal project expenditure tracking system;
• Preparing funder reports and reviewing management reports;
• Handling a range of requests from variety of stakeholders e.g. related to financial aspects of contracting, tax or team budgets;
• Close collaboration with and mentoring of the Financial Assistant.
• Assisting the team with setting up new accounting and financial planning systems as needed;
• Other related tasks as indicated by the line manager.

• 2-5 years’ experience in a financial department, preferably in an international organisation or working with communications agencies;
• A degree in finance, accounting, business administration or another relevant area;
• Strong attention to detail with emphasis on quality and accuracy;
• A proactive and enthusiastic team player, but also able to work independently and to be discreet;
• Strong problem-solving skills with a positive, can-do attitude;
• Enjoy juggling various tasks, being able to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines;
• Advanced level Excel skills to create and manage complex files, run analysis and present data;
• Experienced with different IT systems; previous experience in migrating systems is a plus;
• Be familiar with and have an affinity for IT tools such as MS Office 365, Asana, Monday.com, Mural, Zoom etc.;
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English, other languages a plus;
• Basic knowledge of tax law, in particular VAT provisions, in at least one jurisdiction is a plus;
• Familiarity with philanthropy or other non-profit organizations a plus;
• The disposition to work generously with colleagues in an international, multicultural community of peers, and the ability to work across international norms and values;
• The versatile and adaptable skills necessary to flourish in a fast-paced and wide-ranging work environment where remote work is the norm;
• A significant interest in climate and the environment.

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 professional activities;
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• A twelve-months consultant or employment contract (subject to location) with the possibility to extend. We are envisaging this as a full-time role, but are happy to discuss hours with the right candidate.

Location

Flexible but The Hague / Brussels is where most of the team is located. Candidates must be located in a European time zone. Some travel may be required as and when possible. We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations.

Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.

Start date

Negotiable

How to apply

Please upload below in English:

• CV (maximum 2 pages)
• Cover letter, detailing your motivation for the role

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.