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.

Context of the role

As Intern Strategic Communications, you will be part of the Strategic Communications team and report to the Strategic Communications Associate, Europe.

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 more broadly.

The ECF’s Strategic Communications team currently accepts applications for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to undertake an internship and gain professional experience in strategic climate communications.

This role is an exciting opportunity for a young professional with a sincere interest in climate and energy issues to engage and play an active role in helping speed up the low carbon transition at the European level.

Key responsibilities

As Intern Strategic Communications you will be responsible for:

• Working with the team to support the communications and media needs of the ECF, its programmes, grantees and the wider climate community
• Making full use of new media tools to disseminate messages and raise awareness of ECF-supported initiatives and outputs
• Participating in calls and meetings of international youth and mobilisation groups
• Helping organise and manage media and event requests
• Monitoring the news agenda and public debates
• Maintaining and developing in-house media and outreach databases
• Planning and coordinating events, preparing and supporting calls
• Drafting and editing copy for op-eds, internal documents etc.
• Other ad hoc outreach, research and administrative tasks

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the ECF
• Fast-learning self-starter comfortable to work in a fast-paced international environment
• Comfortable to act as a representative on calls and meetings with partner organisations
• Academic background or interest in the fields of communications, public relations, energy or environmental issues
• Media-savvy with knowledge of the European and global media landscape
• Up to speed with online communication tools and social media
• Excellent command of spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
• Superior English language skills, both written and verbal, knowledge of other EU languages welcome
• Ability to work flexibly both independently and in a team
• Appreciation of the vital role of administrative tasks
• Existing contacts and networks in climate youth groups and mobilisation organisations a plus
• The disposition to work with colleagues in a high-trust global community of peers with a spirit of generosity and mutual support
• 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
• 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 6-months fixed term contract
• A contract and salary in line with local law (equivalent to internships in the EU institutions)

Location

Brussels or Berlin

How to apply

Please upload your CV and a short cover letter in English: 

1. At the end of your cover letter, include your answer to this exercise: Explain in a short text (max. 100 words) what role the youth climate movement is playing or can play in increasing political ambition on climate action in Europe. 
2. Mention in your cover letter your location preference (Brussels and/or Berlin) and earliest availability.
3. Candidates need to be in the possession of a work permit for the work location in case applicable.