About the European Climate Foundation

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to help tackle the climate crisis by fostering the development of a net-zero emission society at the national, European and global level.

We support over 300 partner organisations to carry out activities that drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement, contribute to the public debate on climate action and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero 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.

About the role

The Legal and Governance Officer gives advice on and coordinates legal matters regarding the ECF’s activities, charitable compliance, grant agreements and consultant contracts.

Of primary importance is maintaining the ECF’s legal compliance, reputation and charitable status. Therefore, he/she collaborates closely with various other departments, including the Grant Administration Hub, the Finance Department, the Strategic Partnerships team, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team, and Programme staff, as well as external law firms.

He/she also monitors data protection compliance and contributes to international expansions in accordance with applicable laws.

The Legal and Governance Officer reports to the Operations Director.

Key responsibilities

• You are the first point of contact for legal affairs and are responsible for the legal function within the ECF;
• You contribute to implementing and upholding good corporate governance practices in the organisation and provide legal advice and support concerning corporate governance and supervisory board matters;
• You support the drafting and negotiation of contracts, grant agreements, and memoranda of understanding, and maintain a contract database;
• You support the charitable compliance of the organisation, including with Dutch charity law requirements and U.S. 501(c)(3) compliance;
• You monitor the data protection compliance of the ECF as a Data Protection Advisor;
• When necessary, you liaise with external legal professionals;
• You facilitate the legal aspects of international expansion in compliance with the applicable laws, including by supporting the selection of local legal advisors;
• You support risk management and manage the organisational insurance policies;
• You contribute to the development and implementation of organisational compliance policies and trainings;
• You increase legal & compliance knowledge and maturity across the organisation by issuing guidelines, best practices and delivering information sessions on key policies;
• You perform other activities necessary to meet the objectives of the legal function.

Experience and competencies

• You hold a university degree in law, or an equivalent professional qualification;
• You have 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields of law (e.g., corporate law, contract law, tax law, non-profit law);
• Given the legal registration of ECF as a Dutch Stichting, preference will be given to candidates with a degree in Dutch law and/or relevant Dutch law practice in the private or public sector;
• You have a strong interest in climate and the environment;
• You are a true problem solver and have an analytical mind;
• You are organised and have a keen eye for detail;
• You have strong networking skills that enable effective collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders;
• You recognize and uphold the values of the ECF and can help implement them;
• You have an excellent command of the English language and a professional working proficiency in Dutch (both spoken and written).

What we offer

• The 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 full-time permanent contract.

Location

The Hague.

Start date

As soon as possible.

How to apply

Please upload below:

1. CV
2. short cover letter expressing your motivation for this role
3. both in English!

Only applications following the HOW TO APPLY instructions will be considered for the role.

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 disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds to apply.