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

The role of the Operations Director has overall control and responsibility of all processes linked to grantmaking, due diligence and governance. Additionally the Operations Director will oversee the IT and office management departments.

The Operations Director will supervise the Grants, IT and Office Management teams. S/he will act as a central point of liaison for the operational teams of the different independent platforms hosted by the ECF. S/he will report to the Chief Operations Officer and work in collaboration with the Finance Director and the HR Director.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee overall operational support to ECF programmes and hosted platforms, linked to grantmaking, governance, IT, and offices;
• Analyse the business requirements of the ECF programmes, hosted platforms and operational departments to determine their technology and operational needs;
• Ensure that the platform operational needs are supported by the operations staff and the ECF operational requirements are met by the platforms;
• Oversee all technology operations, evaluate them according to the implementation of the ECF mission and strategy, and ensure adequacy;
• Work with existing teams and external counsel to ensure legal compliance in all countries and regions where the ECF operates;
• Assist operations managers in building relationships with vendors and creating cost-efficient contracts;
• Lead and develop the Grants, IT and Office Management managers.

• A strong interest in climate and environment; 
• Minimum 5 years experience in a director role in an operational or support department of an international organisation; 
• Experience in analysing, implementing and evaluating IT systems and their specifications;
• Good knowledge of corporate governance practices; 
• Demonstrated experience in supporting operational entities (within or outside the organisation); 
• Sound understanding of computer systems (hardware/software), networks etc;
• Experience in managing and controlling budget;
• Experience in project management as well as design & implementation of operational processes;
• Excellent people management skills to motivate and lead a team;
• Strategic agile leader, with the ability to follow through with smart and adaptive implementation plans; 
• Strong problem-solving and decision making skills;
• Strong networking skills that enables effective collaboration with a diverse group of partners;
• Result-oriented and committed to deliver high quality work;
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English. 

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;
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself; 
• A full-time permanent position.
• Location: Brussels.
• Start date: asap.

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!