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 is 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 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 Operations Director, Strategic Communications you will have responsibility for the day-to-day management and smooth functioning of the Operations Team serving the growing Strategic Communications unit. This will include oversight of financial management, HR, grant management / procurement, IT and, in due course, office management functions. Working collaboratively, you will ensure the Operations Team addresses evolving operational needs effectively, enabling our collective impact.

This is a new role with substantial leadership, delivery and transformation aspects and a mostly internal focus. It will suit an experienced operations professional who enjoys delivering quality services in a complex and dynamic set up.

You will join at an exciting time, when the strategic communications team is preparing to move to a new operating structure in 2022. Reporting to Senior Management, you will work in close partnership with the Senior Project Manager responsible for the transition, ensuring that current and future operations are well aligned. Other key relationships include the wider Strategic Comms Management; Legal; Measurement, Evaluation and Learning; as well as ECF operations teams.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operational support to the strategic communications team including grant management / procurement, financial management, HR, IT and, in due course, office management;
• Analyse the evolving business requirements of the strategic communications unit and network to determine operational needs and ensure these are addressed effectively and efficiently;
• Ensure appropriate operations processes, policies and practices are in place and aligned with organisational strategy and values;
• Develop work plans with the team and follow up on their implementation and evolution;
• Lead, guide and develop the core operations team, as well as distributed operations functions;
• Be a go-to person for the Operations Team and senior colleagues to resolve operational issues;
• Communicate operations matters to the wider team as relevant.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Substantial experience including management responsibility for an operational or support department in a complex and fast-changing organisation of approx. 100-500 staff; experience in network or franchise settings a plus;
• A strong track record of delivering high-quality services across a variety of operations areas e.g. administration, finance, systems / IT, HR, procurement, risk management, etc.;
• The ability to analyse and distil business needs and to coordinate and develop operations functions strategically to meet evolving demands;
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills in the face of complexity;
• An analytical mind, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for excellence;
• Integrity and the interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate at all levels in the organisation;
• Excellent people management skills with the ability to motivate and lead a team;
• Outstanding organisational, planning and time management skills, paired with the flexibility to adjust and innovate;
• Experience in managing and controlling multi-million Euro budgets;
• Excellent command of the English language (both spoken and written), additional languages an asset;
• The disposition to work generously with colleagues in an international, multicultural community of peers, and the ability to work across international norms and values;
• A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to addressing the climate emergency.

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 work;
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• A full-time position with a consultant or employment contract, subject to location.

Location

Flexible. Candidates must be located in a European time zone. 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. ECF will not support relocation for this role.

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload below in English:

• Your CV
• Short cover letter explaining why you would be suited to the position

Please note 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.