About the European Climate Foundation

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 350 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.

The ECF’s strategic communications team plays 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 an international network of communications experts to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions more broadly.

About the role

The Research Assistant will support the operational and research activities of a small and impactful team of researchers and analysts, that develop strategic research-based communications that advance the climate debate. They will take on a range of tasks, including managing a database of research outputs, helping with research pieces, creating and analyzing datasets, conducting media analysis and supporting colleagues with various operational and administrative needs.

This role would suit a recent graduate or early-career professional with a genuine interest in climate, energy, diplomacy and science issues. We are looking for people who are highly organised, meticulous in their approach to detail, and who work generously with others. In return we offer a supportive and growth oriented work environment, plenty of responsibility, and the opportunity to learn from highly skilled colleagues.

This position will report to the Research Manager - Strategic Communications.

Key responsibilities

The Research Assistant, Strategic Communications will be responsible for:

• Supporting the Research Manager with administrative and operational tasks, including coordination and streamlining of internal communications and priorities, and effective information management.
• Provide research support, compile information and data on a range of topics from credible sources, track global trends and key statistics on renewable and fossil energy.
• Contribute to media analysis using news management software, compile key headlines in Autopilot and create simple graphics.
• Work as part of a small research team in a fast-paced production environment, often to ambitious deadlines.

Experience and competencies

• Excellent organisational skills, strong time and priority management, high level of independence, good team player with a passion for excellence.
• University degree in a relevant field, with strong research and data analysis skills.
• At least 1 year of professional experience in the climate, energy and science space, with a good understanding of relevant scientific and policy issues in the broad climate and energy space.
• Attention to detail, diligence and reliability.
• Excellent communication skills in English, and the ability to make the case across phone/video conferencing, time zones, Slack, email, etc.
• Highly proficient with spreadsheets, presentations, as well as productivity tools such as Autopilot, Trello, Airtable, Infogram, etc.
• The disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high-trust global community of peers, and intercultural experience and a commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to climate and energy issues.
• A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to tackle climate change.
• Other amazing skills we don’t yet know about!

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;
• The chance to work across a broad range of climate and energy issues, and to create impactful research products used in different countries;
• 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) for 12 months, with a possible renewal after one year.

Location

You can be based anywhere within a 2-hour time difference of Central European Time, with a reliable internet connection. We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations.

You must have the right to work in your location. We will not support relocation.

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

• Your CV and a short cover letter, both in English, 1-2 pages for each.
• Please also include a short (fewer than 200 words) answer to this question: Highlight a piece of analysis, research work or report from the energy and energy space that you think has been effective in supporting impactful communications work, and briefly explain why.
• A recent writing sample that you feel showcases skills and experience relevant to this role.

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.