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.

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 an international network of communications experts to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions more broadly.

The core focus of the role is using research and analysis to advance strategic communications goals in the climate and energy space. This will require the ability to produce briefings and other research-driven communications products based on complex data-driven information about climate change and the clean energy transition. Your day-to-day will be working as part of a small research team in a production environment. In a typical week you might work on several different briefings and background research tasks for colleagues, journalistic contacts, spokespeople or partners at other organisations. The emphasis is on short, journalistic analysis and briefings. This position will report to the Research Manager - Strategic Communications.

We are looking for someone who is a clear and creative strategic thinker, able to devise and implement research-led strategic communications approaches. They will be an excellent researcher, an excellent writer, meticulous in attention to detail, and with very strong skills in presenting and structuring information to inform and persuade. The ideal candidate will be naturally collaborative and adept at discussing and negotiating ideas. They might also be good at presenting information visually, data analysis, or other relevant areas of expertise.

This role might suit someone with a background as a specialist journalist, a research analyst who has been producing materials for a generalist audience, or an NGO or grassroots campaigner with strong research skills. We'll be looking for people with a clear vision for devising more ambitious work in this space, who are adept at handling complex material and insights to drive and deliver communications impact, and who have a track record of working generously with others.

Key responsibilities

The Researcher, Strategic Communications – Climate and Energy will be responsible for:

• Producing short research briefings on a range of topics, including climate science, climate impacts, renewable and fossil energy, media narrative analysis and climate and energy policy with a global perspective.
• Working closely with the Research Manager to develop expert analysis and strategic thinking on climate and energy research and communications.
• Working as part of a small research team in a fast-paced production environment, often toambitious deadlines.

Experience and competencies

Essential:

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organization.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in the climate and energy space, and an established track record of producing impactful, influential research materials that support advocacy or communications work.
• A solid understanding of relevant scientific and policy issues in the broad climate and energy space.
• Relevant research contacts in the climate and energy space.
• Excellent writing skills in English, and the ability to make your case in person or over the phone.
• Excellent instincts and good ideas about what effective research-led communications in the climate space should look like.
• The disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high-trust global community of peers.
• The versatile and adaptable skills necessary to flourish in a fast-paced and wide-ranging work environment and work across phone/video conferencing, time zones, Slack, email, Trello, etc.
• A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to facing climate change.

Desirable:

• Relevant deep issue expertise in one or more areas - climate policy, climate science, corporate analysis, energy markets, or other relevant topics.
• Strong specialist communications skills in one or more areas - data journalism, infographic design, media analysis, or other relevant areas.
• Strong editorial skills. Native English speaker.

What we offer

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a dynamic, international group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with ambition and a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work.
• The chance to create impactful research products covering a broad range of climate and energy issues.
• A flexible work environment where you can develop and challenge yourself.
• A 12-months contract (with possibility to renew).

Location

Flexible. This role is compatible with remote working, and depending on location, there may be the possibility of colocation with colleagues. We will not support relocation.

Start date

April 2020

How to apply

Please upload below:

• CV and Cover letter (both in Enlglish)
• Please also include in portfolio a short (<200 word) answer to this research question : <strong>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.