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 1,000 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 advertised position is with the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC) – a global network of communications professionals in the field of climate, energy and nature. GSCC is a collaborative project hosted by the ECF.

Through our work, we aim to contribute to a world with a safe and stable climate for current and future generations. We hope to build broad support for just, inclusive, and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

Our philanthropically funded work focuses on media debate and public discourse at the global level and in major economies across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and the Americas. We support a diverse range of partners across sectors and geographies, helping them add their voices, views and insights to the conversation.

The GSCC is currently accepting applications for an experienced communications specialist to work alongside the communications team in a dynamic global network of strategic communications professionals in the field of climate and energy.

The successful candidate will deliver strategic advice and actively craft and deliver communications assets to a diverse set of partners from across sectors, in order to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions in Africa.

You thrive in an environment where you have a large amount of both autonomy and initiative, while possessing a strong team-player mindset. You have a deep knowledge of the intra-Africa political economy dynamics, the structure and workings of the Africa Union (AU), Regional Economic Blocks (RECs) as well as how political developments within member states influence and shape policies and politics. You have a keen sense of storytelling and understand the power of narratives to shape political agendas and ultimately help support momentum towards addressing climate impacts and action for a sustainable, prosperous and fair future for Africa.

You will help develop and implement creative strategies that shift the media debate and public discourse on social, political and environmental issues. A considerable amount of work is focused on building alliances and alignment with new and existing partners, so strong diplomatic and negotiation skills are important.

If this sounds like you, please apply!

Key responsibilities

The Africa Regional Communications Lead will report to the Network Director, Africa and will be responsible for:

▪ Closely following the political and media debates globally and across Africa in order to identify where strategic communications can be usefully deployed to realise climate action and solutions for Africa

▪ Shaping, writing, pitching and amplifying newsworthy interventions in line with the communications objectives for projects (press releases, op-eds, briefings, tweets, press conferences…); monitoring impact and outcomes

▪ Developing and maintaining trusted relationships with key journalists, editors, correspondents across mainstream and specialist media in Africa

▪ Identifying, training and elevating voices and spokespeople who can talk convincingly about the urgency and benefits of prioritising climate action in Africa

▪ Creating a constant stream of climate messaging from across Africa and positioning African voices to participate in shaping and informing key global debates and decisions on climate and energy

▪ Delivering timely reactive strategic advice, communications, and outreach support to colleagues and partners working at global, continental, regional and national levels

▪ Supporting innovation and deployment of appropriate communication platforms, tools and other infrastructure

▪ Building, maintaining, and utilising relationships with a wide range of partners across Africa, in support of efforts by country desks working at a national level

▪ Capacity-building on strategic communications planning and delivery for the wider climate community

▪ Conduct internal and external monitoring and reporting

▪ Significant professional experience in journalism, public affairs, or communications, with a track record of impactful media engagement and stakeholder relations in Africa

▪ An enthusiasm to embrace complex, technical topics, identify the signal from the noise to establish compelling narratives for transformative climate action

▪ A strong understanding of the political landscape in Africa, the processes and dynamics of developing positions, policies and strategy frameworks at continental, regional and country levels; as well as an excellent read of power dynamics between countries

▪ Ability to assess a changing landscape and develop a strategic vision that identifies the most crucial intervention points that add value and mainstream climate issues to the current debates

▪ Good understanding of regional, national media landscape and the value of strategic story placement in an international political context

▪ Good networks of influential African actors such as media, lawmakers, academics, economic and finance sectors, progressive business, NGOs, and civil society leaders is a strong advantage

▪ A solid experience of developing and delivering digital communication strategies

▪ Gravitas sufficient to work directly with high profile individuals and partners from diverse backgrounds at all levels

▪ Outstanding English language skills are required along with excellent writing and presentation skills. French language skills are a strong advantage

▪ Team player with the disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high-trust and values based global community of peers

▪ Versatility and agility to flourish in a fast-paced and multifaceted work environment and work across time zones based on phone/video conferencing, slack, email, etc.

▪ A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation and a commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to facing climate change

What we offer

▪ The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic 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 renewable consultancy contract for 12 months, with a strong possibility for extension after the initial contract period.

Location

Flexible location in Africa. We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations.

Some regional and international travel will be required.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for work visas.

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload below in English:

1. CV
2. A short cover letter expressing your motivation for this role and pointing to relevant examples of work in this area

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.

End date for applications: 10th March 2023