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

As the Senior Associate for Food, Nature and Climate, you will be part of the ECF’s Strategic Communications team. The ECF’s Strategic Communications team is the communications 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 at an international, national and sectoral level.

This role will help lead several workstreams and outcomes to achieve political change around the nexus of food, nature and climate team. It will involve a deep knowledge of the issues at stake, diplomacy in approaching and engaging partners, and proven recording in understanding how to achieve change. For the right candidate there is the opportunity to develop political strategy and communication skill sets as well as embracing creative opportunities to influence and advise key actors in this space.

This role is an exciting opportunity for someone with a proven track record in coalition building and campaigning with a deep interest in climate, agriculture and biodiversity issues to engage and play an active role in helping accelerate new approaches to address the connected crises.

This job offers an excellent opportunity to engage with and support a new workstream around Strategic Communications within the ECF. The post holder will play a key role in co-developing strategy, providing strategic advice, building coalitions and seizing opportunities to deliver political change.

Key responsibilities

• Strategy co-development: supporting co-developing political strategies harnessing the insights from our partners that can help bring about structural change and transformational action around food, nature and climate
• Networking: building partnerships with key individuals across civil society, farmers, communications and progressive business.
• Alignment and Support: working with our partners to convene and align around key issues and moments, embracing the diversity of actors and approaches and nurturing their political communications capacity
• Prospecting and Adapting: supporting the Director in scoping opportunities and risks on the nexus of food, nature and climate that can change the politics and economics of the issue, as well as identifying potential new partners and projects
• Project Management and Planning: Managing multi-partner projects aimed at transforming the political economy of the food, nature and climate system

Experience and competencies

We are seeking a candidate with: 

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the ECF
• 5+ years of experience supporting and delivering successful strategic political and communication campaigns around the nexus of food, nature and climate
• Deep understanding of the political and power structures that shape nature, climate and food
• Natural collaborator and coalition builder, with the disposition to work generously to forge rich and trusted partnerships with a diverse range of organisations and individuals and well established professional networks
• Agile and enabling leader, to adapt to changes in the politics and circumstances, with the ability to deliver and implement through others
• Strong experience in project and programme management, as well as team leadership
• Very strong verbal, written and presentation skills in English – Portuguese and Mandarin also an asset
• Proven track record of working in an environment that demands professionalism, discretion and confidentiality
• A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to facing climate, nutrition and biodiversity challenges

• Experience of working in a global network and comfortable with multicultural settings
• The disposition to work with colleagues in a high-trust international community of peers with a spirit of generosity and mutual support
• 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.

Desirable

• A background in Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity politics and policies
• Experience in engaging philanthropic foundations
• Previous experience working with communications professionals

What we offer

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, small team who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work

• On-the-job mentoring and a space to develop and challenge yourself
• A 12-month fixed term contract with the possibility for extension

Location

London

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

To apply, please upload below your CV and a short cover letter (500 words max) explaining your interest and expertise on the issue and earliest availability.