About the European Climate Foundation

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to help tackle the climate crisis by fostering the development of a net-zero emission society at the national, European and global level.

We support over 300 partner organisations to carry out activities that drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement, contribute to the public debate on climate action and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

The ECF 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

ECF is currently accepting applications for an experienced communications specialist to work as the strategic communications country lead for France within an international network of communications professionals in the field of climate and energy, working alongside the ECF.

The role offers a unique opportunity for an individual with an established interest in French politics and climate issues to work with a talented team and play an active role in helping speed up the low carbon transition in France as well as across Europe and on a global level.

Team members deliver strategic advice, communications and outreach support to partners and work as part of a global network of communications experts to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions on a broader level. The work will involve maintaining trusted relationships with key journalists and stakeholders in France.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly driven communications professional with the ambition to make a difference and play an active role in speeding up the low carbon transition and helping to avoid the worst impacts of global climate change.

This role would suit someone with a background in communications, campaigning, journalism or public affairs. If you think this sounds like you, please apply!

Key responsibilities

The Senior Associate, Strategic Communications, France, will be responsible for:

• Working hand in hand with an international network of communications experts who seek to advance the momentum of the low carbon transition
• Supporting strategic communications interventions which aim to boost national climate action across traditional and digital media spheres in France
• Developing and maintaining trusted relationships with key journalists and editors across mainstream and specialist media in France
• Shaping, writing, pitching and amplifying newsworthy interventions in line with the communications objectives for projects; monitoring impact and outcomes
• Ensuring communications materials such as press releases, op-eds and social media content are of the highest quality and standard and provide capacity building for partners in the field
• Producing, executing and providing guidance on digital outreach campaigns in collaboration with colleagues and partners
• Closely following the political and media debates in France to identify opportunities for engagement and acting as a source for intelligence for colleagues and partners

Experience and competencies

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation

• A good understanding of political and communication issues is essential, specific knowledge in climate or the ecological transition is a plus
• 5+ years of professional experience in journalism, campaigning or communications, ideally with a track record of impactful media relations and digital communications
• A good understanding of the processes and dynamics of policy-making in France
• Familiarity with the French media landscape and the value of strategic story placement in an international political context; existing media contacts highly desirable
• Outstanding French language skills, with proven ability to produce engaging and impactful communications materials
• Outstanding English language skills are required, as this is the main language of the organisation
• Experience in management would be a plus
• The ability to communicate effectively with minimal guidance, as well as the ability to take initiative and work independently
• The disposition to work with colleagues in a high-trust international community of peers with a spirit of generosity and mutual support, as well as with external stakeholders
• 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
• International experience is a plus

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 permanent employment contract.

Location

France – Paris

Shared office space is available. In line with current government recommendations, homeworking is mandatory.

We will only consider applicants who have the right to work in France.

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.