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 1000 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.

As towns, cities and countries around the world declare climate emergencies, seas rise, forests burn, glaciers melt, increasing numbers of people take to the streets demanding urgent action and our societies begin to wake up to what the science has been saying for many years, there has never been a more important time to be working on climate change.

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 try 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.

GSCC is currently accepting applications for the role of Strategic Communications Senior Associate, Oil & Gas, Africa.

Working as part of an international team of expert communicators, the successful candidate will provide strategic communications capacity to a wide network of partners, enabling them to run impactful communications campaigns which create more political space for action. The role will focus on supporting communications interventions and campaigns which create political space to phase out fossil fuels while supporting energy access and development, and highlight the wider environmental impacts of oil and gas in Africa.

The ideal candidate should have a keen interest in African politics, economy and environment with a sound understanding of national, regional and global media narratives on climate and energy.

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 helping speed up the energy transition globally.

This person will report to the Network Director Africa and the Network Director Global Thematic Strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Designing effective communication and campaign strategies that drive action and impact for just transition pathways to phase out fossil fuels in Africa
• Tracking industry, political, public and media conversations around oil and gas development, exploration and geo-political agreements at the nexus of energy access and development, and strategising ways to influence these debates
• Identifying and landing opportunities for mainstream media interventions and social media campaigns that stress the urgency to address African energy poverty through renewable technologies, the costs and impacts of oil and gas development, empowering bodies, people and companies to take action
• Building and maintaining relationships with relevant actors in the industry, policy, and media spheres on these topics, while leveraging a wide network of partners, and working with them to create or engage in media opportunities
• Deploying digital skills to communicate our messages cleverly over social media where appropriate
• Creating communications and campaigns plans around key intervention opportunities and providing outreach for media briefings and reports, including proof-reading press releases and giving critical feedback
• Commissioning required research and investigations

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the ECF
• A passion to create change
• Outstanding English language skills. French and additional African language skills preferred
• Proven skills to produce engaging and impactful written materials
• Digital/social media skills, or a willingness to learn
• A sound understanding of the energy industry, with African politics and institution experience preferred
• A quick and curious learner who asks critical questions
• A strategic thinker with proven ability to develop and implement robust communications plans
• Excellent networking and interpersonal skills
• Existing relationships with key energy, Africa, finance, or climate correspondents highly desirable (alternatively the proven ability to develop these swiftly)
• Good knowledge of the political landscape relating to energy
• An independent self-starter able to work on their own and as part of a remote team
• 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

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;
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• A full-time position with a consultant contract (subject to location) for 12 months, with a possible renewal after one year.

Location

Africa, specifically Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Botswana or South Africa. You must be in possession of a valid work permit / have the right to work in your location.

Some international travel may be required.

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload below:

1. CV
2. short cover letter expressing your motivation for this role
3. both in English!

Application Closing Date: 9th October 2022

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.