About the European Climate Foundation

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

We support over 600 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.

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

About the role

The ECF is currently accepting applications for an experienced communications specialist to perform the role of Strategic Communications Lead on Climate Governance and our work on "true” net zero. Working closely with ECF programmes and partners, the successful candidate will navigate a complex political environment to help speed up a positive, people-centred net-zero transition at the global, European and national level. In particular the role will contribute to reshaping the narrative around ‘net zero’ internationally, and to enhancing EU and national-level governance and planning mechanisms for guiding societies towards climate neutrality.

Reporting to the ECF Strategic Communications Manager – Europe, the Strategic Communications Lead on Climate Governance for True Net Zero will develop communications and campaigning strategies to support the ECF’s work on the following objectives:

• Reshaping the narrative around net zero, to differentiate between ‘fake’ net zero and ‘true’ net zero, with a focus on high integrity, fair, and transparent commitments

• Proper implementation and evolution of the EU’s governance framework for delivering true zero, including the EU Climate Law, the EU Governance Regulation, Aarhus rights, and mechanisms for planning and monitoring progress towards climate neutrality.

• Fostering national ownership of the European Green Deal, including through campaigns for the adoption of national climate laws and minimum standards for national climate governance.

• Enhancing the capacity of governments to undertake strategic economy-wide planning for true zero, and to ensure that near-term policies and decisions reflect these plans.

• Empowering citizens to hold the EU and governments to account for the delivery of climate objectives, including through engagement processes like climate assemblies, and the use of enhanced rights on access to justice for citizens and NGOs.

We are looking for a smart, dynamic and insightful person who can bring a creative and societal campaigning vision to help shift narratives, mindsets and leverage citizen mobilisation to drive policy and political change. This role will engage with various ECF sectoral (in particular Governance, Land Use, Industry) and international programme teams and seek to rally a wide variety of partners to support global and EU climate governance improvements that reflect an honest interpretation of net zero, as well as to land the debate on climate action at the country level in EU Member States.

The role offers a unique opportunity for a highly driven individual with a sincere interest in global and European politics and climate issues, to work with a talented team in actively contributing to delivery of the transition and helping to avoid the worst impacts of global climate change.

Key responsibilities

• Working with ECF programmes to define how strategic communications should form part of the ECF’s strategy on 'true’ net zero

• Showcasing Paris-aligned examples of ‘true zero’ commitments from countries and private sector actors, bringing evidence of what constitutes ‘true’ net zero to the public debate while calling out ‘fake’ climate action

• Developing compelling Europe-wide climate campaigning and communications strategies to deliver and foster national ownership and accountability for true zero (via the EU Green Deal) across Member States, through shaping and amplifying the public debate around issues like climate laws, citizen assemblies, climate litigation cases, and the related EU framework for climate governance etc.

• Collaborating with a wide spectrum of ECF teams, grantees and external partners to turn strategy into workable campaigns around key moments and deliver materials, stories, voices and messaging around key moments;

• Developing European communications projects through partnerships and grant-making to support this strategy;

• Developing structures and approaches that can react quickly to emerging opportunities and changes in the external context;

• Developing audience knowledge to identify levers for influence and devise communications plans that address them;

• Making full use of new and innovative methods of digital communications to disseminate targeted messaging addressing key audiences and influencers;

• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key correspondents and editors in mainstream and specialist media for pro-active promotion of stories and voices, outreach on emerging issues and reactive media management;

• Developing and maintaining a diverse network of partners and contacts across sectors (academia, corporate, non-profit, politics, media);

• Working hand-in-hand with an international network of communications experts who seek to advance the momentum of the transition to a net-zero emissions economy and society.

Experience and competencies

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organization;

• At least 8 years’ experience in strategic communications or campaigning;

• A good understanding of the processes and dynamics of European politics and policymaking and of the climate debate; as well as international climate politics and policy-making;

• Interest in and understanding of the role of governance and citizen empowerment approaches to advancing climate action;

• Detailed understanding of the European media landscape and values, and experience of strategic story placement, messaging, etc.

• Experience of deploying major communications initiatives involving important coordination aspects with multiple stakeholders;

• Far-reaching and active networks (media in Brussels and European markets);

• Strong diplomatic skills and interpersonal relations, ability to quickly build trust with partners and colleagues;

• Outstanding English skills, with proven skills to produce engaging and impactful written materials;

• The ability to communicate effectively with minimum guidance;

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

• Strong time and priority management, high level of independence and can-do mentality, good team-player with a passion for excellence;

• High levels of self-motivation, used to working at a high pace in remote settings, as part of international teams;

• A commitment to the values of the organization;

• 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 ambition and a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;

• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;

• A full-time permanent employment contract.

Location

Brussels preferred or any other ECF location (Paris, Berlin and The Hague).

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please send your CV and cover letter (both maximum 2 pages).

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 disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds to apply.