Senior Associate - Fossil Free Energy

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About ECF

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 1000 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 is brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best innovative solutions to tackle climate change. We are committed to engaging and hiring 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

The Fossil Free Energy portfolio drives ECF's work to accelerate Europe's transition to an efficient, electrified energy system based on renewable electricity. Ensuring that the transition is fair and commands broad public support is a core objective.

The portfolio consists of teams working on the power sector, buildings, fossil gas, energy security and affordability. The teams are responsible for developing and implementing effective strategies; grant-making to partners working at a European level; supporting ECF's country teams in delivering coherent strategies on the energy transition; and engaging with partners, funders, and external stakeholders.

The Fossil Free Energy portfolio acts a centre of expertise on the energy transition, and works closely to identify upcoming opportunities and shape forward-looking strategies together with ECF's other programmes.

The Senior Associate will work across the portfolio, and will report to the Director of the Buildings Programme. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in energy policy; a good understanding of the social and political barriers to the clean energy transition; and a good familiarity with EU policy making processes and Member State dynamics.

  • Workstream anchor responsibilities

Support the development and delivery of the strategy and key workstreams of the ECF's Fossil Free Energy portfolio, with a main emphasis initially on the transition to clean heating in the built environment.

Take the lead on one or more key workstreams under the Fossil Free Energy strategy.

Support the monitoring and evaluation of the workstreams and contribute to reporting and learning ;

Work closely with ECF's EU team to identify priority options for work on EU level policies;

  • Country liaison responsibilities

Support the Fossil Free Energy team's work to engage with ECF's country programmes, to share learnings, best practices and network connections.

Ensure the connection between in-country work and pan-European data, insights and key audiences

Identify opportunities for cross-fertilization across countries

  • Strategic tools, learning & capacity building

Monitor trends and innovation relevant to the energy transition in Europe (economic, social, policy, political) to inform and support strategic thinking and reporting.

Help with convening of partners and networks to align thinking and develop impactful strategies.

Provide training and capacity-building support for internal colleagues and external partners on relevant expertise.

  • Budget, funding & grant-making

Manage cross-country projects under the Fossil Free Energy budget according to scope of work

Support the development of funding proposals

Support reporting to funders in collaboration with relevant colleagues.

Act as a point of contact for funders, partners, and external stakeholders on worsktream-related work;

Experience and Competencies

At least 5 years' experience in climate and energy policy, and how it sits within wider political and policy contexts.

Good understanding of European politics, policymaking processes, and Member State dynamics, with the ability to situate campaigns in wider political and cultural contexts;

Ability to translate complex issues into compelling strategies and narratives and to mainstream those narratives across different programmes and contexts;

Experience building and sustaining networks with civil society, funders, and other relevant stakeholders;

High levels of self-motivation and independence, combined with a collaborative, team-oriented approach;

Proven ability to write clear and compelling documents, and to deliver compelling presentations.

Fluent in written and spoken English;

A genuine interest in the mission and values of the ECF.

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 result-oriented approach to work;

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

A one-year contract.

Location

Preferred location - Brussels

Candidates must be entitled to work in the country they are applying for. Valid working permits.

Occasional international travel will be required for meetings and events.

Start date

Asap

How to apply

Deadline for application is April 12th.

Please combine your motivation letter and CV in English in one document before uploading it.

  • All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.

ECF is committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, regardless of any aspect that makes them unique (including race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, ...).

If you need any specific accommodation due to disability or any other reason, you can let the recruiter know during your application process.