Strategic Communications Senior Associate on Energy

~ 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 350 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 foundation works through several sectoral, cross-cutting and regional initiatives and collaborates with a wide network of partners to advance progress towards this shared goal. The ECF team is a highly dynamic group of individuals, combining ambition and passion with a rigorous, results-oriented and analytic approach to the work. The ECF’s culture is one of intensity, enthusiasm and mutual support.

Position Overview

As the Strategic Communications Senior Associate on Energy, you will be part of the ECF’s Strategic Communications Team, which is the outreach unit of the Foundation. The team acts as a centre of expertise on climate communications and seeks to help create more political, media and public endorsement for action on climate change at an international, European and sectoral level.

This role will support the ECF program on Energy Systems with the development of strategic communications plans seeking to incentivize a wide range of actors to embark on a transformational shift towards the transition to clean energy and to shape the public debate around new energy sources such as gas and hydrogen.

We are looking for a smart, dynamic and insightful person who can bring together a wide variety of partners around a common strategy aimed to shift the narrative around the future of energy as well as to promote targeted demands relating to complex issues and mechanisms at national and European levels.

You’ll need to be a self-starter, with a proven interest in climate and energy narratives, an excellent understanding of how to place good stories to create political impact and experience in using strategic communications to support advocacy campaigns. You'll be working as part of a fast-paced, European team that operates in multiple media markets and multiple platforms.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Developing European climate communications strategies covering key institutions and sectors, with a view to influence and shift public debates at the EU level and in EU Member States, seeking to influence energy policies and industry transformation from fossil fuels towards renewables, as well as to raise public awareness and demand for coal phase-out and clean energy;
• Collaborating with the ECF’s portfolio of grantees and strategic partners to deliver the materials, stories, voices and messaging to support this strategy;
• Tracking political, public and media debates around energy investments and policies, and spotting opportunities to influence and shift these debates;
• Developing and implementing communications campaigns and activities that advance narratives and promote climate action, targeting key audiences to influence the political and policy agenda;
• Accompanying the work of the ECF’s Energy program and initiatives to ensure a communications perspective is injected across all stages of strategic decision-making;
• Engaging with country teams to involve them in landing the clean energy debate at the national level;
• Working with a wide spectrum of internal and external partners to turn strategy into workable campaigns and develop effective communications plans around report releases and political moments;
• Developing and maintaining a diverse network of partners and contacts across sectors (academia, corporate, non-profit, politics, including spokespeople);
• Developing structures and approaches that can react quickly to emerging opportunities and changes in the external context;
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key correspondents and editors in mainstream and specialist media for pro-active promotion of stories, outreach on emerging issues and reactive media management;
• Making full use of new and innovative methods of digital communications work to disseminate messages and raise awareness of ECF-supported initiatives and outputs; and
• Working hand-in-hand with an international network of communications experts who seek to advance the momentum of the low carbon transition.

Requirements

Experience & Competencies

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organization;
• At least 8 years’ experience in public relations, journalism or a related field, with proven track record of successful media relations and digital communications;
• Knowledge of the energy sector and energy policies;
• A strong understanding of the processes and dynamics of EU policymaking;
• Detailed understanding of the media landscape and values, and experience of strategic story placement, messaging, etc.
• Strong experience of development and deployment of major communications initiatives;
• Far-reaching and active networks (media in European markets; energy/ finance/climate community);
• 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; and
• A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to facing climate change.

Other Information

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; and
• A full-time position with a permanent employment contract.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to upload (in English) your CV and a Cover letter.
• 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.
• Start date: As soon as possible.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.