Network Director, Strategic Communications Europe

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 1.000 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 aim 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.

About the role

GSCC is currently accepting applications for an experienced and highly driven individual to join its leadership team as a Network Director. As a member of the leadership team, this role will work with the other Network Directors to ensure a stable and effective network. The role will also lead the work of the Europe desks. It offers a unique opportunity for an individual with a sincere interest in European politics and strategic climate communications to work with a talented team and play an active role in helping speed up the low carbon transition across Europe and beyond.

The Network Director should be an experienced and highly driven communications strategist in both social and traditional media, as well as a team leader who can oversee country desks in the UK, Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Italy, and the Nordic countries as well as in Belgium, and helping partners across the region interface with an international network of communications experts.

We are looking for someone who has extensive experience of management across different geographies and cultures and a proven ability to build and maintain trust with colleagues. The ideal candidate will be someone with a track record of having developed teams via remote management. The Director will support colleagues to achieve impactful results through developing and implementing creative strategies that shift the political debate and public discourse on energy and climate issues. A considerable amount of work is focused on building alliances and alignment with new and existing partners, so strong diplomatic and negotiation skills are important. Further information will be provided to candidates selected for interviews.

Key responsibilities

• The Network Director will report to the Managing Director, GSCC and will be responsible for:
• Developing effective political and communications strategies both with country teams and across Europe that are aligned with and strengthen broader objectives in the global network
• Being an active member of the leadership team of an international network of communications specialists who work to enhance the wider public debate on climate issues
• Creating an inspiring team environment and proactively supporting professional development and growth of team members
• Building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of partners across Europe, in support of efforts by country desks working at a national level, as well as at the EU level
• Capacity-building on strategic communications planning and delivery for the wider climate community
• Internal and external monitoring and reporting

Experience and competencies

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the network
• 10+ years of professional experience in the fields of strategic communications, political campaigning and/or journalism
• A solid understanding of the political, media and climate landscape across Europe
• Multiple years of experience in managing diverse teams in an international environment
• Outstanding communication and leadership skills
• A solid experience of developing and delivering digital communication strategies
• Far-reaching and active networks relevant to the role across Europe
• Strong diplomatic skills and interpersonal relations, ability to quickly build trust with partners and colleagues
• Gravitas sufficient to work directly with high profile individuals and partners from diverse backgrounds at all levels
• Strong vision and the ability to make sound decisions in highly pressured environments
• Excellent time and priority management, high level of self-motivation, independence and can-do mentality, good team-player with a passion for excellence
• Excellent command of English, plus proven cultural skills in a European context, additional European language skills a benefit.
• The disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high-trust and values based 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, etc.
• A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to climate and energy issues

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, permanent contract (subject to location);
• A competitive remuneration (relevant to location).

Location

• Negotiable within Europe, co-location with colleagues depends on location.
• You must be in possession of the relevant work permit for your work location.

How to apply

Closing date: 29th January 2023

To apply please click ‘apply for job’

Kindly submit an MS Word version of your CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter.

All application documents (cover letter and CV) should be submitted in English.

Should you require access to information in a different format to facilitate your application please contact us via [email protected]

Please name your submitted files with the following reference: GCSS_NDSCE

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