EU Director

About the European Climate Foundation (ECF)

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to tackle climate change by fostering the development of a climate neutral, sustainable and socially fair society in Europe. We support a wide range of partners to drive ambitious climate policy, accelerate the transition to a net‑zero economy, and ensure this transition delivers benefits for people and communities across the European Union.

Context and purpose of the role

Decisions taken at European Union level over the coming decade will be decisive for Europe’s ability to meet its 2030 and 2050 climate objectives and to steer a successful socioeconomic transition to a net‑zero economy. The EU Director role represents a step change in ECF’s engagement with the European Union.

Building on ECF’s long‑standing presence and credibility in Brussels, the EU Director will hold a senior, integrative mandate to shape and drive ECF’s overall impact on EU climate, environmental and sustainable development regulation. The role is designed to mobilise internal programmes, external partners, and key state and non‑state actors around shared regulatory outcomes.

Role summary

The EU Director is responsible for integrating and leading all ECF efforts aimed at reducing the European Union’s climate impact and accelerating the socioeconomic transition to a net‑zero economy through EU level regulation and policy.

 The postholder will:

• Set and drive a coherent, EU-wide strategy anchored in regulatory outcomes for 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas emissions reductions;

• Mobilise and coordinate ECF’s internal EU-relevant programmes toward shared strategic objectives;

• Lead engagement with EU institutions and influential stakeholders across Member States;

• Represent ECF externally at senior level; and

• Secure and steward funding for ECF’s EU work.

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership and impact

• Design, implement and continuously adapt a comprehensive EU strategy to advance ambitious, fair and effective climate, environment and sustainable development regulation in line with EU 2030 and 2050 objectives.

• Mobilise key state and non‑state actors — including EU institutions, Member State actors, civil society organisations, business stakeholders and thought leaders — to support high ambition regulatory outcomes.

• Analyse political, institutional and socioeconomic developments at EU and Member State level to inform strategic choices and anticipate risks and opportunities.

• Internal coordination and programme integration

• Mobilise and align the efforts of all relevant ECF programmes to maximise collective impact on EU regulatory processes.

• Ensure strong strategic coherence, information flow and learning across EU‑facing work within ECF.

• Contribute to the development of ECF‑wide strategy from an EU systems perspective.

 Team leadership and management

• Manage and develop a team of internal experts working on EU level engagement.

• Oversee and coordinate work with external partners, consultants and campaign organisations contributing to EU impact.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high‑performance team culture.

 External representation and partnerships

• Represent ECF at senior level in meetings with EU institutions, Member State representatives, partners, funders, media and at high‑profile events.

• Maintain and expand a strong network of experts and influencers in EU affairs, climate policy.

 Fundraising and resource stewardship

• Lead fundraising for ECF’s EU work, in close collaboration with ECF leadership and funders.

• Contribute to budget development and ensure effective and responsible use of resources aligned with strategic priorities.

Experience and competencies

The successful candidate will bring:

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial experience working in or with EU or international institutions.

• A strong track record of leadership and management of small‑to‑mid‑size teams.

• A deep understanding of the EU political, institutional and Member State landscape, particularly as it relates to climate, environment and sustainable development.

• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver complex strategies that mobilise diverse actors toward shared outcomes.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively in both written and spoken English.

• A well‑established professional network in EU affairs and climate‑related policy fields.

• A strong alignment with ECF’s mission and values, including a commitment to a fair and inclusive transition to a net‑zero economy.

What we offer

• A senior role with significant influence over EU level climate outcomes.

• The opportunity to work within a highly dynamic, international and mission‑driven organisation.

• A collaborative and flexible working environment that values strategic thinking, initiative and learning.

Location

Brussels (with flexibility in line with ECF policies).

Start Date

Asap

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is April 7, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to upload their CV and motivation letter as one combined document.