EIT Climate-KIC is looking for a Finance Business Partner

Job Titles: Finance Business Partner
Team: Finance
Contract: Indefinite contract
Level: Intermediate. Please refer to our Capability Framework
Location: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, UK
Start Date: January 2025

Apply by: We're interviewing on a rolling basis until we close the role. We advise you to apply early as we may close the role early if we have a sufficient pool of candidates. 

ABOUT US

At EIT Climate-KIC, we are wholeheartedly committed to building a diverse and representative team and an inclusive workplace that values different life experiences and perspectives, and we encourage personal development, learning and growth.

When recruiting, we look to achieve diversity in the candidate pool. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups and are happy to consider reasonable adjustments that will foster success in potential employees from diverse backgrounds and life situations. And because our team has differing needs and personal circumstances, we offer a high degree of flexibility to accommodate all working patterns. We’re happy to discuss your situation during the interview and see how best we can support you.

Don’t let Imposter Syndrome stop you from applying!

EIT Climate-KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community) is Europe’s foremost climate innovation initiative, entrusted by the European Commission to catalyse transformation through innovation. Headquartered in Amsterdam, with circa 160 people distributed all over the EU, EIT Climate-KIC leads and orchestrates innovation with a community of more than 400. Together we conduct activities in 39 countries. We partner with cities, regions, governments and communities with the highest climate action ambition; providing the framework and expert support to holistically manage the complexity of climate change and deliver accelerated climate action.

EIT Climate-KIC operates as a not-for-profit platform working through public-private partnership, wielding both public and private funding. We consist of 3 Legal entities: a Dutch BV Holding company (for profit) with 14 branches in European jurisdictions, providing grant management, innovation orchestration services, and impact investment advisory owned by a Dutch-based foundation with charity status – Climate-KIC International Foundation. Historically, we have been funded by our founder and core funder, the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT), but we are currently transitioning to a multi-funder model.

ABOUT THE ROLE

EIT-Climate KIC is seeking a Finance Business Partner to support the Resilient & Climate Neutral Regions Cluster (RCNR).

RCNR seeks to bring about systems change where this needed to close the adaptation gap and deliver long-term prosperity in the face of climate change. Its goal is to empower local stakeholders to proactively embrace transformational change towards climate resilience, foster shared learning and encourage partnerships, and develop customized strategies.

Much of this work takes place in the context of the EU’s Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change aiming to have 150 climate resilient regions within Europe by 2030. RCNR is involved in a diverse portfolio of projects related to the Mission Adaptation (Horizon Europe Funding), including Pathways2Resilience, VALORADA, NBRACER and DESIRMED.. In addition RCNR also works with Local Governments which increases coordination among various regions, contributing to a more cohesive and effective response to climate challenges.

This role will work closely with the Cluster to provide financial analysis, insights, and guidance to ensure successful project outcomes. The Finance Business Partner will report directly to the Financial Planning and Analysis Controller and will Business Partner to a Cluster to help drive decision-making and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial analysis and planning - Conduct financial analysis and planning for projects to ensure financial targets are met, and resources are allocated efficiently.

• Budgeting and forecasting - Develop project budgets and forecasts, monitor actuals versus budgets, and provide timely updates to project teams.

• Cash flow forecasting and monitoring

• Managing financial compliance, reporting and other financial communications to project funder

• Facilitate and manage funder audits.

Key Working Relationships

• Finance Team

• Cluster Manager/Director

• Project Teams; specifically the project managers

• Business Desk (Grant Management Support)

• PMO (Project Management Office)

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a desire and ability to partner with colleagues (both finance and non-finance). You already have experience in a finance role and can display a can-do attitude with a practical and creative approach to problem solving. You are analytical, with attention to details and the ability to keep the big picture in mind while focussing on the details and complexities of implementation.

Education/Qualifications

Part qualified Accountant, or an accounting/business degree.

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in an accounting or finance role, preferably within mission-driven organisation and multi-functional team environment.

• Sound knowledge of basic accounting principles is essential.

• Experience/knowledge managing EU/Horizon Grant Funding is desirable

Skills

• Fluent in English, preference for one additional language commonly in use in Europe.

• Strong capabilities with collaborative IT applications (we use Office365 and Microsoft Teams, as well as Miro, Zoom, Mentimeter, etc.).

• Intermediate Excel skills, advanced skills are a plus.

• Strong time management skills essential, with a track record of delivering on objectives according to established timelines.

Qualities, Personal Style, and Approach

• Service-oriented approach

• Proactive

• Optimistic, with a can-do attitude

• Strong team player

• Autonomy

Location

Candidates must have the right to work in the location they’re applying for (I.e. not require visa sponsorship) prior to applying for the position. Ideally, the successful candidate will be based close to one of the EIT Climate KIC offices, but we support fully remote or hybrid forms of working and offer a high degree of flexibility.

To ensure that we can respond to every single applicant, we will close the role once we receive a reasonable pool of candidates to assess.