European Climate Foundation is looking for a Program Manager, 2050 Pathways Platform

About the European Climate Foundation

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 brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best innovative solutions to tackle climate change. We are focusing on engaging and hiring great 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 2050 Pathways Platform

Launched at COP22 in November 2016, the 2050 Pathways Platform is a government and multi-stakeholder initiative that was established at the request of countries who wanted a “big tent” approach to long-term low emission development strategies (LT-LEDS). In particular, it encourages countries to develop their LTS (as per Article 4.19 of the Paris Agreement and 1/CMA.3 of the Glasgow Climate Pact).

The Platform now counts 39 country members and works with many more, supporting the development of LT-LEDS, via funding for technical work, stakeholder engagement, and process coordination (see 2050pathways.org for more information). It brings together a network of bilateral and multilateral donors, international and national think tanks, and climate policy experts with an interest in long-term planning in response to the climate challenge.

Position

Context the role

The 2050 Pathways Platform is a leading organization and reference point on the development of ambitious and robust LT-LEDS internationally. This is done through regular engagement with high-level government officials, in-country grant making to support the elaboration of LT-LEDS and by sharing best practices through established partnerships.

The Program Manageris a senior position that ensures the operational effectiveness and strategic implementation of the Platform’s initiatives. This role leads the coordination of country support for LT-LEDS, with afocus on expanding work on LT-LEDS implementation, which can include aspects ofthe interconnection of sectorial and macroeconomic analysis with political economy issues, defining concrete policy and financial aspects for implementation, as well as governance setup and stakeholder engagement for the delivery of LT-LEDS. The Program Manager also support our knowledge work by coordinating a high-quality process to capture and share best practices, trends, and innovations across the Platform's network of countries, partners, and experts.

The Manager will work closely with the Director to define and execute an effective strategy for the program’s priorities and manage several operational processes, particularly strategy formulation and impact reporting. The role includes management responsibilities for the team members.

Key responsibilities

Strategy & Planning:

• Work with the Director and team members to set and deliver the Platform’s strategic priorities, with a focus on advancing LT-LEDS implementation matters

• Develop and execute a coherent grant-making plan in line with the Platform’s strategy on LT-LEDS implementation

• Identify synergies with overarching ECF strategy, in particular within the International Program

• Lead the team organization for special events and international moments (Annual meeting, COPs, SBs, etc), ensuring relevant coordination with ECF, in particular with the International Program

• Build and maintain high-level network of partners, grantees, funders, and other key external stakeholders, leveraging and expanding relationships in line with the Platform’s strategic goals, particularly around work on LT-LEDS implementation

• Engage with internal staff and external partners to track political priorities, policy issues, and innovations on LT-LEDS and incorporate into the Platforms’ strategic plan accordingly

• Support Director as necessary in fundraising activities for the program, including engagement with existing funders and developing new funding proposals

Country grant support and knowledge:

• Manage a portfolio of existing and future grantees who conduct LT-LEDS support activities in countries, expanding an effective portfolio on areas related to LT-LEDS implementation in coordination with the Grant Officer of the Platform and team members.

• Coordinate the Platform’s country activities, supporting team members to effectively work with government officials, in-country technical teams and local partners (such as bilateral and multi-lateral funders); to develop and operationalize LT-LEDS in line with existing best practice.

• Support the team in ensuring a good rapport between government officials, partners, and the Platform and help expand the portfolio to new grantees, partners, and topics.

• Coordinate across the portfolio the pre-grant scoping phase, guide the co-design of proposal documents with the grantees (activities and budget), oversee the Platform’s grant / project management (monitoring and evaluation), ensure high quality review and co-design of deliverables across the team.

• Keeping up to date with different policy and regulatory developments around LT-LEDS (including on the issue of NDC and LT-LEDS alignment, and LT-LEDS implementation) and reflect back as needed into the Platform’s country work design and execution.

• Lead the Platform’s development of knowledge products; including the documentation and dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches within the Platform network, particularly on LT-LEDS implementation matters.

Operational Effectiveness:

• Support the Director in designing, managing and monitoring the Platform’s budget.

• Track and ensure compliance with ECF operational processes within the Platform.

• Effectively track and communicate the goals, achievements, and impact of the Platform, including prepare regular reports on program activities, outcomes, and impact for internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage cross-cutting activities (e.g. 2050 Pathways Platform retreat)

• Line managing 2050 Pathways Platform staff as necessary, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment

• Represent the program as necessary at internal (Strategy retreat, Partners Retreat, etc) & external meetings

Requirements

Experience and competencies

• Genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation, and in supporting the transition of developed and developing country to net-zero greenhouse gas emission economies.

• At least 8+ years of climate-policy or socio-economic policy work experience in either a civil society organisation, philanthropy, government, or an international organisation. Prior experience working on Long-term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) is a plus.

• Previous work experience in a developing country, including with government officials.

• Previous research or knowledge management/generation experience.

• A master’s degree in relevant areas: climate policy, economics, energy, policy science or international relations. General understanding of economic and sectoral analysis (energy, agriculture, fiscal policy, distributed impacts, employment, etc.).

• Excellent project management and administrative skills

• Ability to communicate and connect easily; and to deal with complex, ambiguous, and fast changing situations

• Keen understanding of climate and broader geopolitical landscape, and ability to adapt and translate the program’s strategy accordingly

• Proven ability to bring people at all levels together and get things done regardless of level

• High-level writing & editing skills

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 a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work.

• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself.

Location

Preferred location in Paris, Brussels or London. Berlin is also possible.

(The candidate should have right to work in the selected location).

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload your CV and a short cover letter (in English) below.

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.

Diversity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation.

We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.