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 1,000 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.

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.

We are recruiting for a Senior Researcher - Climate Science and Policy. This role will help design and undertake work in the climate science and policy space that drives forward the global response to climate change. It will work collaboratively in a global network of communications experts and partners, providing insight to support deeper strategic approaches and producing analysis products for audiences of policymakers, investors, advocates, and journalists, amongst others. This position will report to the Research Manager - Strategic Communications.

To succeed in this role, you'll need to be naturally collaborative and great to work with. You'll need to be good at persuading and enthusing colleagues, and will value building strong working relationships. You'll know your stuff on current issues in climate policy and have a strong working knowledge of the latest climate science. You'll be an excellent researcher, a confident communicator, and able to write quickly and accurately for a range of different audiences.

This is a research role embedded in a strategic communications team. You'll be expected to use your expertise to collaboratively plan and deliver high-impact pieces of work, and you will need to be adept at working with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines. You'll have a proven record of taking work from inception to impact. Being able to think strategically about making change and different approaches to achieving it will be a big help.

This role would suit someone with a background as a science or policy expert, a research consultant, or a specialist journalist who has been covering climate science.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Researcher - Climate Science and Policy will be responsible for:

▪ Developing research-led, global, strategic communications initiatives in the climate science and policy space.

▪ Keeping abreast of the latest scientific and policy developments relevant to tackling climate change.

▪ Producing clear and concise briefings on a range of topics across the climate debate, including areas of natural sciences, climate science, climate policy, climate justice, climate solutions, climate litigation, and other areas as relevant.

▪ Providing expert analysis and strategic insight to a network of colleagues, and building relationships with relevant partner organizations.

▪ Supporting the running of a small research team in a production environment, often to ambitious deadlines.

▪ Mentoring junior researchers.

▪ Advanced degree in a relevant field, such as natural sciences, climate sciences, public policy or sustainable development.

▪ Proven experience working with government agencies, scientific institutions or industry stakeholders to inform and advance science policy decisions.

▪ Good instincts about how to create impactful research-led interventions in public policy.

▪ Good working understanding of the latest climate-related science, and key issues in climate policy.

▪ Excellent research, analytical and critical thinking skills.

▪ Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.

▪ Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

▪ A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to tackle climate change.

What we offer

▪ The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, small group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;

▪ The chance to research across a broad range of climate and energy issues, and to create impactful research products used in different countries.

▪ A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;

▪ A full-time position with a consultant or employment contract (subject to location) for 12 months, with a possible renewal after one year.

Location

Remote working with a reliable internet connection. Our team is based in Europe / Africa and Asia / Pacific time zones. We can offer contracts in many countries around the world including most G20 countries. You must have the right to work in your country of residence. We may be able to offer co-working spaces in some locations. The role will involve occasional international travel.

You must have the right to work in your location.

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload below your CV and a short cover letter, both in English, 1-2 pages for each.

Please also include a short (fewer than 200 words) answer to this question: Following the latest IPCC assessments, what opportunities do you see for leveraging scientific findings to advance real and substantive emissions reductions by 2030?

Application Closing Date: 12th April 2023

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.

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