Director, Industry and Innovation

The main objectives of ECF’s Industry and Innovation Initiative are simultaneously to ensure that the decarbonisation trajectory of European resource processing and manufacturing industries (such as cement, steel, chemicals) is consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement and to help significantly accelerate the lab-to-market process in Europe for commercialising clean technologies and solutions in industry as well as in other major-emitting sectors (such as energy and transport). Through this effort, a suite of strategic convening, research and advocacy-related activities on industry and innovation policies in Europe will be carried out to facilitate viable pathways to a carbon neutral economy by 2050 and to ensure that Europe raises climate action and ambition domestically as well as internationally.

Duties and responsibilities

The Director will be responsible for overseeing the Industry and Innovation Programme and ensure it is aligned with and supportive of the ECF’s wider programmatic objectives. He/She will closely interact with Mission Innovation and the Breakthrough Energy Coalition.

Responsibilities include:

• Leadership of the Industry and Innovation programme, including strategy development; alignment with wider ECF objectives; oversight of budget; and development and implementation of effective grant-making strategy, team management and convening of stakeholders;
• Creating and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders and opinion formers across Europe to inform the strategy and improve effectiveness;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with grantees and other strategic partners to develop a strong advocacy strategy in support of the programme’s goals;
• Working with other ECF programmes to ensure strong alignment of strategies and sharing of learning;
• Engaging closely with ECF’s core funders and other members of the philanthropic funding community and raising funds for the programme;
• Creating an inspiring team environment and proactively supporting professional development and growth of team members;
• External representation of ECF in relevant fora where industry and innovation policies are discussed and advanced in Europe and internationally.

She/he will be a member of ECF’s Strategic Council.

Key competencies

We are looking for candidates with at least 12 years or relevant professional experience, including a strong track record and network with industry, NGO or foundations.

Important skills and mind-set include:

• A genuine interest in and commitment to the mission and values of ECF;
• A deep understanding of the European and international political and policy context, particularly as it relates to climate change, energy innovation and industrial policy; as well as a solid understanding of European affairs;
• Several years of experience of managing and/or coordinating diverse teams in an international environment;
• Demonstrated political savvy and ability to develop advocacy strategies to meet specific objectives;
• An enquiring mind, curious of latest thinking and research in areas relevant to the role, and a creative approach to their application to ECF’s strategies;
• Excellent strategic thinker, with the ability to follow through with smart and adaptive implementation plans;
• Strong networking skills that enable effective collaboration with a diverse group of partners, both internally and externally to ECF;
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to crystalise complex issues into effective strategy documents;
• Proven track record of working in an environment that demands professionalism, discretion and confidentiality;
• Enthusiastic personality, with a positive, can-do attitude.

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 full-time position with a 3-year fixed term contract

Location: Brussels or Berlin. The role includes travelling as required.

Start date: As soon as possible

How to apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter in English to the following email address:

Apply-DirectorIndustryInnovation@europeanclimate.org

Please, indicate ´Recruitment – Director – Industry and Innovation´ in the Subject line. Candidates need to be in the possession of a work permit for the work location in case applicable. Telephone calls will not be forwarded to the recruitment team. All applications will be treated confidentially.