Director, Spain Programme

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to help tackle climate change by fostering the development of a low-carbon society at the national, European and global level.

 We support over 280 partner organisations to carry out activities that contribute to the public debate on climate action, drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero emissions economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

Position

About the role

ECF has been working and supporting different partners in Spain for a number of years across a range of policy areas: clean energy, transport, coal, just transition, and governance framework.   We now want to step up our engagement by establishing a comprehensive ECF Spanish programme to better coordinate ECF projects and to build on recent promising developments on climate policy in Spain.     

The Spain Programme Director is a new position which will build upon these existing resources, networks and partnerships (NGOs, think tanks, social partners, business groups and others) to develop an ECF strategy for Spain which can bring new impetus to our work and build broad cross-partisan support for climate action across different sectors of society.  

This strategy should support the achievement of Spain’s 2020 and 2030 climate targets and help raise ambition still further, driving a deep and effective transition to a net- zero economy by 2050. The strategy should also build on Spain’s role as a potential major player at EU level as well as Spain’s wider global role, with its Latin American and Mediterranean neighbors, as we prepare for COP 26.

The role of the Spain Programme Director is an exciting opportunity to work with a network of dynamic partners in Spain and beyond and develop creative and innovative strategy and tactics in support of climate ambition.

The ECF is looking for a talented, dynamic, experienced and strategic individual to help deliver climate ambition in Spain, support its role in delivering on the EU Green Deal and playing an active global role. 

Key responsibilities

The Spain Programme Director will be responsible for developing strategy and managing implementation of ECF’s work in Spain and ensuring it is aligned with and supportive of the ECF’s wider programmatic objectives. Responsibilities include:

• Co-ordination and leadership of the Spanish programme, including developing a clear strategy for ECF’s engagement in Spain, aligned with wider ECF objectives;
• Preparation of budget projects, development and implementation of an effective grant-making strategy;
• Recruitment and line management of staff as the programme develops; 
• Working closely with the Executive Director for European Relations and the ECF Country Programmes Team to develop joint approaches on EU climate ambition, including developing joint projects with other Country Directors where appropriate;
• Working closely with the ECF European Policy Team on their in-country projects, providing advice and acting as a contact point when needed;
• Working closely with other ECF programmes to ensure strong alignment of strategies and sharing of best practice and learning;
• Engaging with ECF’s funders (incl. fundraising) and other members of the philanthropic community in Spain and elsewhere;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders and opinion formers in Spain to inform strategy and improve effectiveness;
• Building and maintaining relationships with grantees and other partners in Spain, to support strong collaboration and a creative shared approach to problem-solving;
• Commissioning impactful research and convening stakeholders;
• External representation of ECF in Spain. 

Requirements

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the ECF;
• University degree or equivalent;
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the climate and energy field;  
• A deep understanding of the Spanish political and policy context, particularly as it relates to climate change, industrial and energy issues;
• A good understanding of EU and international politics and dynamics on climate change and energy;
• Excellent strategic thinker, a self-starter, with the ability to follow through with smart and adaptive implementation plans;
• Proven management and leadership skills;
• Strong networking skills that enable effective collaboration with a diverse group of partners, including many working outside Spain in different cultural contexts;
• Excellent written and verbal communications in Spanish and English, with the ability to crystallise complex issues into effective and readable strategy documents. The ability to speak other European languages is welcome.

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;
• A full-time position.

Location

Madrid

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload below: 

1. CV
2. Short cover letter explaining your motivation for the role
3. in English!