Senior Associate, International Finance

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 committed to engaging and hiring 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 Role

The International Finance strategy aims at increasing both the quality and quantity of international climate and development finance, to support accelerated transitions and enhanced resilience in developing countries. In doing so, it underpins Europe's role in supporting ambitious global climate action. The strategy has three pillars:

(i) repositioning international finance for development and climate as a strategic investment and an essential element of its international leadership. Both at EU level and in key member states, defending the budgetary means for development and climate finance (incl. through new levies) as well as developing/scaling additional instruments (such as guarantees).

(ii) building coalitions of the willing for the implementation of solidarity levies and ensuring that revenues are used to increase investments into resilience, in particular in the most vulnerable and poorest countries.

(iii) encouraging the scaling of guarantees, especially where most needed to mobilise private finance for climate action in Emerging Markets and Developing economies (EMDEs).

The program runs two secretariats: the secretariat of the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force (GSLTF) and the secretariat of the Green Guarantee Group (GGG). The Senior Associate plays a central role in delivering the organisation's international climate and development finance strategy, with a particular focus on pillar 3 and the Green Guarantee Group (GGG).

The Senior Associate, International Finance, reports to the Program Manager, International Finance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Leadership - Green Guarantee Group (GGG)

• Co-lead the strategic delivery of the Green Guarantee Group (GGG) alongside the Secretariat co-host (GIZ), ensuring effective implementation and measurable impact.
• Support the GGG head of secretariat and Co-Chairs, including preparing briefings, political analysis, and strategic advice for high-level meetings.
• Manage engagement with the German Government and other key stakeholders, ensuring strong relationships and timely coordination.
• Oversee work planning, progress tracking, and delivery of outputs.

2. Communications

• Draft newsletters, social media content, op-eds, and other communication materials for the international finance team and its secretariats (GGG and GSLTF).
• Oversee website and external communications content.

3. Strategy and Policy

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation's international finance strategy.
• Monitor and analyse global policy developments on climate and development finance.

4. Strategic Grant-Making

• Co-design and manage strategic grant programmes with civil society partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse network of grantees and partners.

5. Internal Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure effective coordination of regranting processes and alignment with other programme teams.
• Supervise interns and manage consultants where relevant, ensuring high-quality and timely outputs.
• Support cross-organisational collaboration to advance shared objectives on international finance.

Experiences and Competencies

Essential

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in international development, economics, public policy, political science, climate policy, or a related field.
• At least 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in international climate finance, development finance, philanthropy, or public policy.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Strong understanding of international climate and development finance architecture and political processes.
• Experience in grant-making and working with civil society organisations.
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills, including experience preparing high-level briefings.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience engaging with government actors.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) and either German or French.

Desirable

• Experience working with or engaging the European institutions or governments.
• Experience supporting high-level political processes or international coalitions.
• Additional European languages (particularly German or French).
• Experience managing consultants and supervising junior staff.

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 12-month fixed-term contract.
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself.

Location

The following ECF offices can be considered: Brussels, Paris, London, Berlin.

Start Date

As soon as possible

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is May 15, 2026, by 17:00CEST

Applicants are encouraged to upload their CV and motivation letter as one combined document.

Candidates need to be in possession of a work permit for the work location if applicable.

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 disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds to apply.

If you need any specific accommodation due to disability or any other reason, you can let the recruiter know during your application process.