Company Description

About the European Climate Foundation

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative 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 300 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.

Position

Context of the role

In line with the Paris Agreement and the EU net zero 2050 target, ECF supports strategic projects to facilitate a green transition at the EU and Members States level. The ECF has been recently broadening its focus in Italy, working with a wide range of partners in civil society, think thanks, businesses and academia to support positive actions towards climate neutrality. We aim to build political will in Italy for more ambitious action on climate change, as well as develop solutions to the policy and practical challenges to the decarbonisation of the entire economy.

In overcoming the COVID-19 crisis, the European Green Deal offers a strategic opportunity to build the foundations for delivering stronger climate outcomes while creating economic opportunities. Italy has the potential to be a key driver for climate action, especially with the G20 presidency and the upcoming COP26. The next years are critical to build climate leadership in Italy for driving real action through a credible green and resilient recovery and a long-term capacity and champions in the climate challenge.

The Italy Programme manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategic thinking, planning, and grant-making. The Italy Programme Manager will report to the EU Institutional Relations Programme Director, and work closely with the EU institutions team and a communication specialist focused on Italy.

Key responsibilities

This job offers an excellent opportunity to engage with and support the growing ECF work in Italy at an important stage in the development of the climate debate. The post-holder will play a key role in co-developing the granting and fundraising programme, providing strategic advice, dealing with grant management, monitoring and evaluating the progress of different workstreams, and internal coordination. There will be direct engagement with other ECF programmes investing in Italy, partners and funders in designing and aligning strategies. The post-holder will also help to shape the future direction of the ECF work in Italy in response to important developments.

The Programme Manager will be responsible for:

• Build political will in Italy around climate action: Closely follow and analyse policy and political developments at the national level to provide input to deliver strategic solutions and build thought leadership in Italy.
• Strategic grant-making: supporting the set-up of priorities and budgets; co-developing and implementing strategic grant programmes with our network of grantees and partners; developing the scope of work for different ECF projects; soliciting and validating proposals from potential partners; drafting recommendations for the consideration of the ECF board and our donors
• Grant programme management: monitoring and evaluating progress and impact of initiatives and grants; facilitating coordination amongst grantees; identifying areas for improvement; acting as a liaison to report regular progress to donors; managing reporting requirements.
• Research activities & prospecting: supporting the EU Institutions director in scoping the landscape around climate action project opportunities, as well as identifying potential new projects and grantees. Following and analysing important strategic developments, and providing relevant inputs and updates to the team, the wider ECF and partners.
• Internal coordination and communication: liaising with ECF’s sector and country programmes, as well as the organization’s operations and communications teams to ensure proper and timely dissemination of information, and consistency and complementarity of different projects and work streams.
• Networking: contributing to growing the ECF stakeholder network in Italy across the policy-making, civil society, business communities and movements; convening meetings.

Requirements

Experience and competencies

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the ECF;
• 8-10 years of experience in either a public authority, a legal or civil society organization, or a company working in the climate and energy field;
• An in-depth knowledge of Italian policy-making processes; deep understanding of climate change & energy policies as well as the political challenges to making progress with deeper emission reductions;
• Excellent collaboration, diplomacy and influencing skills; ability to facilitate effective alignment and action by a diverse group of colleagues and partners;
• Strong project management skills, including monitoring, evaluation and impact analysis;
• Structured, driven and able to manage many processes simultaneously;
• Strong networking skills that enable effective collaboration with a diverse group of partners;
• Proven track record of working in an environment that demands professionalism, discretion and confidentiality;
• Strategic agile leader, with the ability to operate in a network organization and to follow through on smart and adaptive implementation plans;
• Enthusiastic personality, with a positive, can-do attitude and flexible, learning mindset;
• English and Italian language knowledge essential, both with very strong verbal, written and presentational 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;
• A full-time consultancy contract for an initial period of one year

Location: Italy

Start date: As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload your CV and cover letter, both in English!

All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.

Apply at: https://cezanneondemand.intervieweb.it/europeanclimate/jobs/programme_manager_italy_15147/en/