E3G is looking for an experienced practitioner to shape the European approach to climate diplomacy, resilience and climate security in the context of COP26 and a shift to Green Deal Diplomacy. The role will ideally be Brussel-based but alternative European locations could be considered for candidates open to regular Brussels travel.
Context and role
- E3G is a leading European think tank working globally to deliver climate safety for 10 billion people. E3G was ranked the 5th most influential environmental think tank by the University of Pennsylvania’s Global Go To Think Tank Index in 2018.
- Statements by the incoming European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have underlined climate as a clear domestic and foreign policy priority, as well as a central vision for delivering a more assertive, sustainable and secure Europe in the world. However, the EU faces significant challenges in implementing and building upon this goal.
- COP26 in November 2020 is a key test for European international cooperation on climate – particularly on issues of adaptation and resilience which risk taking a back seat. The global context is challenging.
- Beyond COP26, Europe intends to develop new approaches to Green Deal Diplomacy and what this means for European Diplomacy around Climate Security, Resilience and bilateral engagement, including with partner countries in Africa, least developed countries and small island states.
- The EU has identified climate change as a threat to peace and stability in its neighbourhood and has made climate security a pillar of its foreign policy. European member states (including Germany, Sweden. the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Poland) are increasingly engaging on Climate Security at the international level. At the same time an intra-European Climate Security conversation is on the horizon.
- Climate risk is also an increasingly important aspect of Europe’s financial policy. Appropriate policy responses to climate risk are under active discussion by European financial regulators and supervisory agencies, and by the European Central Bank. Europe has a leading role in global coalitions on climate finance and is setting new financial norms.
- E3G's work on European climate diplomacy, risk and security is expanding rapidly. We are looking to recruit an experienced practitioner to lead on shaping and delivering EU-level coordination and advocacy from Brussels in collaboration with colleagues in London, Berlin and Washington, DC.
Key responsibilities
- The candidate’s focus will be undertaking analysis, developing practical policy and institutional proposals, understanding the politics of change, building coalitions and leading interventions around climate diplomacy, resilience and climate security..
- This will include:
- Developing political strategy
- Producing high-quality analysis and communication materials, on political and policy issues.
- Advocacy towards and coalition-building with EU governments, EU institutions and governmental and non-governmental international stakeholders to accelerate action. This will include building stakeholder networks and supporting NGOs, businesses, cities and investor groups to engage with and input into various policy and political processes.
- Developing successful projects and supporting their delivery through the full project cycle, from fundraising to execution.
- Playing an active role in developing the E3G Climate Diplomacy, Risk and Security Programme, and the Brussels office. Notably through intelligence gathering, network building and insights on EU politics beyond the candidate’s core focus.
- Working with the broader Climate Diplomacy, COP26 and Finance teams to deliver successful outcomes on resilience and climate security in 2020 and beyond.
Profile & requirements
- You have demonstrable influencing skills and strong strategic and political understanding. You prioritise achieving outcomes over running activities. You are able to operate confidently at high and "expert" level, in an international context and influencing senior decision-makers from government, business, finance and civil society.
- You have very strong written communication skills, impeccable English and the ability to adapt your style (written and verbal) to any audience. You are able to operate confidently at a high and "expert" level, in the worlds of government, business, the media and civil society.
- An experienced professional with at least 5 years’ experience working on foreign policy or development/structural economic change you have developed a strong sense of geopolitics and risks. A decent understanding of EU politics and strong personal networks at European level would be an advantage, as would experience working in or with EU institutions.
- You are used to operating internationally, with a high degree of cultural sensitivity. You have the skills and resilience required to work internationally across multiple offices and time zones. A good working knowledge of at least one European Union language besides English would be an advantage
- You demonstrate a high level of initiative. You are positive, organised, and stress-resilient. You can adapt to uncertainty and deliver high-quality work on time. You prioritise achieving outcomes over running activities.
- You have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (required) and post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (desirable).
A competitive remuneration package will be offered based on qualifications and experience. This position is programmed for a year with the aim of extending beyond pending fundraising. The candidate would start as soon as possible.
Application information
Please email your application in English to brussels@e3g.org. Please write ‘Senior Policy Advisor 2019' as well as your name and surname in the subject line.
Please include:
- A CV of maximum two pages;
- A cover letter of no more than one page outlining your motivation for the position and when you would be able to start;
- A writing sample (up to four pages), preferably on a topic linked to climate risk and resilience, European diplomacy, or Climate Security.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 23rd February 2019 at midnight CET.
Interviews will be organised in February. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret that we will only be able to respond to candidates who are shortlisted for an interview.
this job offer is not open for applications
