Research Associate, Field Intelligence on Strategic Communications

About the European Climate Foundation

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 500 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.

As towns, cities and countries around the world declare climate emergencies, seas rise, forests burn, glaciers melt, increasing numbers of people take to the streets demanding urgent action and our societies begin to wake up to what the science has been saying for many years, there has never been a more important time to be working on climate change.

About the role

The recently created Field Intelligence on Strategic Communications (FISC) team seeks to provide the funding community with information and recommendations to tailor their strategic communications investments, maximising efficiency and impact. The unit is responsible for analysis of the strategic climate communications space, funder education, stakeholder convention and acting as a resource and hub for funder questions, projects and investment cases. FISC is looking for a Research Associate to play a key role in its intelligence gathering and analysis function, as well as being a proactive team member across FISC’s work portfolio as it establishes itself.

The position will report to the Director of Field Intelligence on Strategic Communications and work closely with the FISC Project Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Research

• Designing short-term and long-term research pieces to support FISC’s objectives.
• Responsible for systematic review of emerging communication trends, opportunities/challenges, approaches and strategies within the climate movement.
• Identifying ways to better support communications efforts successfully, building an inclusive climate movement and engaging audiences in the Global South and communities most impacted by the climate crisis and the transition to a clean energy economy.
• Developing evidence-based prioritisation of these trends to inform funder recommendations.
• Using quantitative and qualitative metrics to support the case for the impact of strategic communications work.

Writing:

• Drafting regular briefings outlining strategic opportunities (including context and supporting evidence).
• Drafting briefings or presentations on emerging trends in strategic communications.
• Analysis and curating of received documents from funders to inform best practice within the funding community.

Relationship Management:

• Working directly with the FISC Director on describing the function to other interested stakeholders and working with these stakeholders to gather intelligence, augment analysis and expand the FISC community.
• Working directly with the FISC Project Manager to ensure that research packages are being produced in line with the unit’s agreed objectives and timelines.
• Helping to build and maintain a strong network of practitioners in the field – through both a strategic (political intelligence) and operational (documentation and best practice) lens.

General:

• Proactive and engaged member of FISC – generating ideas for unit development and functioning.
• Supporting the Director and Project Manager with general meeting scheduling and day-to-day operations of the project as well as stakeholder convention logistics including general coordination, agenda design and event running.

Experience and competencies

• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation.
• Proven experience in successful strategic communications campaigns including any or all of the following:
• Communications Strategy Development
• Media engagement and tracking
• Digital media strategy development, deployment and tracking
• Measurement, evaluation and learning related to strategic communications efforts
• Experience with researching and clearly communicating complex subject matters.
• Relevant deep issue expertise in one or more areas of climate policy, strategic communication, philanthropy, digital marketing.
• An understanding of the wider climate movement, dynamics of communications campaigns and relevant global climate discussions.
• A proven track record of producing impactful, influential research materials that support advocacy or communications work.
• Excellent writing skills in English and the ability to make your case in person or via conference call.
• The disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high trust community of peers.
• The ability to work remotely as part of a team and across phone/video conferencing, timezones, Slack, Zoom, email, etc.

What we offer

• The chance to create impact within the philanthropic and climate communities using thorough evidence-based research to advocate for strategic communications campaigns.
• A flexible work environment where you can challenge and develop yourself.
• 12 month consultant contract (with possibility to renew).
• Contract Fee Range 80-100k USD per annum, dependent on experience and location.

Location

This role is compatible with remote working but will work closely with the FISC director, so the appointee must be available during working hours of the Pacific Timezone.

Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.

Start date

As soon as possible