Senior Associate, Land Use and Food Systems, Brussels, Belgium

## Senior Associate, Land Use and Food Systems, Brussels, Belgium - Organization:European Climate Foundation (ECF) - Office:ECF in Brussels 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 organizations 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. The ECF Land Use and Food Systems Programme works with a wide range of partners in civil society, think tanks, politics, business and academia to support action on Land Use and Food Systems throughout Europe. We work to build political will for more ambition on climate change and other sustainability goals in this sector; and to develop solutions to the policy, social and practical challenges of this transformation. The Senior Associate will be part of the Land Use and Food Systems team responsible for delivering the programme strategy, with a particular focus on the EU policy work. Working closely with colleagues across the programme and wider organisation, the Senior Associate will manage a portfolio of cross-EU partnerships and projects, while contributing to knowledge sharing and cross-country collaboration. The role requires strong subject-matter expertise, including land use, agriculture, food systems, EU policy. It also requires solid research capabilities to effectively commission and support external partners, alongside well-developed strategic thinking, campaigning, and communication skills to design and co-deliver impactful public-facing initiatives. The position also includes representational responsibilities, as well as accountability for project budgets and engagement with funding partners. Key responsibilities of the Senior Associate role include: 1. Project and Portfolio Leadership § Lead or co-lead the strategic delivery of a portfolio of projects aligned with the programme strategy, focused on EU policy areas, by overseeing project planning, implementation, and progress tracking to ensure timely delivery and measurable impact. § Support the development of new grant proposals, including defining objectives, expected outcomes, and key performance indicators (KPIs). § Manage project budgets and contribute to financial planning and reporting processes. 2. Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement § Manage relationships with a portfolio of external partners and grantees, ensuring strong collaboration and effective coordination. § Identify and develop new partnership opportunities aligned with strategic priorities. § Represent the programme in relevant external forums and maintain engagement with key stakeholders, including funders. 3. Strategy, Analysis & Knowledge Development § Contribute to the development and implementation of programme strategy, including preparing research and analysis to inform decision-making. § Monitor relevant policy, economic, and societal trends to support strategic positioning and benchmarking. § Support cross-country exchange, learning, and the dissemination of insights across the organisation. 4. Communications & Public Engagement § Contribute to the design and delivery of public-facing initiatives, including campaigns and communication activities. § Ensure coherence and quality of external communications outputs. Experience and competencies § Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in environment, climate, agronomy, economics, public policy/law or a related field. § At least 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in the land use or food systems space, philanthropy, or public policy. § Experience, knowledge and strong understanding of the EU land use, agriculture and food transition challenges, related policies, architecture and political processes. § Experience working with or engaging the European institutions or governments. § Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and experience engaging with diverse actors. § Excellent analytical and drafting skills, including experience preparing high-level briefings. § Fluency in English (written and spoken). § Experience working with civil society organizations. § Experience supporting high-level political processes or coalitions. § Experience in grant-making § Fluency in other main European languages (written and spoken) § The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, interdisciplinary group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work. § Permanent contract. § A flexible work hybrid environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself. § CV + cover letter combined in one PDF document (in English). § Deadline for applications is the 20thof September. 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.