Senior Associate, Poland
Staff position Full-time hours
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.
Poland’s country strategy aims to support the country’s transition towards a climate-neutral economy by 2050, in alignment with the broader EU framework. The focus is on positioning climate action as a key enabler of long-term economic growth, competitiveness, national security, and improved quality of life.
The Polish Programme Senior Associate will be part of an interdisciplinary team responsible for delivering the country strategy, with a particular focus on economic, energy, and EU policy areas.
Working closely with colleagues across the Polish programme and wider organisation, the Senior Associate will manage a portfolio of country-led partnerships and projects, while contributing to knowledge sharing and cross-country collaboration.
The role requires strong subject-matter expertise, including energy sector, economic analysis, EU policy framework and 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 country strategy, focused on economy, energy transition, and 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.
Essential
§ Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, public policy/law, energy and climate policy or a related field.
§ At least 5–7 years of relevant professional experience in energy and climate space, economics, philanthropy, or public policy.
§ Experience, knowledge and strong understanding of the Polish energy sector and energy transition challenges.
§ Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and experience engaging with diverse actors.
§ Strong understanding of economy, EU climate policies, architecture and political processes.
§ Excellent analytical and drafting skills, including experience preparing high-level briefings.
§ Fluency in English (written and spoken).
Desirable
§ Experience working with or engaging the European institutions or governments.
§ Experience working with civil society organisations.
§ Experience supporting high-level political processes or coalitions.
§ Good understanding of the budlings, heating and industry sector and the challenges associated with their transformation and decarbonisation.
§ Experience in grant-making
§ Fluency in Polish (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.
§ A 12-month fixed-term contract.
§ A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself.
Warsaw
Candidates must have the pre-existing right to live and work in the relevant country.
As soon as possible
Please send your CV and a cover letter combined in a pdf document, both in English, to the hiring team.
Deadline to apply is the 30th of August.
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.
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