Senior Associate - 2050 Pathways Platform

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 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.

 

About the 2050 Pathways Platform

Beyond its work in Europe, ECF supports a portfolio of international initiatives that extend the Foundation's approach to policy engagement and coalition-building to countries worldwide. The 2050 Pathways Platform is part of this international portfolio, bringing together developed and developing countries alike to design and deliver ambitious long-term climate strategies.

Launched at COP22 in November 2016, the 2050 Pathways Platform is a government and multi-stakeholder initiative that was established at the request of countries who wanted a "big tent" approach to long-term low-emission development strategies (LT-LEDS). In particular, it encourages countries to develop their LTS (as per Article 4.19 of the Paris Agreement and 1/CMA.3 of the Glasgow Climate Pact). 

The Platform now counts 38 country members and works with many more - including countries across Latin America and the Caribbean (e.g. Colombia, Guatemala, Jamaica and Mexico,), Africa (e.g. Botswana, Senegal, South Africa and The Gambia ), and Asia (e.g. Turkiye and Thailand), supporting the development of LT-LEDS, via funding for technical work, stakeholder engagement, and process coordination It brings together a network of bilateral and multilateral donors (MDBs), international and national think tanks, and climate policy experts with an interest in long-term planning in response to the climate challenge.

Context of the role

The 2050 Pathways Platform is a leading organisation and reference point on the development of ambitious, robust, and actionable LT-LEDS internationally. This is done through regular engagement with high-level government officials, in-country grant-making to support the elaboration and operationalisation of LT-LEDS, building local ecosystem capacity and sharing best practices through established partnerships. 

Within the 2050 Pathways Platform team, the Senior Associate will support national governments in the development, operationalisation and/or implementation of their LT-LEDS (including the elaboration and management of a portfolio of grants). The Senior Associate will also maintain relationships with key partners from across the Platform's international ecosystem of work.  

Key responsibilities

The Senior Associate will support the Platform's objectives and the delivery of its strategy with responsibilities including: 

• Support on development of LT-LEDS: In the context of the Platform's country activities, you will work closely with government officials and in-country technical teams to develop LT-LEDS in line with existing best practice. This includes keeping up to date with different policy and regulatory developments around LT-LEDS (ranging across issues such as NDC and LT-LEDS alignment, long-term planning methodologies, consensus-building approaches, resilience & adaptation and capacity building); reporting back to the team and funders on lessons learned and support the development of knowledge products; managing local partners (including grantees, bilateral and multi-lateral funders); and ensuring a good rapport between government officials and the Platform. 
• Risk management & resilience: Support the Platform's efforts to strengthen how countries anticipate and manage the risks posed by climate change and the transition to net-zero to key national economic and social priorities - an area where LT-LEDS practice still has significant gaps. This includes helping to develop new knowledge, tools, and partnerships on climate and transition risk, and identifying opportunities to bring this expertise into the Platform's country support.
• Grant management: manage a portfolio of existing and future grantees who conduct LT-LEDS support activities in countries, in coordination with the Grant Officer of the Platform. This includes pre-grant scoping calls, co-design of proposal documents with the grantees (activities and budget), grant / project management (monitoring and evaluation), review and co-design of deliverables, regular calls with grantees and government officials, scoping of further work, including development of terms of reference. 
• Network engagement: Take part in external engagement and ensure adequate cooperation with Platform partners (funders and implementing agents) in the LT-LEDS domain, including bilateral agencies, MDBs, UN agencies, and others, coordinating inputs through close collaboration with team members. Contribute to the Platform's strategic goal of sharing knowledge, building capacity and expanding best practices by developing and leading work around support planning and delivery of Platform convenings, trainings and other events online and in person.
• Funder Reporting: The senior associate will also be responsible for fulfilling all reporting obligations. The senior associate will coordinate with team members to ensure the 2050 Pathways Platform follows the reporting guidelines.
• Events & Communications: Contribute to planning and delivering Platform webinars, convenings, training sessions, and other strategic events. This includes supporting stakeholder outreach, developing event and communications materials, coordinating with speakers and partners, and assisting with the dissemination of knowledge and communications products that showcase the Platform's work and impact.
• Travel: Occasional international travel may be required to support the Platform's country programmes, partner engagement, and participation in key international climate events and convenings.

Experience and competencies  

• Genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation, and in supporting the transition of developed and developing countries to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient economies. 
• At least 5 years of climate-policy work experience in either a civil society organisation, philanthropy, government, or an international organisation. Prior experience working on Long-term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) is a plus. 
• Previous work experience in a developing country, including with government officials. 
• A master's degree in relevant areas: climate policy, international relations, energy, economics, policy science or engineering. General understanding of economic and sectoral analysis (energy, agriculture). 
• Familiarity with, or strong interest in, climate and transition risk management and resilience (e.g. physical, transition, or economic risks linked to climate change and the shift to net-zero) is a plus, as the Platform looks to expand its work in this area.
• A proactive and entrepreneurial approach to work, characterised by the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, identify opportunities for impact, and drive initiatives forward in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills, combined with a collaborative approach to teamwork, including the ability to work effectively across disciplines, functions, and cultures, and to build trust with both internal colleagues and external partners.
• Ability to comprehend complex policy documents and derive relevant takeaways relevant to LT-LEDS best practice. 
• Highly organised and demonstrated ability in project management. Experience with grant management is a plus.
• Experience in writing reports, briefings, terms of reference, and reporting to funders.
• Excellent command of English (both spoken and written), fluency in either French, German, or Spanish is a plus. 

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 36-month fixed-term contract.

Location  

Strong preference for Paris, Brussels or Berlin. The candidate should have the right to work in the selected location.

Start date

As soon as possible.

How to apply  

The deadline for applications is 14 August 2026 by 17:00CEST

Applicants are encouraged to upload their CV and motivation letter in English as one combined document.

Diversity Statement 

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation.

We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.

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