All Things Urban

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was established in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to foster the development of a low-carbon society and help Europe to play an even stronger international leadership role to mitigate climate change. The foundation works through sectoral, cross-cutting and regional initiatives and collaborates with a wide network of partners to advance progress towards this shared goal.

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), is a global coalition of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and move to a low-carbon, resilient society, based on the following core principles:

• Local Governments are Key Contributors: The Global Covenant works to organize and mobilize cities and local governments to be active contributors to a global climate solution
• City Networks as Critical Partners: Local, regional and global city networks are core partners, serving as the primary support for participating cities or regions
• A Robust Solution Agenda: Focusing on those sectors where cities have the greatest impact, the Global Covenant supports ambitious, locally relevant solutions, captured through strategic action plans that are registered, implemented and monitored and publicly available
• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fostering Local Climate Resilience: The Global Covenant emphasizes the importance of both climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as universal access to clean energy

GCoM’s Invest4Cities platform is working through city network partners and with financial institutions across the globe to mobilize the critical financing and technical assistance cities require to take action. GCoM’s access to finance strategy focuses on (1) helping cities make ambitious commitments supporting national Paris Agreement contributions, (2) accelerating their capacity to develop investor-oriented Climate Action Plans by mobilizing technical assistance, and (3) unlocking large-scale financing instruments to finance the plans. To this end GCoM and the European Commission have launched a suite of partnerships to mobilize technical assistance and direct investment in low carbon urban infrastructure. Key partners include the European Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank Group, R20 Regions of Climate Action and the City Climate Finance Leadership Alliance.

The Head of Climate Finance is responsible for engaging with GCoM’s partner city networks and financial institutions to develop and deliver GCoM’s strategy on climate finance. Specific responsibilities include:

• Oversee all aspects of the Invest4Cities Initiative and deliver key strategic priorities as defined through annual workplan developed through the Finance Technical Working Group
• Guide and facilitate activities of the Finance Technical Working Group – comprised of GCoM partner networks and technical experts
• Develop an annual workplan of strategic priorities to be delivered across partner organizations and with support by the GCoM Secretariat
• Manage engagement with members, advance and track deliverables across multiple deadlines
• Identify, develop and pursue synergies for financial collaborations and expand the portfolio of technical and financial partners
• Co-develop strategic financial solutions to advance the Invest4Cities agenda
• Develop outreach, communications and fundraising strategy for Invest4Cities
• Manage GCoM delivery of the City Climate Finance Gap Fund - a key partnership with the German Government and others. The Gap Fund aims to raise more than EUR 100 million in grants to unlock urban infrastructure project investments worth at least EUR 4 billion. The Gap Fund is expected to be operational during 2020
• Represent GCoM in discussions with potential donors, prospective funders and development committees in support of Invest4Cities priorities
• Build meaningful partnerships between GCoM Invest4Cities and other key initiatives, including the City Climate Finance Leadership Alliance and the Global Adaptation & Resilience Investment Working Group
• Research and analyze relevant best practices and emerging trends and develop advocacy recommendations for engagement in dialogues with stakeholders related to Invest4Cities

• Proven knowledge of climate and sustainable finance, key players, reports, policies and emerging practices
• Demonstrated experience in infrastructure finance, city government, and/or international climate finance. Emerging market experience desirable.
• Experience working with high profile leaders such as public sector/community leaders, foundation executives, corporate leaders and major donors
• Commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, city network members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters
• Relationship builder with strong persuasive power, skilled in diplomacy and confident in initiating outreach
• Strong project management skills and ability to track performance and deliverables
• Results-driven and creative thinker, comfortable in bridging interests and creating synergies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience and expertise in writing research reports and strategy documents and/or technical publications
• Public speaking and public presentation skills
• Mature social intelligence, interpersonal and leadership skills, comfortable in driving complex discussions and building consensus on clear outcomes
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and proactively entrepreneurial

Candidates will be considered for the selection phase based on the following formal requirements to be fulfilled by the deadline for applications:

• Education: Advanced degree in a relevant discipline preferred. University degree or diploma required. International Experience: Experience working in an international environment, particularly working across different cultures, languages and time zones.
• Professional Experience: At least 10 years’ postgraduate professional experience in relevant fields, with at least 5 years on climate finance related activities.
• Languages: A thorough knowledge of English is required and additionally one of the official languages of the European Union is preferred.
• Place of Employment: The place of employment is Brussels (Belgium). Applicants must have the right to work in Brussels (Belgium). Significant travel may be required

Unfortunately, it seems like this job is not available for international candidates. Unless you’re eligible for a work visa otherwise, please double-check with the company.