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 transition to a net-zero emissions society at national, European and global levels. ECF supports a broad network of partner organisations working to advance ambitious climate and energy policies, contribute to public debate on climate action, and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a sustainable economy and society.

About The Role
The ECF Spain Programme aims to advance policies and societal changes that accelerate decarbonisation while strengthening political support for climate action in Spain. The programme works with a diverse ecosystem of civil society organisations, think tanks, researchers, communications practitioners, public institutions, businesses and philanthropic actors. The Spain Programme operates at the intersection of climate policy, politics and society. Our work combines evidence-based policy development, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, coalition-building, public debate and grantmaking to help create the conditions for ambitious and durable climate action. This approach is reflected in the programme's integrated work across policy, economy, politics and society. We are seeking an Associate to support the development and implementation of strategic initiatives across the programme. This is a highly cross-cutting role for someone who is intellectually curious, politically aware and comfortable working across different topics and disciplines. This recruitment is being undertaken as a temporary chain replacement. However, the successful candidate will play a fully integrated role within the programme and will contribute to core strategic priorities with a medium
- to long-term perspective. The successful candidate will contribute to programme development, strategic grantmaking, partner engagement, policy and political analysis, and the design of interventions that strengthen the enabling environment for climate action in Spain. The role reports to the Politics and Citizen Engagement Programme Manager and works closely with colleagues across the Spain Programme and ECF's wider European network.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic implementation
• Support the development and implementation of the Spain Programme's strategies and priorities across policy, politics and society.
• Help identify opportunities, barriers and emerging trends affecting climate action in Spain, and translate these insights into strategic interventions.
• Contribute to the design, monitoring and adaptation of programme workstreams and theories of change. Analysis and strategic intelligence
• Monitor political, policy and societal developments relevant to climate action.
• Conduct analysis of stakeholders, narratives, public debate and policy developments.
• Prepare strategic briefings, recommendations and assessments to support internal decision-making.
• Help identify opportunities for new initiatives, partnerships and interventions. Network development and partnerships
• Build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of actors, including civil society organisations, think tanks, academics, communications organisations, policymakers, business representatives and philanthropic partners.
• Represent the Spain Programme in meetings, workshops and external forums.
• Support the convening of partners and the development of collaborative initiatives. Strategic grantmaking
• Help identify and assess potential partners and funding opportunities.
• Support the design and development of grantmaking strategies and portfolios.
• Review proposals, assess opportunities and risks, and contribute to recommendations for funding decisions.
• Support grant administration and budget follow-up and monitor the progress and strategic contribution of grants and help identify opportunities for learning and adaptation. Cross-programme collaboration
• Work closely with colleagues across ECF programmes and teams to ensure alignment, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• Contribute to connecting sectoral climate work with wider political, societal and economic dynamics.
• Support the integration of policy, political and public engagement perspectives across programme activities. Internal coordination and learning
• Contribute to programme planning, reporting, evaluation and knowledge management.
• Help capture lessons, identify emerging opportunities and improve programme effectiveness.
• Support the development of internal strategic discussions and organisational learning. Experience and competencies
• Demonstrated interest in climate action and the mission of the European Climate Foundation.
• Familiarity with climate and energy issues.
• 2-5 years of relevant professional experience in public policy, advocacy, political analysis, strategic communications, philanthropy, civil society, research, public affairs or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesise complex information into clear strategic insights. Ability to work across disciplines and rapidly become conversant in unfamiliar topics.
• Good understanding of Spanish political, policy and societal dynamics.
• Experience supporting or coordinating projects or workstreams involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work with a moderate degree of autonomy, manage competing priorities and exercise sound judgement in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient command of Spanish and English.
• Desirable
• Experience in think tanks, policy institutes, government or advocacy organisations.
• Experience working with grantmaking, philanthropic organisations or funders.
• Existing networks relevant to climate, policy or public-interest work in Spain.
• Experience designing or implementing strategies to achieve policy, political or social change. What we can offer you
• 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 adaptable work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• A full-time replacement position (contrato de sustitucion under Spanish employment law). This is a chain replacement: a member of the team is temporarily covering the duties of a colleague on leave with a right to return, and this position covers that team member's role. The contract will end when the absent colleague returns, and the team member resumes his original role. As the return date is not fixed in advance, the duration of the contract cannot be guaranteed. Location Madrid, Spain; some travel within Europe will be required We work on a hybrid remote/presential mode with approximately 3 days/week work in our office in the centre of Madrid.

How to apply
The deadline for applications is 18 November 2026 by 17:00CEST. Applicants are encouraged to upload their CV and motivation letter as one combined document. Start date As soon as possible Diversity and inclusion ECF is committed to building diverse and inclusive partnerships and encourages proposals from qualified consultants regardless of background, identity, disability, age, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

📌 Associate, Spain Programme (España)
🏢 European Climate Foundation
📍 España