Executive Director, People & Culture

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 emission society in Europe and around the world. ECF strives for a positive, people‑centred and socially responsible climate transition, working to ensure a healthy, thriving planet for current and future generations. It acts as a field catalyst of organisations and part of a global network of regional and sectoral regranters.

Working with over 700 partners – including youth groups, trade associations and university departments – ECF supports a diverse network to drive urgent and ambitious policy and contribute to the public debate on climate action. With a global team represented across Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe, ECF builds tailored local strategies aligned to help achieve a greener, more peaceful and democratic society.

Following shifts in the EU elections and rising geopolitical tensions, climate policy is under growing pressure. Bold leadership is essential to align climate action with citizens’ economic concerns and to promote innovation, fairness and resilience. As multilateralism comes under strain, Europe must step up. Together with its partners, ECF is ready to act swiftly and strategically.

ECF is seeking a senior People leader with significant Human Resource experience to assume the newly created role of Executive Director, People & Culture (ED, P&C). This critical appointment will ensure that ECF’s people strategy, culture priorities and operating practices enable impact, equity and organisational sustainability. Reporting to the Managing Director and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the ED, P&C will shape and deliver the organisation’s global people strategy. The role provides both strategic and operational leadership across all People domains and will design and implement people practices that reflect ECF’s philanthropic values and support a diverse, inclusive and high‑performing culture across its European offices.

The successful candidates will be a committed senior people leader with experience in a multi‑culture, multi‑currency distributed workforce and a proven track record in organisational development, culture change and inclusive workplaces. They will have a deep knowledge of HR best practice and employment practices in European and UK contexts. Strong alignment with ECF’s mission and values of partnership, inclusion, agency and learning is essential.

Competitive compensation and benefits will be offered

European Climate Foundation (ECF) has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to assist with this appointment. You will be asked to register your details and upload your full CV and Statement of Suitability. All expressions of interest will be acknowledged. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7th April 2026.