Senior Investigations Associate, Accountability Unit (flexible location)

The advertised position is with the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC) – a global network of communications professionals in the field of climate, energy and nature. GSCC is a collaborative project hosted by the ECF.

Through our work, we aim to contribute to a world with a safe and stable climate for current and future generations. We hope to build broad support for just, inclusive, and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

Our philanthropically funded work focuses on media debate and public discourse at the global level and in major economies across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and the Americas. We support a diverse range of partners across sectors and geographies, helping them add their voices, views and insights to the conversation.

About the role

The Senior Investigations Associate sits within the Accountability Unit of ECF. The Accountability Unit is a team of investigative journalists and investigators, analysts and strategists that strive to gather and disseminate original research and intelligence to generate media stories and inform partners seeking to secure a positive global response to the climate challenge. We conduct climate relevant, strategic investigations and share the findings with media, NGOs and others to help shift the debate.

Key responsibilities

The Senior Investigations Associate will work closely with the Investigations Manager, the Accountability Director and the wider Strategic Communications network to:

· Design and manage longer-term investigative projects, including the management of freelance investigative researchers and more junior staff, as directed by, and in collaboration with, the Investigations Manager and the Accountability Director;

· Spot/ identify media and campaigning opportunities and conduct short desk-based investigations to generate climate-relevant news stories and provide intelligence to colleagues and external partners;

· Work with an international network of communications professionals to integrate investigative research as an approach in its work, including advising on opportunities, risks and best practice, and collaborating to identify how investigative work can support network activities;

· Contribute to the development of systems, processes, structures and capacity within and aligned with the ECF that can drive excellence in research and intelligence gathering and lead to news stories that can shift the debate in the climate space;

· Build alliances and relationships with the global community of investigators, researchers, practitioners and journalists who work in this space, working with this community to develop and implement new initiatives;

· Contribute to the development of a broader vision of how investigative research and rich storytelling can support global communications activities on climate, energy and related causes.

Experience and competencies

§ Substantial and demonstrable experience working in the fields of campaigning and/or investigative journalism;

§ A strong network of contacts across the communities of investigative journalism and civil society, with a particular focus on those working on climate change;

§ Experience of leading cross-border investigative projects, whether in a journalistic or campaigning context;

§ Fluent written and spoken English and the ability to produce clear, well-sourced and accurate briefings and summaries, or news articles;

§ Ability to work both in a team and independently;

§ A proven track record of successfully managing small teams of colleagues;

§ Fast-learning self-starter comfortable working in a fast-paced and wide-ranging work environment, across time zones, phone/video conferencing, etc;

§ The disposition to work with colleagues in a high-trust global community of peers with a spirit of generosity and mutual support;

§ A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to facing climate change.

§ Experience of libel law, and legal and security risks associated with investigations and publication;

§ Knowledge of other languages is an advantage;

§ Experience of working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, including vulnerable groups.

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 full-time position with a consultant or employment contract (subject to location) for one year, with a possible renewal after one year

Location

Flexible. We would prefer the successful candidate to operate within a five-hour time zone of the UK, though exceptions could be made for the right candidate. We may be able to offer co-working opportunities.

You must have the right to work for your location.