About ECF
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 more than 800 partner organizations 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 role
At the European Climate Foundation (ECF), we are seeking a highly skilled and business-oriented Compensation & Benefits Manager to lead and evolve our reward strategy. This role blends deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, enabling mindset. You will play a pivotal role in aligning compensation frameworks with organizational needs while partnering with leadership and HR colleagues across our international structure.
We are looking for someone who is trusted for their technical credibility but valued equally for their collaborative, solution-focused approach. This is a high-impact position for a professional who can think strategically, execute practically, and help the organization move forward.
Key responsibilities
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Based on a first draft model, lead the further design and implementation of a consistent, future-fit job leveling and salary band structure across all ECF locations.
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Drive the review and harmonization of employer pension schemes and long-term benefits.
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Proactively introduce relevant salary-linked benefits for all ECF payroll locations (e.g., bike lease programs).
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Prepare ECF for compliance with the EU Pay Transparency Directive through structural gap analysis and gender pay reviews and resulting corrective actions.
Compensation Operations & Governance
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Following the performance review, coordinate and implement the salary review cycle, from budget setting to execution.
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Ensure continuous alignment with the Budget team, providing oversight and financial validation of pay decisions, payroll anomalies, and structural changes.
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Maintain and govern ECF’s grading and salary band frameworks.
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Document reward processes and ensure audit readiness across multiple jurisdictions.
Strategic Comp & Ben advice
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Act as a trusted advisor to Management, HR Business Partners, Recruiters, Finance, Legal, and employee representatives. Providing input on reward trends, gaps, emerging risks, changes in legislation, etc.
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Flag comp & ben related risks and propose practical, future-proof solutions.
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Support offer design and benchmarking, balancing internal equity and market alignment.
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Lead or co-lead resolution of complex C&B cases and escalation management.
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Contribute Comp & Ben requirements to design & implementation of policies e.g., cross-border working, remote work, and related benefits.
Global Mobility & Employee of Record (EOR) Management
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Manage the relationship with the partner(s) who provide EOR services.
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Oversee reward-related aspects of ECF’s EoR population.
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Ensure compliance and alignment between EoR contracts and internal frameworks.
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Liaise with Finance and Legal for coordinated invoice and governance tracking.
Requirements
Experience and Competencies
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Minimum 8 years of experience in Compensation & Benefits or Total Rewards in an international context (having managed Comp & Ben for at least 4 different European countries).
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Proven track record in designing and managing job architecture, salary structures, and pay equity frameworks.
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Strong knowledge of EU and international tax, social security, and employment regulations.
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Experience working with payroll vendors and Employer of Record providers.
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Strong business acumen with the ability to translate technical requirements into actionable business support.
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Trusted partner with excellent interpersonal and advisory skills.
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Good hands-on knowledge of HRIS tools and of Excel.
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Fluent in English; knowledge of Dutch or French is an asset.
Other information
What we offer
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The opportunity to play a central role in shaping ECF’s reward strategy and influencing key decisions at the intersection of people, finance, and organizational strategy.
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A highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, working closely with senior leadership, HR peers, and external partners across multiple countries.
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A meaningful position within an international and mission-driven organization, contributing to impactful work on climate change through the lens of people strategy.
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Autonomy to lead critical projects in a flexible work environment, with space to develop and challenge yourself.
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Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience and local market benchmarks.
Location
Any ECF location.
Valid working permit is a MUST.
Start date
As soon as possible
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short cover letter, in English, through our official channel.
All applications will be treated confidentially.
