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 700+ partner organisations 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.
Context of the role
The Senior Legal and Compliance Officer ensures legal, regulatory and ethical integrity across ECF’s operations, platforms, and grant-making. This is a strategic and hands-on role requiring cross-functional collaboration with Finance, Grant Management, Programs, Strategic Partnerships, Risk and Communications teams. You will serve as a key legal advisor and compliance lead, contributing to due diligence, risk management, contract management & governance, regulatory filings and policy development at the organisational level.
Key responsibilities
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Funders Due Diligence & Grantee Compliance
- Conduct legal and compliance due diligence on new and existing funders. Prepare, draft and present due diligence reports to the Funding Acceptance Committee.
- Support the legal review of grantees for compliance with charitable and regulatory obligations.
- Manage screening tools for due diligence and compliance automation.
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Legal Compliance and Regulatory Filings
- Lead and coordinate legal compliance processes and requirements, in relation to Dutch ANBI status (tax-exempt status as a public benefit organization), and U.S. 501(c)(3) equivalency and public charity standards.
- Oversee the annual filings and compliance processes, including preparing, updating and submitting the required legal and organisational documentation.
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Contract Management, Review and Negotiation
- Act as the primary legal point of contact for the review and negotiation of funding agreements, consultancy contracts, grant agreements and third-party engagements, contract amendments, addenda, NDAs and contract terminations.
- Support broader contract lifecycle management, including recordkeeping and database oversight.
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Conflict of Interest & Ethics
- Serve as a core member of the Conflict-of-Interest Committee (COI), review COI disclosures and advise on mitigation strategies.
- Act as an ethics contact point, support internal and external compliance inquiries and sensitive investigations.
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Policy Development and Documentation
- Draft, maintain and update internal policies, templates, and legal guidance materials related to compliance and governance. Where needed lead policy updates and necessary staff training.
- Promote awareness and adherence to updated policies across teams.
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Risk Management Support
- Work closely with the Risk Management team on legal risk monitoring and contribute to internal control design.
- Monitor and interpret regulations, national security laws and political risk as they impact philanthropic activity.
Requirements
- Provide timely, practical, and solution-oriented legal advice to colleagues across the organisation.
- Lead or coordinate cross-functional compliance, governance, and risk-related projects.
- Actively contribute to a culture of ethical integrity and regulatory accountability.
- Holds a university degree in law, or an equivalent professional qualification.
- 3-5 years of professional experience in relevant fields of law (e.g., contract law, non-profit law, EU law; as this is an operational ‘back office function’ please note that experience in climate laws is less relevant for this role).
- True problem solver and an analytical mind.
- Organised and a keen eye for detail.
- Strong networking skills that enable effective collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Fluent in English.
- A genuine interest in the mission and values of the ECF.
What we offer
- A unique opportunity to shape a high-impact role in a dynamic, international team.
- A flexible, mission-driven work environment.
- The chance to contribute to global climate solutions through strategic philanthropy.
Location
Any of the ECF locations
Start date
As soon as possible
Application instructions
All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.
Diversity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.
To apply, please use the application form on the ECF website: https://cezanneondemand.intervieweb.it/europeanclimate/jobs/senior-legal-and-compliance-officer-56113/en/
