Head of Business Planning
European Climate Foundation · The Hague, Netherlands
You apply on the site where the job is posted. I never handle applications.
About PIE
The Pooled fund on International Energy (PIE) is an international grant making and strategy platform, hosted by ECF (European Climate Foundation) with a mission to drive a just global transition from coal in power and industry toward clean electrification.
We work with charitable foundations and regional climate foundations to support a diverse set of research institutions, think tanks and civil society organisations working with governments, business and other parts of society all over the world. We aim to back local organisations and international partners to overcome the barriers to clean energy and steel.
PIE was formed in 2013 and is hosted at the ECF. PIE is comprised of a small and dedicated international team of exceptional people based around the world. We seek to operate in accordance with a core set of values: Empowering and Caring Team, Bold Action with Urgency, Collaboration for Real World Impact, Resilient Partner with Climate Ecosystem, and Evidence-Based Decision-Making. More information available at: www.pieclimate.org
Context the role
The Head of Business Planning is a chief-of-staff type role that enables PIE leadership bodies (including coordination between CEO, Executive Directors, and Directors) to operate at their highest level of effectiveness.
The role is responsible for strengthening the organisation's internal operating model by ensuring leadership alignment, effective governance, organisation-wide planning and performance management, and coordinated engagement with key strategic networks and partners.
\Working across all functions, this role helps translate organisational priorities into clear goals, KPIs and accountability mechanisms, enabling PIE to execute strategy effectively as it grows in scale and complexity.
This is a highly collaborative "strategic doer" role requiring someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, project management and coordination. The role succeeds through influence rather than authority and serves as a key integrator across leadership, governance and organisational priorities.
Key responsibilities
1. Leadership Effectiveness
- Coordinate Executive Leadership Team (ExecLT) and Leadership Team (LT) meetings, decision-making processes and follow-through, ensuring leadership time is focused on the organisation's highest priorities and key strategic decisions.
- Partner with the ExecLT members to strengthen alignment, accountability and collective leadership effectiveness across the organisation.
- Provide oversight of key decisions, risks and organisational priorities, ensuring timely action and cross-functional coordination.
2. Organisational Planning
- Lead organisation-wide planning and goal-setting processes, ensuring alignment between strategy, annual priorities, team objectives and resources.
- Develop and coordinate organisational KPIs and performance reviews, providing leadership with clear visibility of progress, risks and opportunities.
- Oversee integration of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) into organisational planning, performance management and decision-making processes.
3. Governance Support
- Coordinate the effective operation of the Supervisory Board and relevant committees, including planning, materials, decision tracking and follow-up.
- Ensure effective governance processes, information flows and accountability between management, the Supervisory Board and committee structures.
- Support continuous improvement of governance practices, effectiveness and organisational accountability mechanisms.\
4. Strategic Initiative Execution
- Coordinate high-priority cross-organisational initiatives on behalf of the Executive Director and Executive Leadership Team.
- Act as a hands-on strategic project manager, coordinating work across teams to deliver organisational priorities and resolve implementation challenges.
- Strengthen organisational alignment, reduce silos and improve coordination across functions, priorities and leadership structures.
5. Networks & External Coordination
- Coordinate organisational engagement with ALFIE, peer organisations and strategic networks, ensuring participation aligns with PIE's priorities and objectives.
- Support leadership preparation, coordination and follow-up for key external relationships, meetings and collaborative opportunities.
- Facilitate internal alignment, knowledge-sharing and organisational learning arising from external networks and partnerships.
Experience and competencies
- 8+ years' experience in strategy, operations, governance, organisational effectiveness, project management, Chief of Staff, and/or senior coordination roles.
- Experience supporting senior leadership teams, Boards and/or governance committees.
- Track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and driving organisational priorities to execution.
- Experience in organisational planning, performance management, change management or organisational growth.
- Experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, global and/or matrixed organisations is advantageous.
Skills
- Strong strategic planning, project management and organisational coordination skills.
- Ability to develop and manage organisation-wide goals, KPIs and performance review processes.
- Excellent facilitation, stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including synthesis of complex information for senior audiences. Ability to translate strategy into practical plans, actions and measurable outcomes.
What we offer
- A unique opportunity to shape a high-impact role in a dynamic international team.
- A highly flexible, self-managed approach to day-to-day work
- Contract type: 1-year full-time contract, with the intention of a permanent contract if the first year is successful on both sides.
- The chance to contribute to global climate solutions through strategic philanthropy.
Location
Europe; must be able to work within 2 hours of CET and travel 4-6 times per year, primarily within Europe. Focus countries include the Netherlands, France, and the UK.
Start date
As soon as possible
All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.
How to Apply
The deadline for applications is 28 August 2026 by 11:00CEST
Applicants are encouraged to upload their CV and motivation letter as one combined document.
Diversity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.