Program Officer, Diplomacy & Super Pollutants - Sequoia Climate Foundation : Job Details

ABOUT SEQUOIA CLIMATE FOUNDATION

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a climate philanthropy that believes in a world powered by clean energy, where all people are protected by policies that have averted the worst effects of climate change. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large‐scale change.

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Officer works with one or more Sequoia Program Leaders to develop and execute strategies aligned with the organizational mission and vision. This includes compiling the research and evidence necessary to assess potential impact and chances for success, identifying the organizations best positioned to execute them, and actively engaging with grantees to ensure alignment with the mission and robust execution. This Program Officer role will collaborate with Program Leadership on three key global initiatives: advancing diplomatic efforts, addressing super pollutants, and supporting industry work. The Program Officer will work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES

• Support Sequoia's efforts to determine strategic priorities and set operational plans by conducting research and analysis on specific programs and climate sector trends.
• Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities for driving ambitious climate action.
• Engage peer networks, funders, government officials, and other stakeholders to help develop strategies and identify organizations best positioned to execute those strategies.
• Present the global and regional strategic analysis results verbally and in writing through memos, background papers, presentations, graphs, and charts both internally and externally.
• Support all aspects of strategy execution and grantmaking, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, soliciting, developing funding proposals, and preparing grant recommendations.
• Serve as the point of contact for select grantees to learn from and steward the relationship, conduct site visits as needed, and monitor the impact of grants.
• Support the forecasting of grant payments and serve as a compliance checkpoint to ensure grantmaking stays within yearly budgets.
• Maintain grants database, budget spreadsheets, and grant calendars, and coordinate grant processes for the team.
• Assists with program and goals development, tracking, and keeping the leadership team apprised of the most critical internal deadlines and external areas of interest that impact Sequoia's programs.
• Assist team with planning and coordinating meetings, travel, workshops, and convenings; make logistical arrangements as needed; manage consultant contracts.
• Supports the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses.
• Handle simultaneous deadlines and complete assignments.
• Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of three years of professional experience working in the climate or energy sector (public or private), climate change, or a related field.
• Prior experience on at least one of the super pollutants (methane, HFCs, black carbon, tropospheric ozone, nitrous oxide, and other F-gas) or environmental/climate science background is highly preferred. Experience on more than one pollutant preferred.
• Understanding of international climate governance is preferred, this includes but not limited to UNFCCC, Montreal Protocol, United Nations Environment Assembly, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and Arctic Council.
• Developing countries' experience is highly preferred.
• Experience working in an international setting or engaging with diverse cultures is preferred.
• Understanding of the global climate organization ecosystem is preferred.
• Experience working in government, non-profit, advocacy, or for a philanthropic organization is preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong quantitative skills preferred.
• Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation's mission and values.
• Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
• Innovative: Problem-solving aptitude; Actively stays on top of ecosystem innovations and shares such findings with the broader team. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience working collaboratively with a team.
• Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
• Quality/Compliance: Attention to detail and timelines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.