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7 Jan 2022

Full-Time Program Officer – China and Southeast Asia

Sequoia Climate Fund – Posted by CEA Irvine, California, United States

Sequoia Climate Fund

Job Description

About Us

Sequoia Climate Fund is a new philanthropy that seeks to decarbonize the world economy at a speed and scale equal to the challenge. 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. Our focus areas include power, transportation, buildings, industry, land use, agriculture and forestry, finance, communications, movement building and public engagement. Sequoia Climate Fund is active in major emitting geographies, including China, the United States, India, the European Union, among others. We are dedicated to building the political will and powerful coalitions needed to achieve these bold policy solutions. Our office and staff are based in Irvine, California.

About the Role

China and the Southeast Asia region are undergoing rapid development while decoupling carbon emission with economic growth and are at the frontier of the global challenge of climate change. Sequoia Climate Fund is expanding our capacities to support police makers, scientists, NGOs, and citizens to accelerate the energy transition in this region.

We are actively seeking collaborative, bold, and innovative thinkers that can help us identify and evaluate ambitious climate strategies capable of driving transformative change in the world. The successful candidate will work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field. They will work with one or more Sequoia Program Directors to both develop and execute strategies responsive to those insights, compiling the research and evidence necessary to assess their potential impact and chances for success, and identifying the organizations best positioned to execute them. This is a great opportunity for a passionate individual with strong initiative towards contributing to a net zero carbon future. The role will provide the Program Officer with the opportunity to make a global impact while contributing to adoption of climate mitigation policies in high emitting countries. As Sequoia Climate Fund is a new, growing organization, this is a dynamic and fluid role. Key responsibilities are likely to include, but are not limited to, the following:

Key Responsibilities

Program development, delivery, and performance

  • 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 results of global and regional strategic analysis verbally and in writing, through memos, background papers, presentations, graphs, and charts both internally and externally as required.
  • Support all aspects of strategy execution and grant-making, 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.

Financial stewardship and administrative responsibilities

  • Support the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses.
  • 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.
  • Assist team with planning and coordinating meetings, travel, workshops and convenings; make logistical arrangements as needed; manage consultant contracts.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum five to seven years’ experience working in climate change or a related field, with at least three years of dedicated experience in at least one specific area within climate mitigation.
  • Experience working in China, Korea, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Southeast Asia required.
  • Proficiency in Chinese or one of the languages spoken in the above countries, other than English, highly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and grantees of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Three plus years’ experience in working with quantitative information and data, such as economic, financial and/or climate model and tools.
  • Willingness to learn, take initiative, be resourceful, and flexible.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively.
  • A mentality that no task is too small or big, to get what is needed done.
  • Team-oriented with an ability to work in a cross-cultural team environment.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with complete discretion.
  • Excellent English language writing, synthesizing, editing and proofreading skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Understanding and embodiment of Sequoia Climate Fund values, including humility and teamwork.
  • Willingness to work in our Irvine, CA office.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in a relevant field, or equivalent by experience.
  • Understanding of grantmaking.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically about how to drive ambitious climate action.
  • Thrives in an atmosphere where intellectual debates are encouraged and is passionate about using analytical tools as a decision-making tool to drive strategy.

How to Apply

To Apply:  CEA Recruiting is assisting Sequoia Climate Fund with this search. To be considered for this position, interested candidates should follow this link  to submit the following: (1) resume, (2) cover letter (3) and salary requirements (specifying salary amount or range) through CEA’s job portal. Please direct all applications and inquiries to CEA Recruiting. This position will remain open until filled.

Job Categories: Environment / Climate Change. Job Types: Full-Time.

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