Job Description

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 and implementation of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large‐scale change.

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Officer will work with Sequoia’s Program Director for India to support the development and execution of strategies aligned with the organizational mission and vision. This includes compiling the research and evidence necessary to assess their potential impact and chances for success, supporting the identification of the organizations best positioned to execute them, and actively engaging with grantees to ensure alignment with the mission and robust execution. The Program Officer will partner with the Program Director and Program Managers for India on key initiatives to advance impact. The Program Officer will support the Program Director and Program Managers as they engage 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 the India Program Director and team towards determining strategic priorities and setting 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 the team as they 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 screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, soliciting and, supporting the development of funding proposals, and preparing grant recommendations.
• Serve as the point of contact for select grantees to learn from and steward the relationship 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 five years of professional experience working in the climate or energy sector (public or private), climate change, or a related field.
• Experience working in India or South Asia.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and one additional language that is spoken in India, preferably Hindi.
• Experience managing Google Sheets and Excel worksheets for budgets, project timelines, etc.
• Understanding of the global climate organization ecosystem is preferred.
• Strong quantitative skills preferred.
• Experience with energy transition and super pollutants is preferred.
• Experience working in government, non-profit, advocacy, or for a philanthropic organization is preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience building and working collaboratively with and across a team.
• Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Innovative: Problem-solving aptitude; Actively stays on top of industry innovations and shares such findings with the broader team. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
• Resilience: Ability to maintain confidence and composure in the face of adversity.
• Quality: Attention to detail and timelines in a fast-paced environment with the ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Systems savvy: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and virtual meeting software, with the ability to learn new or updated software.

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 travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs