Program Director, Clean Power

~ Energy Foundation China, established in Beijing in 1999, is a grantmaking charity organization dedicated to China’s sustainable energy development. It is registered under the Ministry of Civil Affairs as Energy Foundation Beijing Representative Office and supervised by the National Development and Reform Commission of China. It is a part of the Energy Foundation, which is based in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. ~

Energy Foundation China (previously known as China Sustainable Energy Program) was initiated with funding from the Packard foundation in 1999 and the Hewlett foundations in 2001. Over the years, our pool of funders has been growing and our cumulative grantmaking in China has reached more than USD200 million.

Our mission is to assist in China's transition to a sustainable energy future by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. We support policy research, standard development, capacity building, and best practices dissemination in the seven sectors of clean power, environmental management, industry, low-carbon development, sustainable cities, transportation, as well as strategic communications.

Energy Foundation China has worked with more than 440 grantees. These grantees are the leading policy research institutes, academies, think tanks, and standardization bodies in China and abroad. The number of projects we have funded has reached 1560.

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Position Overview

The Clean Power Program (CPP) aims to help transform China’s power sector from one that relies primarily on coal to one that consists mainly of non-emitting resources, mostly renewables and end-use efficiency. CPP is a new program that will execute the newly approved Integrated Power Sector Strategy. The new strategy includes six initiatives which cover all power related topics: Power Sector Reform, Coal, Power System Planning and Operations, Renewable Policy, Distributed Energy and Communications.

The Program Director, Clean Power will be responsible for managing the CPP team, managing grants of power related initiatives, supervising renewable related initiatives, and ensuring the coordination of cross-cutting initiatives. 

The position will specifically focus on the implementation and development of the integrated power strategy that puts the Chinese power sector on a clean, low-carbon trajectory. The Program Director will be responsible for engaging various stakeholders in the area and conducting the evaluation and assessment efforts to monitor, report, and institute continuous improvement of projects. Program responsibilities are organized around five pillars: Strategy Cycle, Collaboration, Management, Building Networks, and Fundraising.

The ideal candidate will be forward thinking, innovative, creative and an ambitious professional with a background in the utility or power field, and experience with China government policy. This position is based in the Energy Foundations China office in Beijing and reports to the Vice President, Program.

Responsibilities and Primary Duties

The Program Director, Clean Power will perform the following and other duties as assigned:

Strategy Cycle

• Develop and evolve sector or regional program strategies that are in alignment with China program goals.
• Refine and promote program strategy by drawing on expertise within the organization and the greater network of grantees, funders and advisors.
• Communicate strategy in a compelling way with the intent to engage innovative thinking and attract investment.
• Issue grants to organizations and individuals that support program strategy.
• Seek opportunities to expand knowledge and experience in building domain expertise and identify opportunities to proactively contribute to the field and across programs.

Collaboration

• Advance collaborative program strategies by working closely with the Vice President, Program; contribute to collaborative projects/activities either as leading program team or as the participant team.
• Identify opportunities for cross-sector program collaboration; seek partnerships internally and across the network.
• Share knowledge, and networks with other staff and/or partners to increase support and demonstrate shared purpose.

Management

• Conduct strategic and grant-level evaluations annually.
• Manage program budget in accordance with foundation guidelines and policies; collect and review narrative and finance reports from grantees in a timely manner.
• Conduct effective meetings through planning, facilitating, following through and reporting results. Meetings can include one-on-one meetings to convening multiple stakeholders, board, funders, staff, networks, and grantees.
• Supervise, coach and counsel staff, foster a learning atmosphere and support the professional development of team members.

Building Networks

• Build and maintain domain expertise, ensure proactive knowledge-sharing with the field and across programs.
• Identify opportunities for cross-sector program collaboration; seek partnerships internally and across the network.
• Identify and cultivate new partners in private-owned, state-owned and multinational businesses.
• Maintain relationships with Grantees, policy makers, opinion leaders, funding partners and other experts or leaders in the field.

Fundraising

• Identify funding needs to meet strategic goals.
• Solicit, review and recommend proposals for funding.
• Advise the President or Vice President, Program and others as appropriate of any prospective funders.
• Develop and deliver compelling stories of program progress and ‘wins’ in writing and oral presentations for the government, board and funders, etc., with the intent to engage innovative thinking and attract investment.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Electrical Power System, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Renewable Energy, or other related major; at least 10-15 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Analysis & Judgment – ability to synthesize complex or diverse information, and demonstrate the ability to make timely decisions that exhibit sound and accurate judgment.
• Planning and Organizing – prioritizes work activities, uses time efficiently, develops realistic action plans, resolves conflicting priorities and delivers work on time.
• Communication skills - a local Chinese with excellent English writing and speaking skills. Native English speakers with a certain level of China experience and Chinese language skills will also be considered;
• Presentation skills – conducts effective presentations on complex topics to internal and external stakeholders, speak clearly and persuasively in positive or challenging situations; conducts effective meetings; and writes clear and compelling documents for internal and external consumption.
• Managements skills – delegates effectively, acknowledges staff accomplishments; receptive to ideas from staff, inclusive in planning and process improvements; develops subordinates’ skills for succession planning; provides constructive, ongoing feedback.
• Collaboration – exchanges information and ideas to develop and implement best practices, promotes open participation and communication, adapts to other’s behavior style, and provides opportunities for participation in project teams.

Success Factors and Motivation

• Mission-driven – dedicated to advance the work of The Energy Foundation China for altruistic reasons and the health of the planet; can connect personal values to the mission and purpose of EF, China.
• Ethical and Fair – adheres to Energy Foundation China’s core values and beliefs under all circumstances; has candid discussions devoid of hidden agendas and does not give preferential treatment.
• Integrity – brings a reputation of trustworthiness and honesty, keeps confidences, admits mistakes, and does not misrepresent self for personal gain.

Management Responsibilities

• May supervise Program Officers, Sr. Program Associates or Program Associates.
• Responsible to carry out supervisory duties in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring and training, planning, assigning and directing work, delivering timely and constructive feedback, and addressing complaint/resolving problems.

Compensation and Location

• The Energy Foundation China provides a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary and generous vacation.
• The Energy Foundation China is located in the CITIC building in Beijing and is easily accessible via public transportation. The office environment is a typical office, with moderate noise levels, shared kitchen facilities and a collegial atmosphere.  This position resides in a private office. On occasion, there are activities or events after work hours.To Apply

• CEA Recruiting is assisting Energy Foundation with this search. To be considered for this position, interested candidates must click below to follow the link below to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements through CEA’s job portal.
• Please direct all applications and inquiries to CEA Recruiting.
• This position will remain open until filled.

~ Energy Foundation is an equal opportunity employer ~

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