Program Officer

ClimateWorks is a new global philanthropic network organized to win the battle against climate change.  Its goal is to ensure that global average temperatures do not increase by more than 2o C - a threshold many scientists describe as a dangerous tipping point. ClimateWorks' method is to work in the top-emitting nations to build low-carbon energy policies and to reduce the rate of deforestation in the world's largest, most threatened tropical forests. You can read more about our approach online.

To carry out its goals, ClimateWorks will develop a network of institutions with two broad archetypes: Regional Climate Foundations and Best Practice Networks. The Regional Foundations will drive campaign-style grant making steeped in the local context and politics, like the existing Energy Foundation and China Sustainable Energy Program, in each of our priority countries/regions - U.S., Europe, China, India, and Latin America.

The Best Practice Networks (BPNs) are to be vehicles for collecting, developing and distributing sector-specific best practice information and assistance to key decision makers globally, with an emphasis on our priority countries/regions. Up to ten BPNs are envisioned in total, including: vehicle and fuel standards; transportation and urban systems; building codes; appliance standards; utility reform; industrial efficiency; and, carbon capture and storage.

Position Overview: 

ClimateWorks seeks two highly skilled and motivated Program Officers in the areas of Energy Efficiency and Transportation to provide institutional development and sector-based strategy support for the ClimateWorks Network. 

The Energy Efficiency Program Officer will focus on design and implementation of building codes, appliance standards and utility reform to incentivize demand-side management.

The Transportation Program Officer will focus on design and implementation of vehicle efficiency standards and low carbon fuel standards, and the design of transportation and urban systems which aid mobility while reducing car use.

These Program Officers will provide support to the ClimateWorks sector-based Best Practice Networks as well as the Program Officers focused on these sectors residing at the ClimateWorks Regional Foundations.  Most immediately, the Program Officers will help build new or expand existing institutions to serve as the Best Practice Networks including the development of strategic plans, operational plans, staff and governance plans and mechanisms which increase the organizations access to and impact in influencing key decision-makers.

Over time, the Program Officers will provide support to the entire network on these topics, helping to develop and refine sector-based strategies and research, convene key decision-makers to increase the understanding of and commitment to implementing energy and transportation policies, and facilitate exchange between internal and external groups to uncover and address new issues within the sectors.

Responsibilities:

More specifically, the Program Officer will:

• Work with external organizations and/or experts to develop or establish institutions to serve as ClimateWorks' Best Practice Networks, including the development of strategic and operational plans, hiring of staff, establishing Boards of Directors, setting up new offices, establishing partnerships with other relevant organizations, and providing outreach to the decision-makers these Networks will be looking to influence;
• Oversee a grant portfolio and budget (approximately $10 million to start) for the Best Practice Networks to accomplish targeted policy goals, as well as providing guidance to and monitoring of the portfolio of grants managed by the Regional Climate Foundations;
• Solicit, review, and recommend strategic plans for funding;
• Write dockets for board consideration;
• Monitor the impact of individual grants;
• Maintain relationships with the ClimateWorks Network, grantees, other funders, and other experts and leaders in the field;
• Initiate strategy calls and meetings as needed;
• Engage directly in the field as needed; and,
• Help prepare compelling proposals and reports for the ClimateWorks Foundation's funding partners and broader stakeholders.

Qualifications:

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:

• A deep commitment to the mission and values of the ClimateWorks Foundation.
• Extensive experience in building new institutions or programs, including the development of strategic and operational plans, hiring staff and developing Boards of Directors, and building organizational partnerships.
• At least 5 - 7 years' experience in the fields of energy or transportation policy, either in policy development or execution.
• Comfort with qualitative and quantitative energy and transportation policy analysis.
• A strong track record of applying sound political and strategic judgment in complex situations.
• Experience in working or living abroad, particularly in developing countries.
• An insightful, independent analytic mind.
• Strong facilitation, convening and negotiation skills.
• Experience negotiating with government officials or business leaders.
• Experience creating collaboration among networks of organizations or companies.
• Proven ability to initiate and manage projects.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to work well in a team; enthusiastic personality; sense of humor.
• Willingness to travel.
• Multilingual preferred.
• Masters or other advanced degree preferred.

Compensation: ClimateWorks Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. 

Expected Start Date: August 2008. 

To Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Melissa B. Clack, Search Coordinator. Please specify your interest in either the Energy Efficiency or Transportation position. Please also let us know where you where you learned of this posting. No phone calls, please.       

ClimateWorks Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.