Program Officer, North American Regional Climate Center

Earthwatch Institute is an international environmental organization that engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Our research program focuses on climate change, the sustainable management of resources, oceans and communities in order to better understand critical environmental issues and inform and influence local agendas.

The HSBC Climate Partnership is an exciting program with HSBC Bank and several international NGOs, furthering our strong experience of partnerships.  This global, 5-year program aims to reduce the impacts of climate change on people and their livelihoods, by promoting action in some of the world's major cities, river basins and ecosystems.

Under a 5 year funded program started in 2007, the Earthwatch Institute has set up regional climate centers (RCCs) in the following countries: UK, USA, Brazil, India and China. These centers provide the base for the research program which engages HSBC employees and communities surrounding the centers in understanding and acting on climate change. In addition, these regional climate centers provide the environment for HSBC staff to develop knowledge and skills to champion change in their work and personal environments.

Position Overview:

To provide support for logistics, learning, field research and administrative aspects of running the North America Regional Climate Center.  Reports to: Field Director, North America Regional Climate Center.

Responsibilities:

Work with Earthwatch field staff, office staff and research partners to:

• Deliver a consistent, high-quality field experience for participants.
• Maintain and adhere to Earthwatch risk management processes and duty of care protocols.
• Manage all logistical planning for the field activities including: use/maintenance/insurance of field center vehicle, organizing use of SERC vehicles, provisioning of food/supplies, coordination of meal schedule, preparing learning resources, preparing team schedule, maintaining safety equipment, and coordinating housing assignments with SERC housing contacts.
• Assist with learning session delivery for participants, helping facilitate their learning experience to enable them to champion change within their work and personal environments.
• Assist research scientists in the field on a regular basis, working and liaising directly with participants to deliver a high quality field research experience.
• Under the guidance of the Field Director, co-ordinate the NARCC stakeholder strategy and the NARCC environmental sustainability plan.
• Provide support to the Field Director and Learning & Communications Manager to ensure effective management of the center reporting and planning deliverables to include: evaluation reporting, communication reporting, program reporting, budget/expense reporting, online updates, new program development, and legacy/growth planning.
• Handle all preparatory Earthwatch paperwork for research teams prior to the arrival of volunteers at the center, liaising with Earthwatch staff from Field Management and Engagement department.
• During field programs, the day to day work timings will vary to include evenings and weekends.
• Overnight the Climate Center when teams are present, sharing responsibility with the Field Director and Learning & Communications Manager.
• Maintain a safe working environment and a culture of safety with participants through risk management best practice.

Qualifications:

• Outgoing, engaging, and positive leader in field environments
• Experience facilitating groups with competence in group management
• A commitment to ‘citizen science' and the ethic of environmental volunteering
• Creative in planning, problem-solving and implementation
• Proven background in facilitation, administration, and logistical planning
• Excellent interpersonal communication & networking skills- verbal and written
• Good financial management skills proven track record working with budgets
• Maintain current certifications for Wilderness First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Compensation:  Competitive benefit package including 20 days of Paid Time Off.

To Apply:  

Please submit cover letter and CV via email, fax or regular mail (to: Earthwatch Institute, PO Box 75, Maynard, MA 01754).  Due to limited time and financial resources we are only able to accept applicants who are already eligible to work in the United States for any employer.  Full-time, grant funded until June 2012.